If you have a soft spot for classic, chewy, and comforting cookies, then this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Bursting with wholesome oats, plump raisins, and a delightful medley of textures from nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut, these cookies have that perfect balance of sweetness and spice that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a nostalgic treat, this recipe invites you to create irresistibly cozy moments with each batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is wonderfully simple in terms of ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering that classic chewy texture, deep flavor, and inviting aroma you expect from the best homemade cookies.
- Shortening (or butter): Provides the tender base and rich flavor that make the cookies melt in your mouth.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and caramel-like sweetness, enhancing the chewiness.
- Sugar: A touch of extra sweetness and helps with browning.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give structure to the dough.
- Water: Helps to blend the dough smoothly while maintaining moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that elevates all the flavors.
- Uncooked quick oats: The heart of the recipe, offering that wholesome, chewy texture.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and balances the oats for the perfect crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet spices and ingredients, rounding out the taste.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft yet sturdy bite.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings cozy warmth and spice that perfectly complements the raisins.
- Raisins: Adds natural sweetness and a chewy pop in every bite.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: Optional but highly recommended for a delightful crunch.
- Chocolate chips: Optional indulgence that pairs beautifully with oats and cinnamon.
- Shredded coconut: Optional, for a subtle tropical twist and extra texture.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly and get that delightful golden edge you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the shortening (or butter), brown sugar, sugar, eggs, water, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air, making your cookies tender and wonderfully soft inside.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your oats, flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. The oats and cinnamon create that signature texture and flavor you love, while the flour and leavening give the cookies structure and lift.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring well until everything is fully combined. Expect the dough to be fairly thick, which is perfect for shaping into hearty cookies.
Step 5: Stir in Raisins
Now, fold in the raisins along with any optional add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut. These extras bring added flavor and a variety of textures that make each bite exciting.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of dough—about 1 ½ tablespoons each—onto ungreased baking sheets. Make sure to space the cookies roughly 2 inches apart to give them room to spread and bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 11 minutes, then rotate your baking sheet to ensure even cooking. Continue baking for an additional 4 minutes or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. This timing locks in the chewy center and crisp edges.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up just enough to handle without crumbling, yet remain soft and chewy inside.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming presentation, dust your oatmeal raisin cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. You can also drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate for a sweet contrast that looks as delicious as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of black coffee, or a warm chai latte. The rich, cinnamon-spiced flavors of the cookies beautifully complement these classic beverages for an indulgent snack or dessert time.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe stand out? Serve them as part of a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit and cheese, or sandwich them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful cookie ice cream sandwich that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to one week, perfect for nibbling anytime you want a little treat.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies longer, freeze them in a sealed container or zip-top bag. They freeze well for up to three months; just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying to bring back that homemade freshness.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This will refresh their soft, chewy texture and scent your kitchen with their inviting aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter for shortening in this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Butter can be used instead of shortening and will give the cookies a richer flavor and slightly softer texture. Just make sure to cream it until fluffy, just like you would with shortening.
Are quick oats the best choice for this recipe?
Quick oats work best because they blend well into the dough and offer a tender chew without making the cookies too dense. If you only have old-fashioned oats, you can use them but expect a heartier texture.
Can I omit the nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut?
Yes! These are optional add-ins meant to enhance the flavor and texture. If you prefer a simple traditional oatmeal raisin cookie, just skip them and enjoy the classic combination of oats, cinnamon, and raisins.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for golden-brown edges with slightly lighter centers. The cookies might feel soft when you touch them but will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake or they may become dry.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. In fact, chilling the dough can enhance the flavors and improve the texture of the cookies.
Final Thoughts
This Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is a timeless classic that brings warmth and joy into every kitchen. There is something truly special about baking a batch of these chewy, flavorful cookies and sharing them with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. So get your ingredients ready and treat yourself to the cozy goodness of homemade oatmeal raisin cookies today!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 60 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously chewy oatmeal raisin cookies packed with warm cinnamon, raisins, and a delightful blend of nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut. These cookies are perfect for sharing and make for a comforting treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with rich, sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shortening (or butter)
- 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 6 cups uncooked oats (quick oats)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups raisins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat, ensuring it reaches the right temperature for baking your cookies evenly.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening (or butter), brown sugar, sugar, eggs, water, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create the perfect cookie texture.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the quick oats, all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring well until they are fully combined to form a thick cookie dough.
- Stir in Raisins and Add-ins: Fold in the raisins, and your choice of chopped walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, and shredded coconut to distribute these flavorful mix-ins evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough, about 1 ½ tablespoons each, onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11 minutes, then rotate the baking sheets for even baking and continue baking for an additional 4 minutes until the cookies turn golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute butter for shortening for a richer flavor, but cookies may spread more.
- Feel free to swap out raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates for variety.
- For a nut-free option, omit walnuts or pecans.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Use quick oats as specified for the best texture, but old-fashioned oats can also work with a slightly chewier result.
