If you have a soft spot for classic, comforting treats, you’re going to adore this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of hearty oats, sweet raisins, and just the right touch of cinnamon, all wrapped up in a chewy, lightly crisp cookie that feels like a warm hug with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe delivers that nostalgic homemade goodness that everyone loves. It’s simple, reliable, and seriously delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for these cookies is straightforward, and each one plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the creamy butter to the comforting cinnamon, every component is essential to bring these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe to life.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps achieve that soft, tender bite.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that complements the oats.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to subtle crispness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough and give structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Amplifies all the warm flavors with its sweet aroma.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise just right and keeps them light.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses a gentle spicy note that feels cozy and inviting.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Give chewiness, texture, and that hearty oat flavor.
- 1 cup raisins: Sweet bites that contrast perfectly with the oats and cinnamon.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is the perfect temperature for baking these cookies to golden-brown perfection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it introduces air, helping your cookies rise nicely and maintain a tender crumb.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which elevates the cookie’s flavor with its familiar, sweet fragrance.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together in a separate bowl. This ensures the rising agent and spices are evenly distributed, so every cookie gets just the right touch of flavor and lift.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so stop when you no longer see flour streaks.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Raisins
Stir in the oats and raisins until they are spread evenly throughout the dough. This step gives the cookies their signature chew and those sweet pops from the raisins.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. This spacing ensures your cookies don’t merge into one giant cookie—unless that’s your plan!
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. When done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This maintains their perfect chewy texture.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are wonderful as is, you can sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking for a subtle salty contrast that highlights the sweetness. Alternatively, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar before baking offers a sparkling finish and extra warmth.
Side Dishes
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of tea or coffee. They also make a delightful companion to a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple dessert upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a creamy filling like cinnamon buttercream or cream cheese frosting. You could also break them into chunks and use as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt bowls, or even ice cream sundaes for added texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover oatmeal raisin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them perfect to bake ahead for unexpected guests or a sweet afternoon treat.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen oatmeal raisin cookies stay delicious for up to three months — just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop your cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This will bring back their soft texture and melt those raisins slightly for pure comfort in every bite.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruit?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dried apricots all make fantastic alternatives. Just use the same quantity for a tasty twist on the classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe.
What type of oats works best in this recipe?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal here because they retain chewiness and structure after baking. Instant oats tend to make cookies too soft, and steel-cut oats are too hard and chewy for this kind of cookie.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking, you can make these gluten-free while keeping their wonderful texture and flavor intact.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape better. Also, avoid using melted butter; softened butter is key for the perfect consistency.
Are Oatmeal Raisin Cookies healthy?
While they are a treat, these cookies do have oats and raisins, which add fiber and nutrients. Moderation is key, but they definitely make a more wholesome indulgence compared to plain sugar cookies or other sweets.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting joy that comes from biting into a soft, chewy oatmeal raisin cookie fresh from the oven. This Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser—easy to make and wonderfully satisfying. I can’t wait for you to experience the nostalgic flavors and cozy textures for yourself. Happy baking!
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
These classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with wholesome oats and sweet raisins. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, they make a delightful treat for any occasion and are easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
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
Mix-ins
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your 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 mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This creates a creamy base for your cookie dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time to ensure they blend smoothly into the mixture. Then add the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with its warm, sweet flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents clumps.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Stir in Oats and Raisins: Fold in the rolled oats and raisins evenly throughout the dough to give your cookies texture and natural sweetness.
- Scoop Dough on Baking Sheet: Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each mound approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookie edges turn a golden brown. Each batch will have a slightly chewy center with crisp edges.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set perfectly.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, substitute half the butter with margarine or add an extra egg yolk.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
- Swap raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Use parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
