The Bird Man Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup organic dark Raisins
  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup organic softened butter
  • 1-1/2 cups organic sugar
  • 2 Extra Large Eggs (farm fresh if possible)
  • 1 teaspoon organic Vanilla Extract
  • 2-1/2 cups organic All Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon organic ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon organic ground Cloves (fresh ground is always better if possible!!)
  • 3/4 teaspoon organic Nutmeg (always buy the whole nuts and shave when needed)
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup chopped organic Walnuts

Before I get into the details let me say that using organic ingredients truly makes a huge difference in the taste and texture of these cookies. Oatmeal cookies are my favorite and I can honestly say these cookies are the best I have ever had.  Don't skip a step or use something else in substitution for an ingredient. Also using fresh grated Nutmeg is a must!

Simmer raisins in 1 cup of water over medium heat until raisins are plump.  Drain the raisins and reserve the liquid for later use.  Add enough water to the reserved liquid to measure 1/2 cup.
 
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
 
Using an electric mixer mix the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla for 3 minutes on high.  You can't over beat this mixture, but you CAN under beat it so make sure you beat it for about 3 minutes.  Stir in the reserve liquid until blended.  I normally add the liquid and beat for 30 seconds on medium speed.
 
Blend in remaining ingredients making sure all the nuts and raisins get separated and coated with the dough mixture.
 
Drop by rounded teaspoons onto a baking sheet spacing them about two inches apart.  Bake 8 minutes until light brown. 
 
Enjoy!  I love taking a plate of warm cookies out on the deck with a cup of cappuccino to sit and listen to the birds.  We have about eighteen feeders, a couple of birdbaths, and a fountain so the bird activity is incredible.  We see many spicies of birds here in Colorado and we always enjoy watching them all.  To plan, design, and install your perfect birding area please Contact The Bird Man.