Get ready to fall in love with the best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies you’ll ever taste—soft, chewy, and bursting with a perfect balance of sweet raisins and warm cinnamon spice. This recipe blends wholesome oats with simple ingredients to create a nostalgic treat that will quickly become your go-to comfort cookie. Whether you want a midday snack or a delightful dessert, these cookies deliver flavor and texture in every bite, satisfying your cravings and bringing a cozy feeling to your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Chewy Texture: Balances softness and chewiness with just the right amount of oats and butter for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Uses pantry staples without any complicated additives, making it simple and accessible.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of cinnamon and plump raisins creates a warm, inviting taste you can’t resist.
- Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed—just mix, scoop, and bake.
- Family Favorite: Appeals to kids and adults alike, perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together effortlessly to make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies that are soft, chewy, and beautifully flavorful. Each component plays a key role, from texture to taste, ensuring your cookies come out just right every time.
- Rolled Oats: Adds hearty chewiness and depth to every bite, providing the base texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cookies, keeping them soft but stable.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances moisture and adds a rich caramel-like sweetness.
- Butter: Provides richness and a tender crumb, important for that melt-in-your-mouth feeling.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps give the cookies their perfect softness.
- Vanilla Extract: Boosts flavor with a fragrant, sweet note that complements the oats and raisins.
- Ground Cinnamon: Brings warming spice that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the raisins.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft without spreading too thin.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Raisins: Adds natural juiciness and bursts of fruity sweetness throughout the cookie.
Variations for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Feel free to get creative and adjust this recipe to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. With a few small tweaks, you can make these cookies uniquely yours while keeping that beloved soft and chewy texture.
- Swap Raisins: Try dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips for a different twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend to keep the cookies safe for those with sensitivities.
- Add Nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon for a spicier cookie.
- Reduce Sugar: Cut back slightly on brown sugar or try a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening and spices distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar until light and fluffy—this step helps your cookies achieve that tender texture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until smooth and combined. These wet ingredients bind everything together and add flavor depth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender without becoming tough.
Step 6: Stir in Raisins
Gently fold in the raisins, making sure they’re evenly distributed without breaking the dough’s texture.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers still look soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly without breaking apart.
Pro Tips for Making Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Use Old-Fashioned Oats: Rolled oats provide the best texture compared to instant oats, which can make the cookies mushy.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when edges turn golden but centers look slightly underdone to keep them chewy.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes if you have time—this prevents spreading and enhances flavor.
- Room Temperature Butter: Cream soft butter for optimal texture and mixing ease.
- Measure Flour Properly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off—too much flour can make cookies dry.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top right after baking for an extra hint of sweetness and aroma, or add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for a decadent touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies perfectly with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot tea, or even your favorite flavored coffee to create a comforting, balanced snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits for an inviting, shareable snack platter. You can also sandwich two cookies with vanilla ice cream for a delightful frozen treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your oatmeal raisin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag or container for up to 3 months; thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to revive that just-baked softness and aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with another fruit?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries work wonderfully and give a different but delicious flavor to your oatmeal raisin cookies.
Are these cookies healthy?
While oatmeal and raisins add fiber and nutrients, these cookies are still a treat with sugar and butter, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
What’s the best way to keep cookies soft?
Don’t overbake and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread, which helps retain moisture and softness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours or freeze it for longer storage—just bake the cookies fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about a batch of soft, chewy oatmeal raisin cookies fresh from the oven. This recipe hits all the right notes with simple ingredients, easy steps, and plenty of room to personalize. Dive in today, and you’ll soon discover the joy in every bite of these classic cookies that bring smiles, nostalgia, and pure deliciousness straight to your kitchen.
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Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies bursting with the perfect balance of sweet raisins and warm cinnamon spice. Made with simple wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, brown sugar, and butter, these nostalgic cookies are easy to prepare and perfect for snacks or desserts.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup raisins
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening and spices evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar until light and fluffy, helping to achieve a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until smooth and well combined, binding everything together and adding flavor depth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing and to keep the cookies tender.
- Stir in Raisins: Gently fold in the raisins, distributing them evenly without breaking the dough’s texture.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet spaced about two inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are golden but centers look soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set properly without breaking apart.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture rather than instant oats.
- Do not overbake; remove cookies when edges are golden and centers look slightly underdone to retain chewiness.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and enhance flavor.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and optimal texture.
- Measure flour properly by spooning into the cup and leveling off to avoid dry cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg