Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Today’s baking project was oatmeal raisin cookies. I use a recipe which I pulled from a package of Quaker Oats about 20 years ago, and modified a bit (added cinnamon, reduced the salt, etc.). This is a favorite of my oldest son, as well as of many of our friends (especially males, who seem to really like this kind of cookie). These cookies are especially delicious, just out of the oven!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

¾ cup butter, softened
1 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
½ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
¼ cup water
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp. cinnamon
¼ tsp. salt
½ tsp. baking soda
3 cups oatmeal (quick or old fashioned)
¾ cup raisins

Cream together the butter and sugars. Add egg, water and vanilla, and blend together until creamy. Add the flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda and oatmeal and stir well. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets. (I make "dough balls" up ahead of time and put them in the freezer. Not only is this a time-saver to have a last-minute snack/dessert ready to bake, it also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin when baking.) Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly golden around edges.

Happy baking!
~Becky