Old-Fashioned Farmhouse Oatmeal Cookies

1. 1

   Position a rack in the middle of oven; preheat to 350u00b0.

2. 2

   Grease several large baking sheets or coat with nonstick spray.

3. 3

   In a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring, until completely melted and runny; remove from heat.

4. 4

   Thoroughly stir the oats and 1 tablespoon water into the butter.

5. 5

   Let stand for 5 minutes so the oats can hydrate.

6. 6

   Vigorously stir in the sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly incorporated.

7. 7

   Vigorously stir in the egg and raisins, then the flour until very well blended.

8. 8

   If the dough is very soft, stir in 1-2 tablespoons more flour.

9. 9

   If it is still soft, let stand to firm up for 5 minutes.

10. 10

    In a large bowl, vigorously stir the brown sugar into the butter until well blended, mashing out any sugar

11. 11

    Using a 1 1/2-inch spring-loaded scoop or heaping measuring tablespoon, form the dough into uniform mounds, spacing about 2 1/2 inches apart on the baking sheets.

12. 12

    Using your fingertips, pat down the mounds just slightly.

13. 13

    Bake one sheet at a time for 7-10 minutes or until the cookies are barely firm in the center tops , tinged with brown, and slightly darker at the edges.

14. 14

    Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks; let stand until the cookies firm up for 3 minutes.

15. 15

    Using a wide spatula, transfer the cookies to the wire racks; let cool completely.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.