Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
There’s just something magical about a warm, freshly baked batch of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. These cookies are soft and chewy, bursting with plump raisins and the rich aroma of cinnamon, all enveloped in hearty oats. I adore how nostalgic and comforting every bite feels, whether you’re sharing with friends, treating yourself after a long day, or sneaking one with your morning coffee. Making them from scratch is so rewarding—you’ll never go back to store-bought once you try this classic recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can craft cookies that taste both luxurious and familiar. Each ingredient in this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies recipe brings its own unique magic, so let’s give them the spotlight they deserve! Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creates that irresistible rich and tender crumb—let it come to room temperature for the smoothest creaming.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Adds deep caramel notes and beautiful chewiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Contributes sweetness and structure, ensuring the perfect texture.
- Large eggs (2): These bind everything together and give your cookies a soft, thick bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends a warm, aromatic undertone that rounds out all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The classic base for cookies, holding everything in shape without being too heavy.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): The leavening hero that gives your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies their delicate lift.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and makes all the flavors pop—it’s a must!
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): The signature spice here, adding warmth and lots of nostalgia.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): Brings hearty texture and true oatmeal cookie flavor—it’s what sets these apart.
- Raisins (1 cup): Sweet, chewy bursts in every bite; soak them for extra plumpness if you love them ultra-juicy!
- Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds crunch and a toasty nuttiness—totally optional but highly recommended.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. Getting this ready first means you can move straight from mixing to baking without missing a beat!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer (or some elbow grease and a sturdy spoon) to beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This process infuses air into the butter and helps your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies bake up soft and thick every time.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and give everything another good beat. This step smooths out your dough and helps unify all those flavors.
Step 4: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures your leaveners and spices are evenly distributed, giving each cookie a perfect taste and rise. Mixing the dry ingredients before adding keeps your dough from getting tough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Don’t overmix—just make sure all the flour disappears. This is where your kitchen really starts to smell amazing!
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts
Switch to a spatula or sturdy wooden spoon and stir in the oats, raisins, and walnuts (if using). If you want extra plump raisins, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain well before adding. These mix-ins give your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies their iconic texture and flavor.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the edges look golden but the centers are still soft. That’s the secret to an irresistibly chewy center!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes—they’ll finish setting up and be easier to transfer. Move them to a wire rack to cool completely, though I won’t blame you if you sneak one (or two) while they’re still warm!
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of your warm Oatmeal Raisin Cookies adds even more flavor and sparkle. A drizzle of white chocolate or just a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also take them to the next level.
Side Dishes
These cookies are delightful with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair them with fresh fruit or a creamy dip for an unexpected but delightful touch at dessert tables.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a rustic cake stand for a bake sale, package a dozen in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon as an edible gift, or sandwich a scoop of frozen yogurt between two Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for a unique ice cream sandwich. There’s no wrong way to share these beauties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies delightfully soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Tuck in a piece of bread—you read that right!—to help maintain the cookies’ moisture for up to five days.
Freezing
Want to keep a stash on hand? Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can also freeze unbaked cookie dough balls—just pop them straight into the oven from frozen for fresh Oatmeal Raisin Cookies anytime!
Reheating
If you love your cookies a little warm and gooey, give them a quick zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for a couple of minutes. The cookies will taste freshly baked, with that amazing aroma wafting through your kitchen once again.
FAQs
Can I substitute dried cranberries for the raisins?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries are an excellent substitute in Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, lending a slightly tart, vibrant twist to the classic cookie.
How do I make my cookies extra chewy?
For chewier Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, slightly underbake them and let them finish setting on the tray; also, don’t skimp on the brown sugar or the old-fashioned oats!
Can I make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies gluten-free?
Yes—you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and be sure your oats are certified gluten-free; the results are just as delicious and satisfying.
What if I don’t like walnuts or have a nut allergy?
No worries! Simply leave out the walnuts. The cookies are just as wonderful without them, and you can add more raisins or substitute with seeds if you like.
Why should I soak the raisins before baking?
Soaking the raisins makes them juicier and plumper, so they stay soft even after baking. It’s an easy extra step that really boosts the texture of each Oatmeal Raisin Cookie.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel excited to try baking these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in your own kitchen. There’s something so special about the warm, comforting aroma and the perfect chewy bite. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon or a weekend baking project, these cookies are guaranteed to spark joy—happy baking!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic comfort of homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. These chewy delights are packed with oats, raisins, and a hint of cinnamon for a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in oats, raisins, and walnuts if desired.
- Bake: Drop tablespoons of dough onto sheets, bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Cool on pan before transferring to a rack.
Notes
- Soak raisins in warm water for plumper texture.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
