Versatile Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

So I got a little caught up in the kitchen today, and forgot I had yet to post this recipe. Bah! Sorry. Anyways, I call this Versatile because it doesn't have to be raisin there are so many possibilities!

Versatile Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

½ cup  butter

½ cup  brown sugar, packed

¼ cup  sugar

1 tsp    vanilla

1          egg

1 cup   all purpose flour

½ tsp   baking powder

½ tsp   salt

1 cup   quick cooking oats

1 cup   raisins

Measure the butter into the mixing bowl and let sit to soften. (alternatively you can let the entire butter sit out of the fridge for a while, or use the microwave, just be careful you don't want liquid butter). While you're waiting for butter to soften, it's a good time to get all ingredients, tools and preheat the oven to 350˚F.

Mix the sugar and butter until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl combine flour, baking power, salt and oats. Mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until combined.

I usually soak the raisins a little so they don't burn in the oven. Measure the raisins and then put them in a larger bowl, pour boiling water over them and let sit for about 5 minutes. Drain off the water and add the raisins to the cookie dough, and combine.

Spoon one inch balls into a greased cookie sheet. I just got a new tool for this (which I will share soon), and I love it! Bake for 10-12 minutes depending on how crispy you like them. But a little note of caution, when deciding to put them back in the oven to brown just a little more, don't forget them or they will turn out like this:

Good thing that because of the oatmeal, and thickness of the cookie they are still edible! But as far as Christmas cookies are concerned these are a little too done, and I'll likely make another batch at some point.

And as far as the versatility is concerned, if you're not big on raisins try adding one of these combinations:
- chocolate chips
- chocolate chips & walnuts (or pecans)
- dried cranberries
- or nothing, they make a great oatmeal cookie too!

And there you have it, day #1 in the Christmas Cookie Countdown is complete. And along with a recipe a day I will be sharing a few holiday baking tips, some simple wrapping ideas and other holiday fun! It's going to be a busy month, and guess what? Only 23 more days until Christmas! I can hardly wait :)
xox

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