Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

I love this recipe.  There is no cinnamon, just nutmeg, which I prefer in this cookie.  This recipe makes 18 large cookies, and is taken from Cook's Illustrated "The New Best Recipe".  Do not overtake this cookie.  The edges should be browned, but the rest of the cookie should be very light in color. I also do not rotate my cookie sheets. 

1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 1/2 cups raisins (optional)

1. Adjust the oven racks to the lowland middle positions and heat the oven to 350F.  Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or spray them with nonstick cooking spray.

2.  Whisk the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt together in a medium bowl.

3.  Either by hand or with an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy.  Add the sugars; beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes.  Beat in the eggs, one at a time.

4.  Stir the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture with a wooden spoon or large rubber spatula. Stir in the oats and raisins (if using).

5.  Working with a generous 2 tablespoons of dough each time, roll the dough into 2-inch balls.  Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.

6.  Bake until the cookie edges turn golden brown, 22 to 25 minutes, rotating the baking sheets front to back and top to bottom halfway through the baking time. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes.  Transfer the cookies with a wide metal spatula to a wire rack.  Let cool at least 30 minutes.