If you’re craving a classic treat that’s always a hit, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies will absolutely delight your senses. Perfectly soft in the middle with a gentle crunch around the edges, each bite offers sweet bursts of plump raisins, a cozy touch of cinnamon, and that unforgettable, hearty oat texture. Whether you grew up baking these in your family kitchen or you’re discovering them anew, this recipe brings old-fashioned comfort to your table. Bake a batch and watch them disappear — everyone from kids to grown-ups will be asking for just one more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the best ingredients sets the stage for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies that balance chewy, crispy, and sweet. Each element plays a small but mighty role in building up the cookies’ signature flavor, ensuring every bite is memorable and utterly irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Offers that signature richness and helps the cookies remain tender and moist.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds depth, warmth, and an extra touch of chewiness thanks to its molasses content.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Lends just the right balance of sweetness and helps the cookies brown beautifully.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together, giving structure and lift to each cookie.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and adds that comforting, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the base of the dough, giving the cookies their body.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies have just the right lift and spread.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Brings in that warm spice, making every bite taste like a cozy hug.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the sweet notes and makes the flavors pop.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): The heart and soul of classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, providing irresistible chew and texture.
- Raisins (1 cup): For natural sweetness and juicy bites (soaking optional — see tip below!).
- Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): For those times you want a little nutty crunch in every bite.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze. With the oven warming up, you’ll be ready to go once your dough comes together!
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix until the blend is light in color and fluffy in texture — this aeration is key for soft, thick Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. It will only take a couple of minutes, but it sets the stage for the best cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step gives structure and richness. Stir in the vanilla extract for that irresistible bakery aroma and extra layer of cozy flavor.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. By mixing them first, you guarantee even distribution throughout the dough, so every cookie gets the perfect blend of spice and rise.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing on low or by hand until just combined. Avoid over-mixing — the goal is to keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies light and tender, not tough.
Step 6: Stir in the Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts
Gently fold in the rolled oats, raisins, and chopped walnuts (if using). For extra-plump raisins, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and pat them dry before adding; this little trick yields a bakery-worthy cookie every time.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just golden and the centers have set. Be careful not to overbake; slightly soft centers are what keep these cookies irresistibly chewy.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes — they’ll finish setting and be easier to transfer. Move them to a wire rack to cool completely, or sneak a warm one with a glass of milk for the ultimate experience!
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
If you want to dress up your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt as they cool is a simple way to enhance their look and flavor. For a little fall flair, try a pinch more cinnamon on top!
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect alongside a cup of coffee, chai tea, or a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them at a party, offer them with a fruit platter or a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic yet elevated dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a handful of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, tie them with baker’s twine, and slip them into a clear bag for a charming homemade gift. For family movie night, crumble them over vanilla yogurt or ice cream — it’s pure comfort in every spoonful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies wonderfully soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for several days, and the flavors only deepen (if they last that long!).
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Layer them between sheets of parchment in an airtight container and you’ll have homemade treats ready anytime. Cookie dough freezes beautifully too; just scoop onto a tray, freeze until solid, and transfer to a bag for future baking.
Reheating
If you prefer your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies warm, pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Frozen cookies can be thawed at room temperature or refreshed in a 300°F oven for a few minutes for that just-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! You can swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries. Each brings a unique twist to the classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and lets you personalize the recipe to your tastes.
What’s the best way to make the cookies extra soft?
Using room-temperature butter, not overmixing your dough, and removing the cookies from the oven while the centers are just set are all secrets to super-soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. A slice of bread in the cookie container can help keep them soft, too!
How do I make these cookies nut-free?
Simply leave out the walnuts or swap for a nut-free alternative, like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, for a deliciously safe version of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Why soak the raisins beforehand?
Soaking raisins in warm water for 10 minutes makes them plumper and juicier, which adds extra delicious bursts of flavor to your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Just remember to pat them dry so your dough doesn’t become too wet.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
While quick oats work in a pinch, old-fashioned rolled oats deliver that signature hearty chew and rustic look that make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies so special. Quick oats will result in a softer, less textured cookie, but your cookies will still taste fantastic!
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly homey and nostalgic about a plate of warm Oatmeal Raisin Cookies — they’re a hug in dessert form! Whether you’re baking them for company or as a special treat just because, give this recipe a try and delight in every bite. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and your cookie jar might never stay full again!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a classic favorite, combining chewy oats, sweet raisins, and a hint of cinnamon in every bite. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a crowd or just satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets 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 Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in Mix-Ins: Stir in the oats, raisins, and walnuts (if using).
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before using to make them extra plump.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or leave them out for a nut-free version.
- Cookies stay soft for days when stored in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
