Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
There’s something irresistibly homey about a batch of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies fresh from the oven—the sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen is pure nostalgia in cookie form. These cookies bring together hearty oats, plump raisins, and a whisper of cinnamon for a treat that’s chewy in the center, just crisp on the edges, and bursting with comforting flavor. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just because, this classic recipe is sure to become your reliable go-to whenever you crave simple, old-fashioned goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a vital role in creating the perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Don’t let the simplicity fool you—the magic comes from the way these pantry staples work together to build flavor, texture, and satisfaction in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This is the foundation for chewy, tender cookies, lending rich flavor and the perfect amount of moisture.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds sweetness and helps achieve that signature chewiness thanks to its molasses content.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Contributes just the right amount of sweetness and a touch of crispness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and give body to your dough for structure and lift.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors alive with its cozy, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of your cookies, providing needed structure.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps your cookies rise and gives them that lovely tender crumb.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and a touch of spice that’s classic in oatmeal raisin cookies.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors into focus.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): Use these for the best texture—chewy, hearty, and oh-so satisfying.
- Raisins (1 cup): Sweet, juicy bites of nostalgia—soaking them first is a great trick for extra plumpness.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick—always a little victory! Gathering your ingredients and measuring everything now means you can move through the recipe smoothly and stress-free.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a creamy base that helps the cookies puff up just right and ensures every bite is sweetly balanced.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in your eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs give structure and softness, while vanilla deepens the flavor, making the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies taste like a warm hug.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This quick step ensures everything is evenly distributed, which means each cookie gets the perfect flavor and rise.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the bowl with the butter mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Over-mixing can lead to tougher cookies—gentle hands yield pillowy centers!
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Raisins
Now for the stars: gently fold in the oats and the raisins. This is when your dough turns from a standard base into the iconic Oatmeal Raisin Cookie batter—hearty, speckled, and already smelling fantastic.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. It’s a thin line between perfectly chewy and overdone, so keep a close eye near the end of the bake time!
Step 8: Cooling
After pulling the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes—this finishes off their texture and makes them sturdy enough to move. Transfer to a wire rack so the air circulates and the bottoms don’t get soggy. Resist the urge to dig in right away… your patience will pay off!
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the cookies right after baking, or dust with a light shower of powdered sugar. Sometimes a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate gives your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies an elegant twist for special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a steamy mug of coffee, or even hot spiced tea. If you’re packing a lunch or snack, try pairing them with fresh fruit like crisp apple slices for a satisfying balance of sweet and tart.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress friends and family by stacking your cookies in a glass jar tied with ribbon for an adorable homemade gift. For parties, serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside a variety of other homemade cookies or turn them into ice cream sandwiches for a decadent dessert that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies fresher for longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy and delicious for up to five days—if they last that long!
Freezing
If you’d like to make a big batch for later, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies freeze beautifully. Layer cooled cookies between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. You can also freeze the portioned dough balls and bake fresh cookies on demand.
Reheating
For that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, warm cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a couple of minutes. This revives their gooey, chewy texture and makes them taste just-baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute other dried fruits for raisins?
Absolutely! While raisins are classic, chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or even cherries can bring a modern twist to your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Just keep the proportions the same for best results.
How can I make the cookies even chewier?
One of the best tricks is to soak your raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes and pat them dry before adding to the dough. Additionally, don’t over-bake; cookies will continue to set as they cool.
Can I add nuts for extra crunch?
Yes—chopped walnuts or pecans are delicious additions to Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Simply fold up to 1/2 cup of your favorite nuts into the dough along with the oats and raisins.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
You don’t have to, but chilling for 30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape better and deepen the flavor. This step comes down to personal preference and available time.
Are Oatmeal Raisin Cookies suitable for freezing as dough?
Definitely! Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate go-to recipe, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are here to win your heart (and your taste buds)! Each bite is full of comforting flavors and the kind of chewy texture that’s both nostalgic and irresistible. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love to join you, and make a batch—homemade moments don’t get sweeter than this.
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic goodness of homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with this easy-to-follow recipe. These chewy cookies are perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the oats and raisins.
- Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and centers are still soft.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes and pat dry before adding.
- You can also mix in chopped walnuts or substitute dried cranberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
