Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

There are oatmeal raisin cookies, and then there are the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. With a chewy, golden center, plump and juicy raisins, and just the right hit of cinnamon, these cookies taste like a warm hug straight from the oven. They’re simple enough for a weeknight treat but delicious enough to earn a spot in any special occasion cookie jar. Trust me, after just one bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is my favorite way to make memories in the kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here: each ingredient in the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies brings its own magic to the mix. From rich butter to hearty oats, this lineup turns a few pantry staples into something truly irresistible.

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies that rich, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Packed Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds a deep caramel warmth and unbeatable chewiness.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Provides the perfect hint of sweetness alongside the brown sugar.
• Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together and add moisture for soft cookies.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a lovely aroma and all-around flavor boost.
• All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups): The foundation for structure while keeping things light.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies spread and rise just enough.
• Ground Cinnamon (1½ teaspoons): The secret to that warm, nostalgic flavor in every bite.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness for a crave-worthy cookie experience.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (3 cups): Add satisfying chewiness and a rustic, classic texture.
• Raisins (1 cup): Sweet, juicy bursts that make these the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

How to Make Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets

Set yourself up for cookie success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This small step guarantees easy clean-up and perfectly golden bottoms every time you make the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. You’re aiming for a pale, fluffy mixture—this is what gives your cookies that irresistible texture. Don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well between each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. This helps the cookies hold together and delivers that little extra pop of flavor.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first means every bite of cookie will have a consistent taste and texture—no salty surprises or pockets of baking soda.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the creamed butter mix. Do this in batches and mix only until just combined. Over-mixing can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Step 6: Stir in the Oats and Raisins

Switch to a spatula or wooden spoon, then gently fold in the old-fashioned oats and raisins. This is the moment your dough transforms into cookie bliss. If you want extra-plump raisins, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain them before adding—they’ll be little pockets of flavor in each bite!

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, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft. This is the secret to that classic chewy texture the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are known for.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes (they’ll finish setting up), then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—if you can wait that long! Fresh from the oven, these cookies are absolute perfection.

How to Serve Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking really brings out the flavors and adds a delightful contrast. Or, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent finish on your Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

Side Dishes

These cookies are wonderful with a cold glass of milk or hot cup of tea. For a fancier affair, pair them alongside a fruit platter or a bowl of creamy vanilla ice cream. The warmth of cinnamon and raisin is the ultimate companion to simple, classic sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Gift a batch tied up in parchment and ribbon as a homemade treat, or assemble a cookie sandwich with a scoop of ice cream pressed between two cookies. For a party, arrange different types of cookies (but spotlight these as the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!) for a mix-and-match dessert tray.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about four days—if they last that long! A slice of bread in the container keeps them extra moist.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months, layered between sheets of wax paper. Or, freeze the dough in balls and bake fresh whenever the craving for Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies hits!

Reheating

To revive that just-baked taste, pop a cookie or two in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm them briefly in a 300°F oven. They’ll come out soft, chewy, and as irresistible as when they were first baked.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

While quick oats will work in a pinch, old-fashioned rolled oats give the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies their signature chewy texture. Quick oats tend to make the cookies a bit softer and less hearty, but they won’t ruin the batch.

Why should I soak the raisins first?

Soaking raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes makes them extra plump and juicy. This little trick keeps them from drying out in the oven and gives every cookie a satisfying burst of sweetness.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans are a classic addition, and chocolate chips turn these into an irresistible treat. Just keep the total add-ins to about 1 to 1 ½ cups for the right balance.

How do I achieve a chewier cookie?

Using more brown sugar than white sugar and not over-baking are key. Take the cookies out when the centers look slightly underdone—they’ll firm up as they cool. For ultra-chewy cookies, you can even chill the dough before baking.

Are the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies suitable for gifting?

Definitely! These cookies travel well and stay fresh for days, making them a thoughtful homemade gift. Packaging in decorative tins or cellophane bags really makes them special.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the perfect cookie, I can’t recommend these Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies enough. They’re a timeless classic that brings comfort, sweetness, and a little bit of joy to any day. Bake a batch, share with friends, and let these cookies become your new go-to recipe!

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