If there ever was a cookie that evokes comfort, nostalgia, and a dash of wholesome delight, it’s the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Bursting with chewy oats, sweet raisins, warm cinnamon, and a loving hint of vanilla, these cookies are classic treats that bridge generations. Every bite manages to capture golden edges and soft centers—perfect for lunchboxes, bake sales, or a well-earned cozy break. Get ready to fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma, because there’s truly nothing quite as cherishable as a batch of homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies fresh from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to make these cookies, and each has a special role in creating sweet success. From the softness of butter to the chewiness of oats, these ingredients are classic for good reason—they create that iconic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies flavor and texture everyone adores.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Softened butter ensures a creamy dough and offers rich flavor—leave it out to come to room temp for best results.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): This brings moisture and deep caramel notes to your cookies, keeping them chewy.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the brown sugar with a touch of classic sweetness and helps crisp up the edges.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs bind the dough, add structure, and deliver those pillowy centers.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses each bite with sweet, aromatic warmth—you’ll taste the difference.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): This is your base, giving just the right amount of structure for thick and satisfying cookies.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): The essential leavening agent that ensures a nice, even rise.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Cinnamon brings a cozy, spicy note—don’t skip it!
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to brighten and balance all the sweet flavors.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): The heart and soul of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies—choose old-fashioned for best texture.
- Raisins (1 cup): Sweet, plump, and chewy, they’re the hidden gem in every bite (soak them for extra juiciness!).
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This one quick step means your cookies won’t stick and clean-up will be a breeze later on.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This stage is where the magic begins—proper creaming ensures a cookie that is both tender and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Take it slow here to make sure everything is fully incorporated, creating that luscious cookie dough base.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. This simple step makes sure all the rising agents and spices are perfectly blended and evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Take care not to overmix—this keeps your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies tender and moist.
Step 6: Fold in the Oats and Raisins
Gently stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats and raisins. Try soaking your raisins in warm water for 10 minutes beforehand if you love an extra plump, chewy burst in every bite.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are a glorious golden brown and the centers are just set.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This extra rest helps them set up properly, holding those irresistible chewy centers while you sneak a taste (go ahead—you’ve earned it).
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar makes these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies even more inviting, while a drizzle of white or dark chocolate can transform them into a bakery-worthy treat. For an extra sprinkle of crunch, a handful of chopped walnuts on top before baking adds charm as well as flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies are best served with a tall glass of cold milk, classic-style. For a more sophisticated twist, pair them with a cup of strong coffee or a spiced chai latte—delicious contrasts to the cookie’s sweet, homey essence.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in a pretty jar tied with ribbon and a handwritten note for the ultimate homemade gift. For parties, arrange them in neat circles on a tiered stand or tuck them into lunchboxes for an extra-special midday pick-me-up everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They retain their soft centers and chewy texture, making them just as satisfying on day five as the day you made them—if they last that long!
Freezing
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies freeze beautifully, whether baked or raw. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag, or scoop unbaked dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store. That way, you can enjoy “freshly” baked cookies straight from the freezer in just minutes.
Reheating
For that just-out-of-the-oven experience, gently warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. The aroma will fill your kitchen once again, and the texture will be perfectly revived—soft, chewy centers every time.
FAQs
Why are my Oatmeal Raisin Cookies coming out dry?
This usually means they’ve been baked a bit too long, or there wasn’t enough moisture in the dough. Be sure to measure your flour accurately and take the cookies out when the centers are just set for the chewiest result.
Can I substitute quick oats for rolled oats?
Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they may make the cookie texture a bit softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned rolled oats really are the secret to the heartiness that distinguishes classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
How do I make my raisins extra juicy?
Soak the raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes or until plump, then drain and pat dry before adding to the dough. This trick makes your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies extra moist and flavorful.
Is it okay to add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add delightful crunch, and chocolate chips give a fun twist to the classic. Just fold in no more than 1/2 cup of your chosen mix-ins to avoid overwhelming the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Chill the dough for up to 48 hours before baking, which helps deepen the flavor and yield even chewier cookies. Or freeze pre-portioned scoops for drop-and-bake convenience whenever a craving hits.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about baking Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from scratch. Whether for yourself, your family, or a lucky friend, these cookies spread a little extra joy every time. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and discover just how wonderful Oatmeal Raisin Cookies can be—warm, chewy, and shared straight from the heart.
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a delightful treat with chewy oats, sweet raisins, and warm cinnamon flavors. Perfect for any occasion, these homemade cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together softened 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.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Stir in oats and raisins: Stir in the oats and raisins.
- Bake: Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding for extra plumpness.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts for extra crunch.
- These cookies freeze well once baked or as unbaked dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
