There’s something truly special about the humble Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe—it transforms a handful of straightforward ingredients into comforting, chewy cookies with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Each bite is studded with plump raisins and hearty oats, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and browned butter. Whether you’re serving these as an after-school snack, a potluck treat, or simply nibbling on one with your afternoon coffee, these cookies have a timeless charm that welcomes everyone to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity, yet don’t overlook how each ingredient plays a starring role in flavor and texture! Every item on this list works together, from binding the dough to creating that perfect chewy bite you crave in a classic cookie.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Ensures a soft, rich base and lets you control the saltiness of the dough.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds deep caramel notes and moisture for a chewier texture.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the molasses flavor of brown sugar and helps create a tender crumb.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding structure and a little lift.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the aromatic warmth and rounds out the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure so your cookies hold their shape.
- Baking soda: Gives a slight lift, resulting in cookies that are tender but not cakey.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses every bite with cozy spice—you’ll really smell it as they bake!
- Salt: Just a touch brings out all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The key to hearty texture and that iconic chewy bite.
- Raisins: Provide sweet, juicy bursts that keep every cookie interesting.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Making sure your oven is truly at the right temperature helps every batch bake up just right, with golden edges and soft centers.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. This process should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed, until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Creaming is the secret to tender cookies, so don’t rush this part!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures a smooth, even dough. Next, pour in the vanilla extract and give it a good stir—this little addition is what gives homemade cookies that amazing bakery aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Adding these ingredients separately makes sure the baking soda and salt are evenly dispersed, so you won’t get any salty or bitter bites.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mix, beating on low speed or folding by hand just until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies soft and thick rather than tough.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Raisins
Now, switch to a spatula or wooden spoon and gently fold in the rolled oats and raisins. If you like, this is where you could add a handful of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for a fun twist! For extra-plump raisins, try soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes, then draining before adding to the dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Shape
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounds of dough about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with your palm or the back of a spoon—this helps them bake evenly and develop that signature craggy surface.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are turning golden and the centers look set but not dry. Remember, the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake if you want them chewy!
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This lets them set up so they won’t fall apart when you pick them up—plus, the aroma at this stage is absolute heaven. Enjoy warm, or let them cool completely for a great lunchbox treat!
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple but effective way to dress up your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or even a sprinkle of flaked sea salt on top while they’re still warm. These little touches can transform an everyday treat into something extra special.
Side Dishes
While these cookies shine on their own, they’re fantastic with a tall glass of cold milk (classic!) or a steamy mug of chai. If you’re serving them for dessert, pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for utter bliss, or at brunch with fresh fruit and your favorite coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe high on a vintage cake stand for an old-fashioned bakery feel, or stack them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for adorable gifts. For parties, try making mini versions and sandwiching a bit of cream cheese frosting or softened ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate homemade treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Slip a slice of bread in the container if you want to keep them soft and moist—the cookies will absorb just enough moisture from the bread to stay chewy without getting soggy.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Simply cool completely, then layer between parchment paper in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Stash them in the freezer for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer—just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
For the fresh-baked experience any time, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until just warm. If you’re reheating a whole tray, a few minutes in a 300°F oven will do the trick. Warm cookies plus melty raisins… pure happiness!
FAQs
How do I make my Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe extra chewy?
The secret to a chewier cookie is to use plenty of brown sugar, avoid over-baking, and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Soaking your raisins before adding them to the dough can also give extra bursts of moisture in every bite.
Can I substitute different dried fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! While classic raisins are a favorite, you can swap in dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chopped dried apricots for a fun variation. Just use the same amount as called for in the original recipe.
Why should I use old-fashioned oats instead of instant oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the perfect hearty, chewy texture for the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe. Instant or quick oats tend to break down more during baking and can make the cookies dense rather than chewy and distinct.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough isn’t required for this recipe, but if you want even thicker cookies or are baking on a particularly warm day, popping the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading.
What’s the best way to prevent cookies from sticking?
Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on your cookie sheet is the biggest secret—these liners ensure easy release every time and make cleanup much quicker, too!
Final Thoughts
Honestly, there’s so much to love about this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe—it’s easy, reliably delicious, and fills your home with the warm scents of cinnamon and brown sugar. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than you expect. Here’s to many happy, chewy cookie moments ahead!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with wholesome oats and sweet raisins. A classic cookie recipe that is perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Add oats and raisins: Fold in oats and raisins until combined.
- Bake: Scoop dough onto baking sheet, slightly flatten, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Soak raisins for extra plumpness before baking.
- Add walnuts or chocolate chips for variation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
