If you are craving a timeless treat that brings warmth, nostalgia, and a burst of delightful texture in every bite, this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies strike the perfect balance between tender chewiness and the gentle crunch of oats, while the plump raisins add just the right touch of natural sweetness. If you’ve ever wanted a homemade cookie recipe that feels comforting, familiar, yet excitingly delicious, look no further—this recipe is your new go-to for cozy afternoons, celebrations, or whenever you want to treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe so magical are the simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component is chosen carefully to ensure the cookies remain soft while delivering that classic oatmeal nuttiness and a burst of sweetness from the raisins.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, cold): Cold butter helps create a tender crumb and perfect texture while allowing better control over the dough consistency.
- Light brown sugar (1½ cups, packed): Adds deep molasses flavor plus moisture for chewiness.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Provides sweetness and helps crisp the cookie edges slightly.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses a warm, fragrant note that complements the spices and oats.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the cookie, providing structure while keeping it tender.
- Rolled oats (1½ cups): Adds a lovely texture contrast along with hearty flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Elevates the cookie with warm spice that pairs perfectly with raisins.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough and contributes to their soft texture.
- Raisins (2 cups): The star of the show, these juicy bites of natural sweetness make the cookies irresistible.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Having everything ready at this stage keeps the process flow smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, add cold, cubed unsalted butter along with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat these together on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is essential—it incorporates air that helps the dough rise slightly and creates that soft, tender texture. Next, add your eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to blend in richness evenly. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to boost the flavor.
Step 3: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk your all-purpose flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. This combines all the dry elements evenly, distributing the cinnamon and leavening agent so each cookie bakes perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Once your dry ingredients are ready, slowly add them to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix here—just stir until everything is combined for an ideal, tender crumb. Then fold in the plump raisins using a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly spread throughout your dough without breaking them up.
Step 5: Scoop and Space Your Dough
With a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded mounds of your dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie because they will spread slightly as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the edges turning a warm golden brown while the centers remain a bit soft and just set. This underbaked center is the secret to that iconic softness and chewiness that makes these cookies so delightful.
Step 7: Cooling Time
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up just enough so you can transfer them without breaking. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy while still slightly warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, you can add some extra flair with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking also adds a gourmet touch that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your oatmeal raisin cookies with a frothy cup of chai tea or a cold glass of milk to complement the warm cinnamon flavor beautifully. For a decadent treat, enjoy them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, turning a simple cookie into a lovely dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Stack the cookies and tie them with rustic twine for a charming gift presentation. Or sandwich softened cookies with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter for delightful cookie sandwiches that add an extra layer of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them sealed locks in moisture so they remain soft and chewy rather than drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prepare a batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers. They can last up to 3 months frozen without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To revive the cookie’s just-baked softness, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This little trick makes the raisins plump again and restores lovely chewiness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! You can swap raisins with dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots. Each will give a unique flavor twist while maintaining that chewy, fruity bite. Just be mindful of sweetness levels since some dried fruits are sweeter than raisins.
Is it necessary to use cold butter for this recipe?
Yes, cold butter helps create a more tender cookie with a wonderful texture. It slows down the creaming process slightly, which results in less spreading and keeps cookies soft and thick rather than thin and crispy.
Can I make these cookies gluten free?
You can definitely try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but you may want to look for one designed for baking and maintain the oat quantity carefully. The texture might vary slightly but should still be delicious!
Why do the centers need to be slightly underdone?
Leaving the cookie centers a little underbaked ensures that once cooled, they won’t harden and become dry. This technique locks in moisture, creating the signature soft and chewy texture that makes this recipe so irresistible.
How can I make the cookies more flavorful?
Adding a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a splash of orange zest along with the cinnamon can brighten the flavor profile beautifully. Small touches like these make the cookies even more aromatic and memorable.
Final Thoughts
This Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, offering comfort food at its finest with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps. Once you try making these cookies, you’ll understand why they become an instant favorite, perfect for sharing or savoring quietly with your favorite drink. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the heartwarming delight of these classic treats!
Print
Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies combine the hearty texture of rolled oats with the natural sweetness of raisins and warm cinnamon spice, all enveloped in a buttery, tender cookie. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, these cookies are easy to make and yield a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (229 g) unsalted butter, cold
- 1½ cups (330 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (95 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups (120 g) rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon (7 g) ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Add-ins
- 2 cups (approximately 10 oz) raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine cold, cubed butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy and well incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, emulsified batter. Stir in vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda to distribute the leavening and spices evenly.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overdeveloping gluten which can make cookies tough. Fold in the raisins gently with a spatula to evenly incorporate them without breaking.
- Portion the Dough: Using a rounded tablespoon, scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches spacing to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. The centers may appear slightly underdone, which ensures a soft and chewy texture once cooled.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess and allowing them to set perfectly.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them as described in the instructions.
- Cold butter helps achieve a tender, flaky texture.
- Substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips for variation.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness.
- Optional: chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
