Recipe for Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

My dad came to visit us for the weekend. It was a quick trip, but we had a great time. We went to the farmer's market at Pioneer Park, did a lot of yard work-my dad was a huge help, and then he treated us to a nice dinner at Cafe Molise. We also went to my sister's and hung out with my niece and nephew. They get cuter by the minute.

My dad loves raisins. He can't go a day without them. I wanted to make him a special treat, so I baked a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies.

These cookies won't win an award for "most attractive" or "best presentation," but they are down right delicious. The cookies are soft and chewy with a nice cinnamon spice background. The plump raisins added sweetness to these wholesome cookies. My dad loved them, I am glad I added in extra raisins. They turned out great!

Penny Pinching Pantry Raid Update

I think I may of cheated this weekend, but not on purpose. My dad LOVES spoiling his girls. While he was here he bought us groceries and took us out to dinner. I promise I didn't ask him to and this isn't unusual. My dad enjoys spoiling us while he is in town.

So I don't really know how to count my food budget total. I still have only spent $8.28 of our own money, but we do have a fridge that is full of fresh produce and we enjoyed a nice Italian meal out. Again, I promise I didn't beg my dad to buy our groceries, that is just something he does. He is the best. So if anyone wants to kick me out of the challenge let me know:)

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

(Printable Recipe)

1/2 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup light brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

Pinch of ground cloves

Freshly grated nutmeg-just a bit

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats

3/4-1 cup of raisins

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a small bowl add the raisins and cover with water. Let them sit for five minutes. This will help plump them up.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth and creamy. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter/sugar mixture. Blend until combined. Stir in the oats and raisins.

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. You can bake them right away, but I prefer to chill the dough. I think it helps them bake up and not be so flat.

When you are ready to bake, spoon about a tablespoon of dough into a round ball, leaving space between each cookie. They will spread a little. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes. Take them out when they are golden at the edges but still a little under baked in the middle. Let them sit on the hot baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to cooling rack.