Monday, May 22, 2017

The Best Oatmeal Cookies

 I've been down in the dumps for awhile and I decided to have a feeling blue pity party for myself and bake my very favorite cookies in the whole wide world.  I'd ask you to stay and share a cookie with me, but I'm so sorry, I ate BOTH of them. Oh yes, I did!

 Maybe in  Just a Matter of Thyme my pity party will end, the blues will go away, and all will be well with my soul.


 I do remind myself that I have FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE, which my son, Mike, stenciled for me onto these rocks.  I love the way a beam of sunlight is shining on the LOVE!


My sweet sis sent me this pretty teacup from Grace's teaware awhile back, and I thought it was fitting for my feeling kinda blue tea. 

In order to keep my mind busy, and besides making these favorite oatmeal raisin cookies, I also made another favorite, which are found here.  After that, I decided that I needed a project and I defrosted my upright freezer that is in my garage.  My late Beloved would be horrified to see all the ice that had built up in it.  He always took on that task, and I had avoided defrosting it way beyond when it should've been done. It took me hours to defrost, and I took out enough icebergs to my garden that could've sunk the Titanic!   Did baking and taking on this icy project help?  It kept my mind and body busy, but all I can do is pray and trust God.

Thank you for coming to my feeling blue, pity party tea.  Hopefully next time, I won't eat all the cookies! 


yield: 30 large cookiesprint recipe

Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Ever

I am not a shopper at Neiman-Marcus, but I love their food! Years ago my daughter won a $1,000.00 shopping spree there and she spent some of it at Horchow Finale and took me to Neiman-Marcus to eat quite a bit. Oh, how we loved their lunch menu, but they also have a cafe, where you can go up and order a quick lunch. It was there that I discovered the best oatmeal raisin cookie that I had ever tasted. I must confess unashamedly that am a connoisseur of oatmeal raisin cookies, because I try them whenever I have a chance. I have made America's Test Kitchen's recipe and loved that, but I have never tried another recipe since eating this one! I asked them for the recipe and they gave it to me, only in a huge amount, which I had to cut down to a manageable size.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 sticks butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 cups oatmeal (I use Old Fashioned)
  • 3 cups raisins (can be a combo of dark and golden)

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Place the butter and sugars in the bowl of an electric mixer, with the paddle attachment. Beat at medium speed for about 30 seconds, until fluffy.
  2. Turn down the mixer to low speed and add the eggs and vanilla and almond extracts. Beat for about 30 seconds longer, until well combined.
  3. In an another bowl, sift together the flour, salt and baking soda. Add to the mixer, while beating on low speed for about 15 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides of the mixer with a spatula.
  4. Add the oatmeal and raisins and mix for about 15 seconds.
  5. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Using an ice cream scoop, drop the cookie dough onto the parchment paper about 3" apart. Gently press down the cookies to spread. At this point, refrigerate the dough, or I like to freeze the balls of cookie dough and then transfer them to food safe storage bags.
  6. When ready to bake, bake the cookies in a preheated 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes. Frozen cookies may take a little longer.
  7. Enjoy these wonderful, comforting cookies!!
Created using The Recipes Generator



This sweet granddaughter, Avery, turned 10 this past week, and I was able to take her out for dinner to celebrate her!  She loves desserts and she ordered the chocolate molten cake.  She also got the scoop of ice cream for free and we added that on top of the cake, too.

Thank you for your visit!  xo

I am sharing this with these lovely parties:

40 comments:

  1. Kitty, I'm sorry to hear you've been feeling blue. One would never know by your tea party and your oatmeal raisin cookies that it was an actual pity party. I love your pretty garden rocks that your handy and talented son Mike stenciled for you...I have a couple of painting projects to go but I might have to try that around my Potting Shed. Sweet Avery looks like she's ready to dig into her birthday dessert! Hope you're feeling better soon. ♥

    ReplyDelete
  2. We tea lovers say that tea can fix everything. But, to be more accurate, I think God shows up when he is needed and I hope today is a better day for you. Thank you for the recipe. It looks like a keeper. Deb

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh Kitty, I do hope your tea party helped you cheer up, in my experience cookies make everything better! Plus oatmeal is healthy right?? The rocks are so sweet as is your little baker protegé. Sending you much love and well wishes!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Awe, that little grandgirl Avery is beautiful. Kitty, my prayers are with you dear friend. My heart is with you too. The cookies look delicious and I am pinning these. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" Isaiah 41:10
    Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm sorry that you're feeling blue, Kitty. This too shall pass.

    I did enjoy your puny post. Your defrosting story reminded me that the small bar fridge at work is long overdue for a defrosting (the tiny freezer component has completely iced up!).

    Happy Belated to Avery! The chocolate molten cake is the perfect way to celebrate a double-digit birthday.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh Kitty, I just wish I could give you a hug right now. I do hope that you will feel better soon. Thanks so much for sharing this cookie recipe with us at C&C with J&J. I think oatmeal cookies are my favorite. Pinning. Happy birthday to Avery.
    Take care.
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  7. I wish I could reach out and hug you...but you will just have to considered yourself HUGGED! These times come to...pass...but sometimes not fast enough! Oatmeal cookies are an all time fav of ours too. So glad you have such a loving family, and jobs to do help. Sending love your way...and a Cuppa! Thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea
    Ruth

    ReplyDelete
  8. É interessante como determinadas expressões tenham sentido diferente de acordo com o país:aqui no Brasil quando dizemos que está tudo azul quer dizer que tudo está ótimo!Eu espero que tudo melhore e que você fique bem,mas achei o seu post em azul um dos mais belos que já vi no seu blog!Thanks for sharing.Sincerely,Maristella.

    ReplyDelete
  9. We all understand the pity party...I even have a label that is 'pitiful pearl' for some of my posts. I know those cookies were good and I bet you are proud of yourself for tackling the freezer project! I'm sending you some extra hugs too and hope that helps! HUGS, HUGS, Diane

    ReplyDelete
  10. Kitty, sending you warm hugs and loving thoughts. I can't really know what your difficulties feel like, but I can be sensitive to what you feel and acknowledge it is real. I hope that allowing yourself to feel the blues will soon help you emerge stronger and happier. XO Rita

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PS Today (May 22) is the feast of St. Rita, my namesake. She is the patron saint of widows, loneliness, bodily ills and the sick, to name just a few.

      Delete
  11. Oh, I don't like it when a friend is feeling down and I'm glad your favourite cookies and a cup of tea made you feel better.
    Glenn likes oatmeal chocolate chip cookies but I haven't made them for a long time, suppose I should get motivated from your post.
    Hugs my dear friend.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oatmeal raisin cookies are my favorite! I'm not a big chocolate lover (gasp!), but I can scarf down a DOZEN oatmeal raisin cookies in nothing flat!!! Add some English walnuts, and I'm going on for gulping down TWO dozen in one sitting!!!!!!! 🍪 🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪 I will be making these soon while the weather is still cool here!

    I hope you feel better soon. Pity party on, Garth!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh sweet friend - I'm so glad you thought of having a pity party...and allowing us to join you! Sending big warm hugs to your sweet neck. I so agree that these times do pass...but sometimes just not soon enough. =( Life is hard, but God is good, and He is with you every step of the way. Love your lovely rocks, your yummy cookies (I must try soon!), and your darling Avery. I love you Dearie...do hope it helps to acknowledge your struggles and allow us, who care much about you, to help divide your sorrows. Keep looking up and remember Psalm 46:1 - GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE. Love you sweet dear. XO

    ReplyDelete
  14. Sweet Kitty, Sending love your way to chase away those blues.
    Trust in the Lord, Cast your burdens on him and He will strengthen you. Sending prayers your way.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I will have to try this recipe. My Hubby loves oatmeal cookies. They are his favorite. I hope you are feeling a little better.Your little grand daughter is so cute. I hope she enjoyed her birthday celebration.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Dear Kitty, I am so sorry to hear my dear friend is feeling blue. Your faith will see you through, never doubt. I'm sure the cookies were delicious and I will make these for Jim, he's a Cooke monster! Keeping you in thoughts and prayers Kitty. Blessings and hugs...........

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh, sweet friend, I am SO sorry you are feeling blue...I surely understand and trust Jesus to answer every prayer and set everything right in your world. Trials are SO hard. Some have the illusion that Christians should just be on cloud nine all the time, and that is just not Biblical. Jesus understands, as He surely walked this path before us, and He is a constant Friend. I am so thankful for the precious Comforter Who will never leave us, even though, at times, we can surely feel so forsaken. I am praying for you and so thankful for you, your honesty and encouragement. The cookies look amazing! I don't blame you for eating them all. :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sending comforting {{{HUGS}}} your way, Kitty & some belated "Happy Birthday" wishes for Avery, too. She is such a sweetie!
    I'm proud of you for tackling that task in the garage. I was outside yesterday, cleaning in mine, too. It is therapeutic & both of us were missing our guys, who would have been helping us. *sigh*
    I hold you close in prayer.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Dearest Kitty, I'm so sorry you've been blue!! I pray better brighter days are with you soon. We all come to these moments from time to time and tackling that big job in the garage sure was a distraction for you. Maybe the ice buildup was for a good reason and in just this time. God has all things covered.
    Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe. These cookies are one of our favorites too.
    Happy Birthday to beautiful Avery!! She has a gorgeous smile!
    Sending friendship hugs, prayers and lots of love your way. xo

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am sorry to hear you're a bit down in the dumps. We've never met but I will keep you in my prayers (I'm a fellow buckeye - just attended the graduation of my youngest on May 7) You seem like a very special person, and I look forward to your posts. You have brightened my world with your blog. What a beautiful family you have!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I wish I could pull up a chair and join you for tea at your pretty (blue) setting and enjoy those cookies. I would eat more than two though! Praying your blues fly away and you find comfort and joy in the Lord and those lovely grandchildren. I always feel like I get some of my best work done (those yucky jobs!) when I'm down -- seems like that theory has proven true!

    ReplyDelete
  22. These sound delicious! YUM!

    I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/

    Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Kitty, great recipe. I am always looking for a great cookie recipe. my Mom made some oatmeal cookies the other day and my dad said they were awful....LOL Love the pretty teacup. Thanks Kitty for sharing your lovely post at DI&DI.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so sorry you are feeling the blues. I know we all experience them sometimes. Find some comfort in the things you enjoy and treasure those beautiful memories. You should be feeling happy and refreshed soon. xo

      Delete
  24. Well thank you for baking cookies and serving this lovely tea when you are in a bit of a blue mood. I have been feeling pretty blue myself, but I must say that Avery's smile made me grin. She may be the remedy. 😏

    ReplyDelete
  25. Awe, Kitty, I'm soooo sorry that you are feeling blue but I imagine everyone of us have been right there at some time or another. I pray "joy will come in the morning" very soon. Hugs to you!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Kitty, I'm sorry you are feeling blue. I know you miss your sweet husband every waking moment. Glad you have your sweet grands near so you can spend time with them. Avery's dessert looks delicious as do those cookies. Love the tea cup. Hugs to you, dear friend.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I remember reading this statement some years ago, have no idea where, and it has stuck with me ever since. Someone who was a widow was talking about her situation, and her social life. She said "I have friends and family to do things with, but I have no one to do nothing with". And I think that probably sums up what you must feel. I know you have precious family and friends who you can do many things with, but still, missing that someone to just do nothing with. I'm praying for you dear friend. Those oatmeal cookies look so good, and it has been awhile since I've made my oatmeal cookie recipe. I will save yours, and give it a try. I am praying for you today that Jesus will bring comfort to your soul in a special way :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Dearest Kitty~
    I felt as though God wanted me to stop by for a visit and I'm so happy that I did so I could send you some love and hugs. I'm sorry to hear that you were having a blue day. I will be praying for you, sweet friend.
    Oatmeal cookies are one of my favorites and I'm always open to trying new recipes, I will certainly make a b at home of yours.
    Happy Birthday to your precious grandaughter.
    God bless you ♡

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oh my! I will certainly make a "batch" of yours. :)
    That was a mess of spell check. Ha!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh, it's been so long {too long} since I have made oatmeal cookies. I now have a craving for them thanks to your post {{smiles}} Thank you for another delicious recipe.

    Love and hugs to you!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Well those do look like the most delicious oatmeal cookies in the whole wide world, Kitty...but I'm sorry you're feeling down. I would love to join you at your feeling blue pity party and cheer you up. I have no doubt that we would be laughing our heads off in just minutes! Thank you for sharing this great recipe! Happy Birthday to adorable Avery too! By the way, I sure hope those cookie helped shoo the blues away...HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Dear Kitty:
    I am challenged by your oatmeal cookies as I do love those so - with a big glass of milk! Your Granddaughter sure is a sweet gal and so fun to do things with! I hope the rest of your week brings joy and sunshine. Thank you for sharing and linking!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Kitty, it has been a rough week for me too. My heart has been burdened with the tragedy in the world. I am glad that you are feeling better. I didn't bake cookies but I think it would have helped. Time in the woods in prayer calmed my spirit. Sending love your way. xx

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm so glad I had a few minutes to read blogs this morning. I was just thinking of you last evening, and what is interesting is that I felt like calling you to see how you are doing. God must have been whispering that to me knowing a friend could use some cheer. Love you dear friend, and I know this will pass. xx

    ReplyDelete
  35. Kitty, your classic oatmeal cookies (with raisins) are a favorite of mine. I know they, and a nice cup of tea, would cheer me up immensely. So sorry you've been down in the dumps, and I hope you'll feel better soon. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Kitty, I'm so sorry that you have been feelin blue! We all need to have a pity party every now and then. We just do!! Hope you are feeling better. Oatmeal raisin cookie are one of favorites as well. I've got to make them this weekend. YUM! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Kitty! Hope you are feeling lifted! I think you're doing well only eating 2 cookies... I might have ate the whole batch! :) Thanks for sharing at Dishing It & Digging It!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday! Hope you are having a great week and come back to see us real soon.
    Miz Helen

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...