Boiled-Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

This is one of my husband's favorite treats his mom would make when he was a kid. He made them once before and then again this weekend. So here's the recipe, photo and my notes/thoughts!
~~~~
2 cups Sugar
4 cups rolled oats
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
4 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups shortening
1 1/2 cups raisins
2 3/4 cup flour

Preheat oven to 350*.
Boil raisins in 2 cups water with 1 tsp soda for five minutes. Drain raisin water into a 2 cup measuring cup (add, if necessary enough water to make 1 cup liquid). Pour raisin water into a small pan and add shortening to it so it becomes all liquid. Remove from heat and pour into mixing bowl. Allow it to cool to a warm state and add sugar, oats, flour, spices and salt. Beat eggs and add them, and raisins. Mix well.
Drop large teaspoonfull on greased cookie sheet.
Bake 15 mins or until browned.

~~~~~
I have no idea why some ended up all flat and spread out and other stayed snug and in a ball...they were put on the pan exactly the same!
I must add that we ran out of raisins after about 1 cup worth so he topped it off with craisins. He also put in 1/2 a cup or so of chocolate chips this time, which were a really nice touch.
They are sooo good warm, straight out of the oven!! The ones we put in the cookie jar stayed super soft, moist and crumble very easily. I like them firmer so I'm leaving the rest on the counter.