If you’re craving a classic treat that’s both comforting and packed with wholesome flavors, this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together chewy oats, sweet raisins, and a warm hint of cinnamon in every bite—offering that perfect balance of soft texture and gentle crunch. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack, a crowd-pleasing dessert, or a lunchbox favorite, these cookies have a timeless charm that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first delightful step toward baking these scrumptious cookies. Each element plays a special role—from the creamy butter that gives richness to the oats that add hearty texture, every ingredient is key to achieving that beloved homemade flavor.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Softened for easy mixing and a luscious, tender crumb.
- Brown sugar, 1 cup (packed): Adds deep molasses sweetness and moisture to keep cookies chewy.
- Granulated sugar, ½ cup: Provides a subtle crispness and balance to sweetness.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind everything together and create structure.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Infuses warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- All-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups: The foundation that gives shape and softness.
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Helps cookies rise and spread just right.
- Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Adds a cozy spice note that complements the oats and raisins perfectly.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats, 3 cups: The star texture that makes these cookies hearty and chewy.
- Raisins, 1 cup: Sweet bursts that add natural fruitiness and chew.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Before diving into mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick—setting you up for sweet success from the start.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is essential for the perfect cookie texture.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time to allow even mixing, then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients enrich the dough with moisture and flavor, making each cookie irresistibly tender.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed, giving a balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture. Stir until just combined—overmixing can make cookies tough, so a gentle touch here is key to that perfect soft texture.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Raisins
Gently stir in the rolled oats and raisins to the dough. This step creates the signature chewy texture with bursts of sweet fruit in every mouthful.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This space allows the cookies to spread without merging into one giant cookie—unless you want that, of course!
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes—they’ll firm up just enough—then transfer them to a wire rack. Patience here pays off with the right texture.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your cookies by sprinkling a tiny pinch of cinnamon sugar on top right after baking or pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of honey for an elegant twist. These little touches add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a hot cup of chai tea or a creamy latte. The spices in the tea beautifully complement the cinnamon in the cookies, making every bite and sip a warming, cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for quick and delightful oatmeal raisin cookie sandwiches. Or, crumble cookies over a bowl of yogurt with fresh fruit for a sweet and crunchy parfait that’s impossible to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your oatmeal raisin cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week, perfect for sneaking one (or two) whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. To thaw, just leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes—they’ll be ready to enjoy as if freshly baked.
Reheating
If you love the taste of warm cookies, give frozen or stored cookies a quick 10-second zap in the microwave or a brief 5-minute warm-up in a 300°F oven, and you’ll have a soft, melty treat that feels freshly made.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates make excellent alternatives and add interesting flavor twists to your oatmeal raisin cookies recipe.
What type of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal because they provide the right chew and texture. Instant oats or steel-cut oats won’t give the same lovely bite or structure.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a certified gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for best results.
Why are my cookies too flat?
This often happens if the dough is too warm when scooped or if there’s too much butter. Chilling the dough before baking can help your cookies hold their shape better.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
This Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is truly a delicious classic worth baking time and time again. Each batch fills your kitchen with heartwarming aromas and treats everyone to a tender, flavorful bite full of nostalgia and joy. Give these cookies a try—you might just find your new favorite homemade indulgence.
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
Description
Classic oatmeal raisin cookies featuring a perfect balance of sweet raisins, hearty oats, and warm cinnamon. These soft and chewy cookies are baked to golden perfection, making them an ideal treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate fully, then add the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add Oats and Raisins: Stir in the rolled oats and raisins with a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring a chewy texture.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake by removing them at 10 minutes.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Optional: Substitute raisins with chocolate chips or nuts for variation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- For chewier cookies, you can soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding.
