If you have a soft spot for classic, comforting treats, this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe will quickly become your go-to for warm, chewy, and naturally sweet delights. These cookies strike the perfect balance between hearty oats, plump raisins, and a hint of cinnamon that wraps your senses in a cozy hug. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, an afternoon snack, or just to satisfy that cookie craving, this recipe is straightforward, reliable, and absolutely scrumptious every time you make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that make these cookies so memorable.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a creamy richness and helps create that tender cookie crumb.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes and moisture for a chewy bite.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to a slight crisp edge.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that holds everything in place.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides leavening for lightness without puffiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses a cozy spice that complements the oats and raisins beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and highlights other flavors.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Gives hearty texture and wholesome goodness.
- 1 cup raisins: Natural sweetness focused with juicy bursts throughout each bite.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast if desired.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with both the brown and granulated sugars. Beat them together until you have a light, airy, and fluffy base to build your cookie dough on—this step is key to creating that tender texture everyone loves.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This gradual addition allows the mixture to stay beautifully smooth and well-mixed. Follow with the vanilla extract, which will bring that inviting fragrance to your dough.
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed, preventing any clumps or uneven flavor pockets in your cookies.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet bowl, stirring just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing here because that can lead to tougher cookies. The goal is a homogenous dough that still feels soft and pliable.
Step 5: Fold in Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts
Now comes the fun part—fold in the oats and raisins, along with walnuts if you’re using them. This gives your cookies their signature chewy texture and bursts of natural sweetness. Make sure the additions are nicely incorporated to get those delightful flavors in every bite.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them at least 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread. This careful spacing is a simple trick for even baking and perfect shapes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers have set. For the chewiest texture, consider slightly underbaking them and letting the residual heat finish the job while the cookies cool on the baking sheet. This small timing tweak can make all the difference.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Finally, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up without losing their softness and makes them easier to handle and enjoy.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, you can dress them up by sprinkling a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a subtle sparkle and extra flavor. Alternatively, a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds a decadent twist that pairs perfectly with the chewy texture.
Side Dishes
Oatmeal raisin cookies shine alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of warm chai tea, which complement the cinnamon and raisin flavors wonderfully. For a cozy brunch or dessert, serve them with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of creamy yogurt and fresh fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider stacking the cookies and tying them with a rustic twine ribbon for a charming gift or table centerpiece. Another fun presentation is to sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter for a scrumptious twist kids and adults will both adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies airtight at room temperature to keep them soft and flavorful for up to 5 days. Using a container with a tight seal prevents them from drying out and helps maintain that perfect chewy bite.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe goodies later, freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months, so you always have a sweet treat ready when the craving hits.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, pop a chilled cookie in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This little trick brings back the soft, chewy texture as if they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chopped dried apricots make excellent alternatives and add interesting flavors and textures. Just use the same quantity as raisins for best results.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the dough together and the cookies tender.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are flattening out too much, your butter might be too soft or melted. Make sure it’s just softened but still cool to keep the dough firmer and the cookies thicker. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help control spreading.
Can I omit the walnuts?
Yes, walnuts are optional. Leaving them out will result in a softer cookie without the crunchy nutty contrast, but the classic oatmeal-raisin flavor will remain delicious and intact.
What’s the best way to get chewy oatmeal cookies?
To get that perfect chewiness, underbake the cookies slightly — about 10 minutes instead of 12 — and let them cool on the baking sheet. The residual heat finishes cooking, leaving a soft center that’s irresistible.
Final Thoughts
This Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is a timeless favorite that offers a perfect blend of chewy texture, sweet raisins, and warm spices, making it a wonderful choice whether you’re new to baking or an experienced cookie lover. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and make it your own trusty staple for any occasion where a homemade cookie feels just right.
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with wholesome oats, sweet raisins, and a hint of cinnamon. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, they make a delightful homemade treat that’s easy to prepare and loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute all the dry components.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts: Fold in the rolled oats, raisins, and if using, the chopped walnuts evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Portion Dough on Baking Sheet: Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake by removing them from the oven just before they’re fully set and let them finish cooking on the warm baking sheet.
- Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to dough to make them plumper and juicier.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
