Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

There's nothing better than home made cookies, served warm right out of the oven. I don't know of anyone who doesn't absolutely LOVE them. I always like to time them so that I'm walking out the door minutes after I take them out of the oven, and then I cover them with a clean dish towel to keep them warm. When I arrive at a party with a tray of cookies, everyone always says "OH! they're still warm!!!". How divine is that? Sometimes I'll even whip up a batch and bring them to the Ritz if some of my friends are opening a show. It's just my way of saying "Have a great show! And just maybe it helps to calm some opening night jitters. Isn't it amazing how something as simple as a warm cookie can have such an effect?
Quick true story....a few years ago, when I was selling my condo, I always made sure I had some cookies baking whenever a potential buyer came over for a walk through. As soon as they'd walk in, they'd smell the cookies baking and feel right at home. Clever, huh? And guess what, it worked liked a charm! My condo sold in just over 2 weeks! So keep that in mind the next time you go to sell a house!
This was the recipe I used. It's definitely my go-to recipe for oatmeal cookies. I've tried several other recipes, and this one wins.
You just can't beat 'em!


1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
1 cup raisins

Heat oven to 350°F.
In large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add oats and raisins; mix well.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.

Tip:
Even though the recipe only calls for a cup of raisins and a teaspoon of cinnamon, I always add more. Remember what my Mom always used to say: "Do you like a lot? add a lot!"