If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect balance between chewy and crisp, sweet and warmly spiced, then this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies combine the hearty texture of rolled oats with the natural sweetness of plump raisins and a hint of cinnamon, making every bite a nostalgic hug in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a cozy night in, or just to satisfy a craving, this recipe delivers classic comfort and timeless flavor with ease. Get ready to make these irresistible treats your go-to dessert!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these cookies comes from simple ingredients that pack a punch in texture, flavor, and color. Each component plays its part to create that iconic chewy yet slightly crisp cookie that feels like home in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides rich flavor and helps achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a delightful caramel note to balance the oats and raisins.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Contributes a slight crunch and sweetness contrast to the brown sugar.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together and add moisture for chewiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure without weighing the cookies down.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the perfect rise and light texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Brings cozy warmth and depth to every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): Give these cookies their hearty, wholesome texture.
- Raisins (1 cup): Infuse natural sweetness and plump juiciness.
- Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty richness when included.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This small prep step saves you time and makes cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration is key to achieving that perfect cookie crumb and subtle sweetness throughout.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients create the foundation for binding and flavor depth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients beforehand prevents clumps and ensures even distribution, giving the cookies their signature spice and rise.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make the cookies tough, and we definitely want them tender and chewy here!
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts
Finally, add the rolled oats, plump raisins (consider soaking them in warm water prior to using for extra juiciness), and the optional chopped walnuts. Folding these in by hand preserves the wonderful texture contrast that makes this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe so delightful.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a rounded tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and centers are set but still soft. Let the cookies cool for five minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The wait is tough, but so worth it!
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and sparkle. You can also top them with a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist that pairs perfectly with the raisins.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of spiced chai tea, or a frothy latte. They also complement creamy vanilla ice cream wonderfully for a classic sundae that never gets old.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dessert platter, create a cookie sandwich by filling two oatmeal raisin cookies with soft cream cheese frosting or a scoop of caramel ice cream. Alternatively, cut them into bite-size pieces and mix with nuts and dried fruit for a party-friendly cookie trail mix.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe treasures fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, they stay soft and delicious for several days, making them perfect for busy weeks or packed lunches.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, so you can always have a sweet treat on standby.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop frozen or refrigerated cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This quick heat-up enhances their chewy texture and releases that amazing cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins for other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried cherries work wonderfully and add a unique flavor twist. Just keep the quantity the same for best results.
Is it necessary to soak the raisins?
Soaking the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes is optional but highly recommended. It plumps them up and prevents them from drying out during baking, making every bite juicy and tender.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that has baking powder or soda included. Just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How do I get the cookies chewy instead of crunchy?
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them by reducing the bake time by one or two minutes. Also, avoid overmixing the dough, and make sure to store them in an airtight container once cooled.
Can I add nuts other than walnuts?
Definitely! Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios can be great substitutes or additions. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding gives them extra flavor and crunch.
Final Thoughts
Making this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is like welcoming a beloved tradition into your kitchen. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get to enjoy truly comforting cookies that bring people together. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or an everyday treat, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a favorite that keeps calling us back for more!
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 classic oatmeal raisin cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm cinnamon flavor. Made with wholesome rolled oats, plump raisins, and optional crunchy walnuts, they are a perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to prepare and bake, these cookies deliver comfort and nostalgia in every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare them for baking your cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for softer cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor depth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Add-ins: Stir in the rolled oats, raisins, and walnuts if using. This will distribute the chewy texture and nutty flavor throughout the dough.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up without breaking.
Notes
- Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before using to make them extra plump and juicy within the cookies.
- Swap walnuts for pecans, or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free option.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh for several days.
