If the phrase “freshly baked” makes your heart skip a beat, you’re in for a treat with these Raisin Walnut Oatmeal Cookies. Each bite delivers the perfect trifecta: the soft, chewy texture of old-fashioned oats, the natural sweetness of plump raisins, and just enough crunch from toasted walnuts. This recipe is a tribute to classic comfort, simple yet loaded with flavor, and, best of all, they’re ready in under half an hour. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just craving something sweet, these cookies are about to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Raisin Walnut Oatmeal Cookies plays an important role, from building the soft, tender crumb to ensuring each bite bursts with just the right blend of flavors. Simple, pantry-friendly, and full of soul—here’s what you’ll need.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Brings richness and moisture to the cookies, creating the perfect chewy texture.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds a caramel-like depth and contributes to chewiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides structure and sweetness to balance everything out.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Offers that irresistible, warm bakery aroma and flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives structure without making the cookies too dense.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies spread just the right amount and turn out soft.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds cozy, earthy spice, bringing the oats, raisins, and nuts together beautifully.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and boosts every flavor.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): The heart of the cookie—provides that signature chew and hearty finish.
- Raisins (1 cup): Sweet, juicy pops in every bite. For extra plumpness, try soaking them first.
- Chopped walnuts (1 cup): Add crunch and a subtle nutty richness to contrast the soft cookie.
How to Make Raisin Walnut Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) for that even, golden brown bake we’re after. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes clean-up a snap.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy. This step creates the base for the cookies’ tender texture and ensures even sweetness throughout.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and continue beating until just combined. This not only adds flavor but also helps emulsify the dough for a smooth, even crumb in every Raisin Walnut Oatmeal Cookie.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first prevents clumps and ensures the baking soda and spices get evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine and Build the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter mixture, beating just until the flour disappears. Next, gently stir in the rolled oats, raisins, and walnuts. After this, your dough will be packed with hearty oats, juicy raisins, and crunchy walnuts—just what you want for authentic Raisin Walnut Oatmeal Cookies.
Step 6: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft and slightly under-baked. That’s the key to irresistible chewiness!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—they’ll finish setting up without overbaking. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is hard, but it pays off!
How to Serve Raisin Walnut Oatmeal Cookies
Garnishes
Sometimes, a little extra flourish makes all the difference. For a bakery-style look, press a few extra raisins or walnuts on top of each cookie right after baking. You can even dust them with a whisper of cinnamon sugar for a beautiful, fragrant finish.
Side Dishes
A tall glass of cold milk is an absolute classic, but these cookies also pair wonderfully with hot coffee or a cup of spicy chai. For dessert platters, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for contrast. The hearty flavors of Raisin Walnut Oatmeal Cookies play well with lots of sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies in a clear jar and tie with a ribbon for homemade gifts, or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert. You can even crumble them over breakfast parfaits for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store completely cooled Raisin Walnut Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra fresh, tuck a slice of bread in the container—the cookies draw in moisture from the bread and stay irresistibly chewy.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place baked cookies in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. For cookie dough, portion it onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a bag for later baking—just add a minute or two to the bake time from frozen.
Reheating
Want that fresh-from-the-oven taste? Warm a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or pop a few on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. They’ll regain that dreamy, chewy texture and fill your kitchen with their cozy aroma all over again.
FAQs
Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for the signature chew and hearty texture. Instant oats will make the cookies softer and less textured, but you can use them in a pinch—just expect a slightly different result.
How do I keep raisins from getting too dry or hard?
For extra plump and juicy raisins, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain well before stirring into the dough. This step makes a noticeable difference in each bite!
Can I substitute other nuts or add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Pecans, hazelnuts, or even chopped almonds work nicely in place of walnuts, and a handful of dark chocolate chips is always welcome if you love a bit of chocolate with your Raisin Walnut Oatmeal Cookies.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your dough was too warm or the butter too soft, cookies may over-spread. Try chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
Are these Raisin Walnut Oatmeal Cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so they aren’t gluten-free as written. You can try a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a similar result, but the texture may differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the comforting aroma and timeless flavor of Raisin Walnut Oatmeal Cookies baking away in your own kitchen. Whether you share with friends, tuck them into lunchboxes, or treat yourself during a cozy afternoon, this recipe is bound to win hearts and become a cherished staple. Go on, preheat that oven—deliciousness awaits!
Print
Raisin Walnut Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade Raisin Walnut Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat, filled with chewy raisins, crunchy walnuts, and hearty oats. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert!
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-Ins:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets 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 and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture.
- Stir in oats, raisins, and walnuts: Mix in oats, raisins, and walnuts until evenly combined.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes and drain well before adding to the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
