If there’s ever a moment when you crave something wonderfully nostalgic yet utterly satisfying, look no further than these Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Each bite delivers cozy warmth with a perfect blend of sweetness, plump raisins, and a tender, chewy texture that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just looking for a comforting treat, this classic cookie has everything you adore — familiar flavors, effortless preparation, and all the charm of grandma’s kitchen packed into every soft, golden cookie.

Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of staple pantry ingredients, these cookies capture everything delightful about comfort baking. Each ingredient pulls its weight, contributing depth, chew, and the fabulous flavor that makes this recipe such a standout.

Unsalted butter, softened: Makes the cookies rich, tender, and gives that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Brown sugar: Adds deeper, caramel-like sweetness and extra moisture for ultimate chewiness.
Granulated sugar: Enhances sweetness and balances the flavor profile.
Large eggs: Bind the dough together and provide structure for that soft bite.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a warm, aromatic boost you don’t want to skip.
All-purpose flour: Supplies just enough body to hold all those oats and raisins together.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies puff up slightly, promising a light interior.
Ground cinnamon: Adds irresistible warmth and spice—the perfect complement to oats and raisins.
Salt: Brightens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: The heart of the cookie; yields delightful chewiness and rustic charm.
Raisins: Lend pockets of juicy sweetness—soak them first for extra plumpness!

How to Make Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures a steady, even bake from the moment your cookies go in. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies release effortlessly and the bottoms don’t over-brown.

Step 2: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step lays the foundation for those soft and chewy centers.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add both eggs and the vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified—this helps the cookies hold together beautifully and creates a rich, inviting aroma.

Step 4: Whisk and Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Working in batches, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Take care not to overmix—stop as soon as the flour disappears, so your cookies stay tender instead of dense.

Step 5: Stir in Oats and Raisins

Stir in the rolled oats and raisins by hand, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. The oats create that signature hearty chew, while the raisins bring surprise pops of sweetness in every bite.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. This ensures each cookie has enough room to spread into soft & chewy perfection.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Goodness

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges look set and lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Resist the urge to overbake—the cookies will continue to set as they cool, keeping that dreamy texture intact.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool for five minutes right on the baking sheet to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The wait is the hardest part, but it’ll be so worth it when you finally bite in!

How to Serve Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Garnishes

A light dusting of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on warm cookies is divine. For an extra-special finish, a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze can take these Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies to bakery-level status.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of chai tea. If you crave a creamy contrast, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the chewy cookies and cold, silky ice cream are a match made in dessert heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board among bowls of fresh fruit and handfuls of mixed nuts for a “cookie board” effect. They also make charming gifts when stacked in mason jars or wrapped in parchment for a homemade touch. Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are always a hit at potlucks and picnics, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Add a slice of bread to the container; it helps maintain their delightful chewiness for up to five days.

Freezing

You can freeze both unbaked cookie dough and baked cookies. For dough, scoop into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag—bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Cooled cookies freeze beautifully, too; just layer with parchment paper in an airtight container.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back the gooey, tender texture, making them taste freshly made—even days later.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

You can, but your Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies will have a slightly different texture—less chewy and a bit more uniform. For that classic burlap-and-lace character, rolled oats are the best choice!

How do I make the cookies extra soft and chewy?

The trick is not to overbake! Pull them from the oven while the centers still look just a little underdone. Also, using dark brown sugar and soaking the raisins adds additional moisture for a perfect chew.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch, and chocolate chips offer a modern twist. Just fold in with the oats and raisins for a personalized touch.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?

Yes, they freeze and thaw beautifully. Store in an airtight container, and when you’re ready for a treat, just let them come to room temperature or reheat gently for that soft, chewy texture.

Is it possible to make Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a reliable 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. You’ll still get the same irresistible taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies enough—they’re the kind of homey, soul-soothing treat that brings everyone together. If you haven’t baked a batch lately, give these a try and watch smiles appear all around. Happy baking!