Creating Grandma’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies is straightforward when you follow these steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cream together until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Add Oats and Raisins: Fold in the rolled oats and raisins. If you’re using nuts, fold those in as well.
7. Scoop Dough: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.
8. Bake: Place the sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool on Baking Sheets: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

These simple steps will lead you to delicious, homemade cookies that celebrate time-honored traditions.