If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy treat, this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is absolutely worth making right now. Imagine biting into a cookie that greets you with a tender yet chewy texture, full of warm cinnamon spice, sweet bursts of raisins, and the wholesome goodness of oats. Each cookie feels like a little hug from the inside, perfectly balancing sweetness with a delightful depth of flavor. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving a comforting snack, these cookies hit every note beautifully and are guaranteed to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this recipe are straightforward pantry staples that come together to craft the ideal cookie texture and flavor. Each one isn’t just filler—it plays a key role, whether that’s adding sweetness, moisture, or that signature chewiness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich creaminess and helps the cookies spread evenly as they bake.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes and contributes to the soft texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and promotes slight crispness on the cookie edges.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and give the cookies their tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with warm, sweet aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the cookies just enough for a light, airy bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, preventing them from tasting flat.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon: The soul of the cookie, adding a cozy, spicy warmth.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Contributes hearty chewiness and wholesome texture.
- 1 cup raisins: Brings natural sweetness and little juicy pops in every bite.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds crunch and a toasty nutty flavor to contrast the soft chewiness.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your dough is ready. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and helps your cookies bake evenly without burning on the bottom.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture looks fluffy and pale. This creaming step is crucial because it traps air, which makes your cookies light and tender. It’s also where the sugars begin melding with the butter, setting the stage for that perfect sweet flavor.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, add the eggs, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and ensure your texture stays soft and uniform. Stir in the vanilla extract last; it will give your cookies that subtle, warm sweetness we all love.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This evenly distributes all the dry elements so the cookies bake consistently and carry that lovely cinnamon warmth in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so aim for a gentle fold. Then fold in the hearty oats, juicy raisins, and walnuts if you’re using them. This step builds the fantastic texture and bursts of flavor the recipe is known for.
Step 6: Portion and Bake
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges turn a delicate golden color yet the centers remain soft and inviting. They’ll firm up slightly as they cool, preserving that chewiness you’re after.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for around 5 minutes to set up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step prevents soggy bottoms and keeps your Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe just right for eating or storing.
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of warm cookies for an extra layer of sweetness and aroma, or add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate touch. A dollop of cream cheese frosting can turn your cookies into a dessert-worthy treat for special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk, but for an adult twist, serve alongside a cup of hot chai tea or strong coffee. The spices in the cookies and tea complement each other perfectly to warm you from the inside out.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange your Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin. Or sandwich two cookies together with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between to create irresistible ice cream sandwiches that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or lunchbox addition.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a sealed freezer bag or container, layering sheets of parchment paper between batches to avoid sticking. Thaw overnight at room temperature or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to bring back that soft, just-baked feeling.
Reheating
For that freshly baked warmth, reheat your cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This will revive their softness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with another dried fruit?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates all work wonderfully and will add their own unique flavor and sweetness to your cookies.
Why are my oatmeal raisin cookies not soft?
Often, overbaking or using too much flour can make cookies dry. Keep an eye on the baking time and remove the cookies when the centers still look slightly underdone—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best chewy texture and structure for these cookies. Quick oats can be used but may result in a softer, less chewy cookie with a finer texture.
Is it necessary to use both brown and granulated sugar?
Using both sugars balances moisture and crispness. Brown sugar adds chewiness and depth, while granulated sugar gives a slight crunch and sweetness. You can experiment with ratios, but combining both creates the best texture.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! Simply omit the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without nuts.
Final Thoughts
This Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe feels like a hug from the oven and offers endless comfort with every bite. Whether you’re baking for holidays, a cozy weekend, or just to satisfy a craving, these cookies are sure to bring smiles. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can come together to create such a memorable treat!
Print
Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a perfect blend of cinnamon-spiced oats, sweet raisins, and optional crunchy walnuts. With a tender texture and just the right amount of chewiness, these cookies make an ideal snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
Others
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth and creamy base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully. Stir in the vanilla extract for additional flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts: Gently fold in the rolled oats, raisins, and chopped walnuts if using, ensuring they’re evenly spread throughout the cookie dough.
- Scoop Dough on Baking Sheets: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color while centers remain soft, achieving that ideal chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage and keeping them chewy.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Do not overbake to maintain chewiness; cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Oats can be substituted with gluten-free oats if needed.
