Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Cake Mix)

justcallmetoni's Note:

I am occasionally called on mass produce cookies for events and need recipes which deliver homemade results with ease. A handy supply of cake mixes allow me to do just that. This particular recipe combines some elements of my favorite scratch recipes starting with a yellow cake mix. The cookies are slightly crispy on the outside and tender and chewy in the center.

• Total Time: 24 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 14 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 60

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 (18 1/2 ounce) box yellow cake mix
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts (measure after chopping)
• 2 1/4 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/4 cups raisins

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Cream together the butter, shortening, egg, brown sugar and vanilla.
3. Add in the cake mix, cinnamon and walnuts until well mixed. Combine in the oatmeal and water. Depending on your mixer you may need to do this by hand.
4. Stir in the raisins. The amount of raisins is really a matter of personal taste. If you like raisins, start with 1 cup and decide if you want more. If you love raisins, start with the full amount and add and up to an additional 1/2 cup.
5. Place level tablespoons of dough on to a cookie sheet 1 1/2 inches apart. Flatten tops a bit as the cookies retain their shape. That is they do not melt down as some cookies do.
6. Bake at for 14 minutes, cookies should be lighted browned at the edges and and pale on top. If you like a crisper cookie, add 2 minutes to the baking time.
7. Note: Baking times are for the stated size which yield a nice two-bite sized cookie great for events. If you are making larger cookies, please adjust your baking time accordingly.

Reviews

[HokiesMom]

Toni - these are fabulous little cookies. I used my KA mixer to mix the batter and did not have one little problem. They are so tasty with the cinnamon and oatmeal. The only slight changes I made was to use applesauce in place of the shortening as I don't use shortening as a personal preference and I used dried cranberries in place of the raisins. These are perfect cookies and they are sitting in my freezer waiting for Christmas Day to be served (and also so I don't eat them all before the family arrives LOL). So glad I tagged you in Potluck Tag. :)

[LilPinkieJ]

These cookies are pretty good. My 11yo DS and I made them this morning. They came together quickly and easily. I found it easier to use my hands to mix the dough at the end than a spatula. I also added a little nutmeg and ground cloves to give them a bit of a spice cake flavor. My biggest issue with them was the cooking times. I put them in for 14 mins and they were still nearly raw, so I gave them another 4 minutes. They were still quite underdone, even thinking ahead that they will still cook a bit afterwards. So, the next batch I upped the temp to 350°F and cooked them for a total of 15 minutes. I needed to leave them on the sheet for a very long time after. Hours later, they are cooled and I like them much better now. The oatmeal is a light delicate taste, not heavy at all. I didn't use nuts b/c the DH won't eat them if I did. I definitely would make them again, but I would make the adjustments to the cooking temps and times. Made and Reviewed for Photo Tag Oct 08. Thanks :)