If you have a soft spot for classic, chewy treats that bring a wave of nostalgia with every bite, this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Loaded with hearty oats and plump, sweet raisins, these cookies strike the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. The warm cinnamon and brown sugar deepen the flavor, making each cookie a comforting hug in edible form. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these oatmeal raisin cookies will become a beloved staple you’ll want to bake time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to creating the rich texture and inviting flavors that define this recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that adds moisture to the oats that give the cookies their signature chewiness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Offers richness and ensures the cookies stay tender yet chewy.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings deep caramel notes and moisture for softness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and helps with spread.
- 2 large eggs: Act as binders and contribute to the cookie’s structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and adds warm, aromatic depth.
- 2 cups rolled oats: Create that classic chewy texture and a nutty flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to hold the cookies together perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft bite.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy hint of spice that complements the raisins.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups raisins: Juicy bursts of natural sweetness that make these cookies truly special.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it determines the cookie’s texture and sweetness distribution.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition to build a smooth batter. Then, mix in the vanilla extract to infuse your dough with aromatic sweetness.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the baking soda and cinnamon are evenly distributed throughout your dough for consistent rising and flavor.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring slowly until just combined. Over-mixing can toughen the cookies, so keep it gentle to achieve that perfect tender chew.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Raisins
Gently fold in the rolled oats and raisins until they are evenly spread throughout the dough. These ingredients give the cookies their heartiness and delightful bursts of sweetness in every bite.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread without merging together. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are a lovely golden brown while the centers stay soft.
Step 8: Cool to Perfection
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step ensures they maintain their chewy texture and don’t crumble.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your oatmeal raisin cookies just a bit, sprinkle a handful of oats or a few extra raisins on top just before baking for an inviting rustic look. For a little extra flair, drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate over cooled cookies for a sweet contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of chai tea, both complementing the cinnamon and oat flavors perfectly. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside a mild coffee or lightly spiced hot cider.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching these cookies with cream cheese frosting or vanilla ice cream to make a decadent treat that will impress everyone. They also work wonderfully crumbled over yogurt or incorporated into a dessert parfait for a bit of texture and chew.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Oatmeal raisin cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps keep them soft and chewy by maintaining moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookies either baked or unbaked. For baked cookies, freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed bag to prevent sticking. Freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, ready to bake whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes to bring back that freshly baked softness and enhanced aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with something else?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips make great alternatives that offer different flavor profiles while still complementing the oatmeal texture.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, you keep the same hearty texture without the gluten.
What causes oatmeal cookies to turn out dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour can dry them out. Follow baking times closely and measure ingredients precisely to keep cookies soft and chewy.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and pair well with the cinnamon and raisins for extra texture and flavor complexity.
How can I make the cookies chewier?
Using all brown sugar instead of a mix with granulated sugar increases moisture, and slightly underbaking the cookies by a minute helps keep that irresistible chew.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe fresh out of the oven. These cookies bring a perfect blend of wholesome oats, sweet raisins, and gentle cinnamon warmth that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking them for an afternoon snack, a crowd-pleasing dessert, or just to brighten your day, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite. Give this recipe a try soon — your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies made with wholesome rolled oats, plump raisins, and warm cinnamon, perfect for a classic homemade treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while offering a comforting texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture, which helps to incorporate air for tender cookies.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the two large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cookie’s 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 ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make cookies tough.
- Add oats and raisins: Fold in the rolled oats and raisins until they are evenly incorporated throughout the dough, providing texture and bursts of sweetness.
- Shape dough: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown while the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they firm up without breaking.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and allow to cool on the sheet.
- You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for variation.
- Using old-fashioned rolled oats rather than instant oats provides better texture.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming with sugars.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
