If you love a cookie that beautifully blends chewiness with a pop of natural sweetness, get ready to delight in these classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. This timeless treat is everything a home-baked cookie should be: golden edges, soft centers, a whisper of warm cinnamon, and juicy raisins tucked inside every bite. Perfect with a glass of milk or alongside your afternoon coffee, these cookies invite nostalgia and comfort in every single nibble. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or simply craving a cozy homemade snack, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies always deliver that familiar, heartwarming flavor we can’t resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies lies in their simple pantry ingredients! Each component not only contributes its unique taste and texture but also builds the foundation of this classic dessert’s signature flavor—think chewy oats, buttery richness, and sweet, plump raisins.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The creamy base for a tender, rich dough and those irresistible softer centers.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds caramel depth and extra moisture, keeping each cookie chewy.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Contributes just the right amount of crispiness on the edges and a balanced sweetness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and help create a luscious, cohesive dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds aroma and rounds out all the flavors with its warm, comforting notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives structure to the cookies, making them just thick enough.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): The secret to a lovely rise and that classic cookie texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Offers subtle warmth and spice that makes oatmeal cookies unforgettable.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Highlights all the sweet and spiced flavors in every bite.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): Bring that signature chew and rustic, hearty texture.
- Raisins (1 cup): Plump, sweet bursts that truly set Oatmeal Raisin Cookies apart from all other cookies.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy clean-up and to ensure your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies release perfectly without sticking. This small step sets the stage for picture-perfect cookies every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the combination is pale and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Creating this creamy base traps air, setting you up for cookies that are delightfully soft inside.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and beat until everything is smooth and well-blended. The eggs enrich the dough, while the vanilla gives that classic, gentle aroma that makes these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies so inviting.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whipping up these dry ingredients first ensures the leavening and spice gets distributed evenly—no clumps of baking soda here!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low just until incorporated. You want to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough. Stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour—trust that everything’s coming together just right.
Step 6: Stir in Oats and Raisins
With a sturdy spoon or spatula, fold in the rolled oats and raisins. Each scoop should look densely packed with raisins and oats, promising a cookie with fabulous texture and pops of juicy sweetness in every bite.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and drop them onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for a little spreading. Slide them into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes—watch as the edges turn golden while the centers remain soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This step allows them to finish setting up, making them just firm enough to handle but still perfectly chewy. Once cooled, serve and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
A little flourish can make your freshly baked cookies even more special. Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top while they’re still warm for a beautiful contrast to the sweetness. Or, gently press an extra raisin or two onto the top of each portion before baking to showcase those gorgeous bursts of fruit. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar gives a delightful sparkle and extra aroma.
Side Dishes
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with a cold glass of milk, a warm mug of coffee, or your favorite herbal tea can elevate your snacking experience. For a bolder dessert plate, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a tangy Greek yogurt parfait with fresh berries on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or bake sales, stack a few cookies together and tie them with twine for a rustic, homemade touch. Arrange a platter with alternating rows of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and chocolate chip cookies to offer variety. You can even transform them into ice cream sandwiches—just scoop your favorite flavor between two cookies and freeze briefly for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies deliciously soft, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, though chances are they’ll be enjoyed long before then! Slip a slice of bread in the container to help maintain maximum softness.
Freezing
Want cookies on demand? Freeze your baked (and cooled) cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. For longer storage, you can also scoop the dough onto trays, freeze until firm, then store the frozen dough balls in a zip-top bag. Just bake straight from frozen—add an extra minute to the baking time.
Reheating
If you love warm, freshly-baked Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive just-baked softness and aroma. For a crispier edge, a few minutes in a 300°F oven will do the trick. Frozen cookies can be reheated the same way after thawing or, when baking from frozen, simply enjoy them straight from the oven.
FAQs
Why are my Oatmeal Raisin Cookies coming out flat?
Flat cookies can happen if your butter was too warm or melted, or if you didn’t measure flour accurately. Chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking often results in thicker, softer cookies with the perfect chew.
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruit?
Absolutely! While traditional Oatmeal Raisin Cookies use raisins, feel free to experiment with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries. Each offers a unique flavor twist while keeping the cookie’s wonderful chew.
What makes Oatmeal Raisin Cookies chewy?
The secret lies in using plenty of brown sugar for moisture, old-fashioned rolled oats for texture, and being careful not to overbake. Pulling the cookies from the oven while their centers are still slightly soft ensures they stay chewy as they cool.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Of course! Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and a savory note, while chocolate chips can turn these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies into a double-comfort treat. Adjust mix-ins to suit your crowd or cravings.
Do I need to soak the raisins first?
It’s optional, but soaking your raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes helps plump them up, resulting in juicier bites. Just be sure to drain them well before stirring into the dough to avoid excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you’ll give these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies a try—they’re packed with nostalgia, flavor, and just the right balance of chewy and soft. Whether you bake them for family, friends, or a solo treat, you’re in for a wholesome, homey delight that never goes out of style. Happy baking!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic oatmeal raisin cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with wholesome oats and plump raisins. They are perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 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
Mix-ins:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk dry ingredients. Gradually add to wet mixture. Stir in oats and raisins.
- Bake: Scoop dough onto baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Cool on sheet before transferring to a rack.
Notes
- Soak raisins in warm water for extra plumpness.
- Try adding walnuts or chocolate chips for variety.
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