If you’re in the mood for something comforting, homey, and packed with nostalgia, look no further than these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. They strike that perfect balance between chewy and soft, with just enough sweetness and a hint of cinnamon warmth. Every bite is loaded with plump raisins and hearty oats, making them a timeless treat that’s equally wonderful with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of tea. Whether you’re baking these for a family gathering or just to treat yourself, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies always deliver that classic, cozy taste you crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Oatmeal Raisin Cookies so special is just how simple and wholesome the ingredients are. Each one adds its own touch—whether it’s richness, chewiness, or a burst of flavor—to create that irresistible cookie everyone loves.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their buttery richness and tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds a deep molasses flavor and helps create a chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cookies and balances the deeper notes of brown sugar.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough together and add moisture for softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Leavens the cookies, ensuring they have the right lift and spread.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses cozy spice that pairs perfectly with oats and raisins.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): The star of the show, giving the cookies their signature chewiness.
- Raisins (1 cup): Provide natural sweetness and bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Add crunch and a nutty depth, if you like a little extra texture.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This little step also makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This process adds air to the dough and gives your cookies that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which brings that lovely aromatic note to your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening and spices, so every cookie bakes up perfectly spiced and tender.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing—just a few gentle stirs will keep your cookies soft and tender.
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts
Gently fold in the rolled oats, raisins, and walnuts (if using). This is where Oatmeal Raisin Cookies get their signature heartiness and chewy bite!
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still a tad soft. The magic happens as they finish setting on the baking sheet after you pull them from the oven.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The result? Perfectly chewy, golden Oatmeal Raisin Cookies ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
For a touch of bakery-style flair, sprinkle the tops with a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking. Or, for a festive look, add a dusting of powdered sugar once they’re cool. Either way, these little extras make your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies look as inviting as they taste.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats the classic pairing of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk. They’re also wonderful alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea as an afternoon pick-me-up. If you want to go all out, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a homemade cookie sundae.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cookies in a clear jar and tie with a ribbon for a charming gift, or arrange them on a pretty platter for a party dessert table. For a fun twist, use them to make ice cream sandwiches—just layer your favorite ice cream between two Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for a nostalgic summer treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to five days—though they rarely last that long in my house!
Freezing
If you want to save some cookies for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, perfect for whenever you need a quick homemade treat.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and makes the raisins extra plump.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
You can substitute quick oats, but old-fashioned rolled oats give the cookies their classic chewy texture. Quick oats will result in a softer, more uniform cookie, so stick with rolled oats for that iconic bite.
How do I keep my Oatmeal Raisin Cookies extra soft?
For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and let them finish setting on the baking sheet. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to create a thicker, softer cookie.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If raisins aren’t your favorite, try swapping them with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist on the classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Do I have to use walnuts?
Not at all! The walnuts add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but you can leave them out or substitute with pecans if you prefer. The cookies are just as delicious either way.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 48 hours in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. This actually improves the flavor and texture of your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, making them even more irresistible.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so heartwarming about baking a batch of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from scratch. With their chewy oats, sweet raisins, and that hint of cinnamon, these cookies turn any day into something special. I hope you give this recipe a try and share them with friends or family—they’re sure to become a favorite in your home too!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with wholesome oats and sweet raisins. Perfect for a comforting dessert or snack, they combine the warmth of cinnamon with the nutty flavor of walnuts, making them a delicious homemade treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 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 Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they are fully incorporated, then add the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts: Gently fold in the rolled oats, raisins, and walnuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers remain slightly soft to keep them chewy.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to finish setting on the baking sheet.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for a thicker texture and less spread.
- Swap raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
