Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a cookie that wraps you in comfort with every chewy, cinnamon-kissed bite, look no further than these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. This recipe is a beloved classic, balancing plump, juicy raisins and hearty oats with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re a longtime fan or baking them for the first time, these cookies are guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma that sparks nostalgia and invites everyone to the table!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Oatmeal Raisin Cookies is how every ingredient plays a starring role in creating that irresistible texture and flavor. From the creamy butter to the earthy oats, these simple, pantry-friendly staples come together and create something truly special.

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Softened butter is the secret to a tender, chewy crumb and rich flavor in every cookie.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies perfectly chewy.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Offers a hint of classic sweetness and helps achieve crisp edges.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind the dough together and provide structure, ensuring each bite is just right.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with a cozy, aromatic undertone that enhances every other flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives the cookies their signature body while letting the oats take the spotlight.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures perfect spread and lift, resulting in a soft, even texture.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings the cookies to life with a subtle warmth and spice.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the oats’ and raisins’ natural flavor.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (3 cups): Heart of the recipe—these give each cookie a satisfyingly chewy bite.
• Raisins (1 cup): The plump, sweet gems that burst with flavor in every mouthful.

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and ensure your cookies bake evenly every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this step is crucial for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture we love in Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract, which adds heartwarming aroma and depth to the dough.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Pour this dry mix into your wet batter in gradual additions, mixing just until combined to keep your cookies tender.

Step 5: Fold in the Oats and Raisins

Now comes the magic—gently stir in the rolled oats and raisins. The dough will be thick and chunky, exactly as it should be! Don’t worry if it seems stiff; those oats and raisins are what make these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies so special.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each to allow the cookies to spread. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the centers remain soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about five minutes—they’ll firm up a bit—before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The wonderful aroma will tempt you, so don’t be shy about sneaking a warm cookie straight from the rack!

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Garnishes

To make your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies extra inviting, try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a pinch of cinnamon sugar. Each garnish adds a little flair without overpowering the beloved cookie flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies are divine with a simple glass of cold milk, but don’t stop there—serve alongside fresh fruit, vanilla ice cream, or even a warm chai latte for a comforting treat that elevates snack time to an event.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in a rustic basket lined with a linen towel, stack them high on a vintage plate, or tie bundles with twine for charming gifts. For gatherings, create a cookie platter with other favorites for a delicious, homey display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies to an airtight container. They’ll stay perfectly soft and chewy for up to five days—if they don’t disappear before then! Just keep them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

Freezing

Planning ahead? You can freeze both baked cookies or the unbaked dough. For cookies, layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. For dough, scoop portions and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag so you’re always only minutes away from freshly baked cookies.

Reheating

To enjoy that straight-from-the-oven taste, warm a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for three to five minutes. This revives their magnificent chewy texture and releases all the cinnamony, oaty aroma you love.

FAQs

Can I substitute other dried fruit for the raisins?

Absolutely! Try dried cranberries, cherries, or even chopped dried apricots if you want to mix things up in your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Every variation adds a unique flavor twist.

How do I make the cookies extra chewy?

For ultra-chewy cookies, soak your raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes (then pat dry) before adding them to the dough. Don’t overbake—the cookies should look just set when you remove them from the oven.

Are quick oats or steel-cut oats okay to use?

Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats! Quick oats will yield a softer, less textured result, while steel-cut oats do not soften properly during baking. Rolled oats are what make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies classic and chewy.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a one-to-one gluten-free baking flour to make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies gluten-free. Just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.

What’s the best way to keep cookies fresh for a party the next day?

Store your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and if possible, slip a slice of soft bread into the container. The bread helps absorb moisture and keeps the cookies wonderfully soft for your gathering.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something sweet, chewy, and comforting, give these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies a place in your baking rotation. They’re the kind of treat everyone secretly hopes to find in a cookie jar, and once you taste them fresh from the oven, you’ll see why this recipe is such a favorite. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!

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