If you are on the hunt for a warm, comforting treat that feels like a cozy hug in cookie form, this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. Packed with wholesome rolled oats, naturally sweet raisins, and a touch of cinnamon spice, these cookies strike the perfect balance between chewy and soft. They are easy to make, delightfully nostalgic, and offer a homemade goodness that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether baked fresh for a family gathering or prepared as a quick weekend baking project, these cookies bring joy with every crumb.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that work harmoniously together to create a cookie bursting with flavor, texture, and heartwarming aroma. Each component has a special role—from the creamy butter that gives richness to the oats that add chewiness and the raisins that provide juicy sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the cookies tender and flavorful.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel sweetness, boosting the cookie’s chewiness.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances the brown sugar with a bit of crispness in the cookie’s edges.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together while contributing to the structure and softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall sweetness with a warm, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The cookie’s foundation, providing structure without weighing them down.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a lovely texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a cozy, spicy warmth that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the flavors, intensifying the sweetness and cinnamon.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): The star ingredient that gives the cookies their signature chewy texture and hearty bite.
- Raisins (1 cup): Deliver bursts of natural sweetness and a delightful chew.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (½ cup, optional): Adds a pleasant crunch and a nutty depth, totally worth including if you like some extra texture.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray effortlessly once done.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key for creating a tender texture and helps the cookies rise appropriately in the oven.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract—this little addition truly makes the flavors shine.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage to keep your cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 6: Stir in Oats, Raisins, and Nuts
Fold in the rolled oats, raisins, and nuts if you’re including them. The oats lend fantastic texture, the raisins add natural sweetness, and the nuts bring a crunchy contrast that rounds out the cookie perfectly.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are golden brown and centers are just set. For a chewier cookie, you may slightly underbake them.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This resting time lets the cookies firm up just enough before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This makes sure they hold their shape and texture beautifully.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are incredible on their own, you can elevate their presentation by dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling a little melted white or dark chocolate over the top for a decadent twist. A sprinkle of cinnamon on warm cookies enhances their cozy charm even more.
Side Dishes
Pair your oatmeal raisin cookies with a cold glass of milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or a creamy chai latte for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. They also make an excellent companion to fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when served as a dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange cookies on a platter layered with parchment paper and garnished with fresh herbs like mint or edible flowers. You can also sandwich them with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter for a delightful cookie sandwich that will impress both kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store leftover oatmeal raisin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them fresh and chewy so each bite tastes as wonderful as the first day out of the oven.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. For unbaked cookie dough, shape the dough balls first and freeze on a sheet before bagging to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
Reheating
To enjoy your oatmeal raisin cookies warm and melty, simply reheat them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This revives the soft, chewy texture and enhances all the cozy flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with something else?
Absolutely! If raisins aren’t your favorite, you can swap them out for chocolate chips, dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even shredded coconut. Each option brings a unique flavor and texture twist to the classic oatmeal cookie.
What makes these cookies chewy instead of cakey?
The combination of rolled oats, brown sugar, and shorter baking time helps create that perfect chewy texture. Slightly underbaking the cookies keeps them soft in the middle while the edges crisp up just right.
Do I have to soak the raisins before adding them?
Soaking the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before folding them into the dough plumps them up and prevents them from drying out during baking, resulting in juicier bites. This step is optional but highly recommended for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! You can simply omit the chopped walnuts or pecans without affecting the overall integrity of the cookie. The oats and raisins provide enough texture and flavor to keep the cookies delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely. Apart from eggs and dairy butter, no animal-derived ingredients are included, making these oatmeal raisin cookies a great vegetarian option for dessert or snacking.
Final Thoughts
This Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is a trusted classic that’s easy to make and hard to resist. The perfect blend of sweet, chewy, and warmly spiced, these cookies are bound to bring smiles at any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try baking a batch and sharing the goodness with your loved ones – trust me, they’ll thank you with every bite!
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 chewy, flavorful, and easy to make. Featuring a perfect blend of cinnamon, oats, and sweet raisins, they offer a nostalgic homemade treat that’s perfect for dessert or snacking. Optional nuts add a pleasant crunch, while simple baking methods make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 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 ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps with the cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate fully, then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Oats, Raisins, and Nuts: Stir in the rolled oats, raisins, and chopped nuts if using, ensuring everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Portion Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent sogginess and maintain texture.
Notes
- Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to cookies to make them extra plump and juicy.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake by removing them earlier before edges brown fully.
- Substitute chocolate chips instead of raisins for a chocolate twist.
- Add shredded coconut to oats and raisins mixture for extra flavor and texture variation.
