Needham Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/2 cups raisins

Special equipment needed:
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Stir in the oats and raisins.
8. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
9. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
12. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-15 minutes per batch
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
- Makes about 3 dozen cookies

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 160 per cookie
- Total fat: 7g
- Saturated fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total carbohydrates: 23g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the raisins with other dried fruits such as cranberries or chopped apricots.
- If you don't have old-fashioned oats, you can use quick oats instead.

Variations:
- Add 1 cup of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the dough.
- Substitute half of the raisins with chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy to ensure a tender cookie.
- Don't overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients to prevent tough cookies.
- For even-sized cookies, use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to portion the dough.

Storage instructions:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the cookies, place them in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warm.

Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the cookies on a platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Serve the cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle the cookies with chopped nuts or shredded coconut before baking.

Pairings:
- Serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the cookies with a fruit salad or a cheese plate for a balanced snack.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- If the cookies are too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk to the dough.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the dough.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent contamination.

Food history:
- Needham is a town in Massachusetts known for its delicious oatmeal raisin cookies.

Flavor profiles:
- These cookies are sweet, chewy, and slightly spiced with cinnamon.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cookies as a snack or dessert.

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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Oaty, Raisin, Cinnamon, Raisin-Y, Cinnamon-Y