Few things can transport you straight back to cherished childhood memories like bakery-style Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Imagine that first bite: golden edges, a soft middle, and plump, sweet raisins mingled throughout. These cookies are a true classic, striking an irresistible balance between healthy oats and decadent flavor. Whether you’re sharing them with family, packing them for a cozy picnic, or sneaking one with your morning coffee, these Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies never fail to deliver comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies is that each ingredient plays a starring role. Simple pantry staples come together for the best texture—soft, chewy, and just the right level of sweetness. Don’t overlook these details; everything from the butter to the raisins is essential.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it gives the cookies their tender crumb and rich flavor.
- Packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness that makes each bite extra chewy.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar with its clean sweetness and helps with structure.
- Large eggs: Act as the binder, keeping the cookies luscious and soft in the center.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a warm, aromatic backdrop and deepens the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough for the perfect chew.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and not cakey.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, nostalgic spice that pairs perfectly with the oats and raisins.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors into focus—don’t skip it!
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The soul of the cookie, offering heartiness and chew in every mouthful.
- Raisins: Plump and sweet, they create juicy bursts throughout your cookies.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For crunch and a lovely nutty taste, if you’d like to add more texture.
How to Make Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Get Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only ensures even baking but saves you from a sticky cleanup later.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key for that perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture defining Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs build structure while the vanilla adds warmth and aroma—these subtleties set your cookies apart.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these before adding ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices, for consistently flavored cookies in every batch.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid over-mixing for the softest cookies—once you see the flour disappear, you’re done!
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Raisins, and Nuts
Gently mix in the rolled oats, raisins, and chopped nuts (if using). The dough will feel hearty and thick, which is exactly what makes Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies so delightful.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!)
How to Serve Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
For a bakery-worthy finish, sprinkle your warm cookies with a touch of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of ground cinnamon—just enough to enhance the flavor and make them look irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair these Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, your favorite tea, or a velvety cup of coffee. For guests, consider a platter with fresh fruit or even a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra special treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies and bundling them in parchment paper and twine for a sweet homemade gift. You can also create an impressive cookie sandwich by spreading vanilla or cinnamon buttercream between two cookies—kids and grown-ups will go wild over this playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Just pop any leftover cookies into an airtight container and they’ll stay soft and chewy for several days. Stack them with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking—perfect for enjoying a treat throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough. For ultimate convenience, shape the dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and bake fresh whenever you’re craving Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!
Reheating
To revive that just-baked magic, warm a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back the gooey texture and makes your kitchen smell fantastic all over again. You’ll never believe it’s a leftover!
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Quick oats will work in a pinch, but you won’t get quite the same hearty, chewy texture that makes Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies so special. Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for the most satisfying bite.
What’s the best way to make the raisins extra soft?
Soak your raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain before folding into the dough. This little trick plumps them up, so every bite is sweet and juicy.
Can I substitute the raisins with something else?
Absolutely! Swap the raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chocolate chips if you prefer. The flexible base of Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies makes them ideal for customizing to your favorite mix-ins.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
You don’t have to, but chilling for 30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape a bit better and deepen the flavors. If you’re in a hurry, go ahead and bake right away—they’ll still be wonderful.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute a good 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for the all-purpose flour and double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free. The cookies will still have their signature chew and cozy flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly comforting about pulling a tray of Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from the oven. If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s classic, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, give these a try—you might just find yourself baking them again and again!
Print
Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies that are sure to become a household favorite. Packed with oats, raisins, and a hint of cinnamon, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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 the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Stir in oats and raisins: Fold in the oats, raisins, and nuts if using.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.
- Cool: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra plump raisins, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain before adding.
- Swap raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips for variety.
- Cookies stay soft for days if stored in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
