If you have a soft spot for cookies that feel like a warm hug from your childhood, this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These cookies have the perfect balance of chewy oats, sweet plump raisins, and a hint of cinnamon that just sings with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a comforting treat, these cookies are not only easy to make but bursting with wholesome flavor and texture that will keep you reaching back for more. Get ready to create a batch that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and draws everyone to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to these spectacular oatmeal raisin cookies lies in simple, thoughtful ingredients that come together to create that irresistible combination of chewy, sweet, and slightly spiced goodness. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the creamy butter that gives richness and tenderness, to the oats that add heartiness and texture, and the raisins that bring bursts of natural sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the perfect creamy base and helps achieve that tender cookie texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep molasses sweetness and moisture to the dough.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps the cookies brown beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with warm aromatic notes.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The structural foundation keeping cookies just right in chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the dough to create a soft yet slightly crisp edge.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a cozy warmth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other ingredients.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Brings hearty chew and wholesome texture.
- 1 cup raisins: Sweet, chewy bursts that perfectly complement the oats and spice.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you that picture-perfect golden finish every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key for creating a tender crumb and an even sweetness throughout each cookie.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat the eggs in, one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract to infuse your dough with that delicious, warm aroma.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This simple blend guarantees even distribution of spices and leavening agents for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Over-mixing can toughen the dough, so gently fold to keep your cookies soft and tender.
Step 6: Stir in Oats and Raisins
Now for the magic: fold in the rolled oats and raisins. The oats build that classic chewy texture while the raisins bring delightful bursts of sweetness throughout the cookie.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading as they bake.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack, which keeps them from getting soggy and preserves that perfect chewy center.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delightful on their own, sprinkling a tiny pinch of cinnamon sugar on top right after baking adds an extra sparkle of sweetness and a subtle crunch that will wow your taste buds. A light dusting of powdered sugar also gives a charming, bakery-style look that’s perfect for sharing.
Side Dishes
Pair these oatmeal raisin cookies with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea to perfectly complement the warm cinnamon and sweet raisin notes. They also work amazingly well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, create a cookie sandwich using your oatmeal raisin cookies with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter inside for a delectable treat. You can also crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for texture or dip one side in melted dark chocolate to kick up the flavor and add a touch of elegance for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for snacking any time you want a quick homemade treat.
Freezing
If you want to make your life even easier, freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them straight from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze beautifully as well and can be thawed at room temperature for effortless treats anytime.
Reheating
Warm your oatmeal raisin cookies slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or place them in a low-temperature oven to regain that freshly baked softness and release their full aroma. This simple trick makes them taste like they just came out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chopped dried apricots work wonderfully if you want a different flavor profile in your oatmeal raisin cookies recipe. Just be mindful of the sweetness level each fruit adds.
Are old-fashioned rolled oats necessary or can I use quick oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are best because they provide a chewier texture that quick oats can’t quite replicate. Quick oats tend to create a softer, less chewy cookie, but if you prefer that texture, they can be used as a substitute.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that is intended for baking. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help with texture. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, and you’ll still get delicious cookies full of flavor.
Can I reduce the sugar in this oatmeal raisin cookies recipe?
You can reduce the sugars slightly, but keep in mind that sugar not only provides sweetness but also affects texture and moisture. Cutting back too much might result in drier cookies. Try reducing by ¼ cup total and see how you like them.
What’s the best way to prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted before mixing. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape more and prevent excessive spreading.
Final Thoughts
This Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is such a classic for a reason: it combines nostalgia, simplicity, and fantastic flavor in one easy-to-make treat. Whether you’re sharing these cookies with loved ones or indulging in a quiet moment, they bring warmth and comfort to your day. I truly hope you love baking and savoring them as much as I do!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with wholesome oats and plump raisins. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and lightly sweetened with brown and granulated sugars, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion.
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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the base for your cookie dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they fully incorporate, then mix in 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 ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough cookies.
- Add Oats and Raisins: Stir in the rolled oats and raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding texture and sweetness.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. After removing from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet.
- You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips if preferred.
- Using old-fashioned rolled oats provides the best texture; avoid quick oats for this recipe.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
