There is something truly heartwarming about a batch of Classic Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins or Chocolate Chips Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between chewy and crisp, with that nostalgic flavor of cinnamon and nutmeg weaving through each bite. Whether you choose plump raisins for a wholesome sweetness or melty chocolate chips for an indulgent treat, this recipe guarantees a homemade cookie experience that will quickly become a go-to in your baking repertoire. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of toasty oats and warm spices!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples that come together to create a cookie with a rich texture and deep flavor. Each component plays an important role — from the hearty rolled oats to the fragrant spices and the choice between juicy raisins or luscious chocolate chips.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Toasting them first enhances their nuttiness and adds a delightful crispness.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and creates the perfect cookie crumb.
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a comforting spice note that complements the oats.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle layer of spice that deepens the cookie’s flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and keeps them tender.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Gives a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature: Brings a rich, creamy base that makes these cookies incredibly tender.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that makes each bite irresistible.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness and a touch of crispness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough and help create that beloved chewy texture.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a sweet, fragrant note.
- 1 cup raisins or chocolate chips: Your choice of classic mix-ins that make these cookies uniquely satisfying.
How to Make Classic Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins or Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Toast the oats
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spread the oats evenly on a rimmed baking sheet and toast them for about 8 to 10 minutes until they turn golden and release a wonderful nutty aroma. Toasting is a game changer here; it transforms plain oats into a flavor-packed ingredient and gives your cookies a lovely crunch.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
Once the oats have cooled, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, cornstarch, kosher salt, and the toasted oats in a large bowl. This blend of dry ingredients ensures that every cookie has consistent spice and texture throughout.
Step 3: Cream the butter and sugars
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the room-temperature butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies rise just enough while staying soft.
Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and creamy. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. The eggs and vanilla provide moisture and a burst of flavor that’s unmistakably home-baked.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating just until combined to avoid overmixing—overbeating can toughen the cookies. Fold in your choice of raisins or chocolate chips at this stage, giving an inviting little surprise in every bite!
Step 6: Scoop and bake
Scoop about two tablespoons of dough per cookie onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them approximately two inches apart. Bake in batches for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are crisp but the centers still look set yet soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps set the perfect chewy texture.
How to Serve Classic Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins or Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies just out of the oven. This brightens the sweetness and accentuates the buttery richness. If you’re feeling festive, dusting them lightly with powdered sugar can give a pretty, snowy effect.
Side Dishes
Classic oatmeal cookies are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea can elevate your snack time to cozy new heights. For a dessert party, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit for a more indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
These cookies lend themselves beautifully to gift-giving. Stack them neatly tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Alternatively, use them as a base for ice cream sandwiches or crumble them over yogurt or pudding for added crunch and flavor the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for up to one week. If you want to maintain the crisp edges, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture.
Freezing
The dough freezes wonderfully! Scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them into the oven from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to bake time. This lets you enjoy fresh cookies anytime.
Reheating
If you have leftover baked cookies, warm them for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave to revive that freshly baked softness. Be careful not to overheat, or they may become too soft or chewy.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Using chocolate chips instead of raisins is a delicious variation in this Classic Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins or Chocolate Chips Recipe and gives a richer, more indulgent taste. Both options work wonderfully depending on what you’re craving.
Why should I toast the oats before baking?
Toasting the oats brings out their natural nuttiness and adds depth to the cookie’s flavor. It also reduces excess moisture, giving a slightly crispier texture that makes these cookies special.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While quick oats can be used in a pinch, rolled oats provide better texture and chewiness that are signature to these cookies. Quick oats tend to make the cookies softer and less textured.
How do I keep my cookies soft for longer?
Storing cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread can help retain moisture and keep them soft for several days. Just replace the bread slice every couple of days to prevent them from going stale.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Just ensure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
Making these Classic Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins or Chocolate Chips Recipe is like creating a batch of pure comfort to share with family and friends. The mix of toasted oats, sweet spices, and your choice of raisins or chocolate chips will delight anyone lucky enough to enjoy them. Give these cookies a try—you might just find your new favorite treat that’s perfect for every occasion.
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Classic Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins or Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes including toasting and baking
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic oatmeal cookies are a delightful treat, featuring toasted oats and a perfect blend of warm spices. Soft in the center with crisp edges, they are made with a combination of brown and granulated sugar, butter, and optional raisins or chocolate chips. A comforting and wholesome cookie perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Mix-ins (Optional)
- 1 cup raisins or substitute with chocolate chips
Instructions
- Toast the oats: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread oats on a rimmed baking sheet and toast, stirring once, until golden and fragrant, about 8–10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, cornstarch, salt, and the cooled toasted oats to create the base dry mixture.
- Cream butter and sugars: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined. Carefully fold in raisins or chocolate chips if using.
- Portion the dough: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in batches for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and the centers are set. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Toasting the oats enhances their flavor and adds a nutty depth to the cookies.
- You can substitute raisins with chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- Do not overmix once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
