Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Few treats capture the warm, nostalgic comfort of home quite like Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Their chewy texture, golden edges, and sweet bursts of juicy raisins tucked into every bite have made them a beloved classic for generations. Whether you’re baking these for a cozy afternoon snack, sharing them with family, or sneaking one straight off the cooling rack, these cookies always promise a heartwarming and delicious moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Oatmeal Raisin Cookies so special is how such everyday ingredients unite to create something magical. Each one builds the texture, flavor, and inviting aroma that sets these cookies apart—nothing fancy, just perfectly chosen building blocks for comfort.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): This is the rich, creamy backbone of the cookies, bringing tenderness and flavor.
- Packed Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds a deep, molasses sweetness and helps create that iconic chewy texture.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Balances the brown sugar and adds a slight crispness to the edges.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together for a soft, luscious crumb.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the cookie’s flavor, emphasizing warmth and hominess.
- All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups): Provides structure, so your cookies hold their shape without being dense.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle lift for a perfect, tender middle.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Is the secret spice that cozies up the flavor, making each bite a little hug.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and heightens every other flavor.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (3 cups): The hero of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies—chunky, hearty, and full of nutty chew.
- Raisins (1 cup): Plump, juicy bursts of natural sweetness in every bite.
- Chopped Walnuts (½ cup, optional): For a pleasant crunch and extra depth—totally up to your taste!
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies will bake evenly and lift right off the pan—no sticking or burning, just perfect golden bottoms.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Using a mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy—this aerates the batter and sets the stage for tender cookies.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract. These additions bring richness and a familiar, sweet aroma to your cookie dough.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures your baking soda and spices are evenly distributed, so every cookie bakes up just right with a lovely spiced note.
Step 5: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar. Gently mix until just combined—over-mixing can make your cookies tough, so less is more here!
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts
Now for the heart of these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies! Stir in those hearty oats, juicy raisins, and crunchy walnuts if you’re using them. Every mix-in adds character, making each cookie uniquely delightful.
Step 7: Portion the Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them at least two inches apart. This gives your cookies room to spread and ensures golden, crinkled edges.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are nicely golden and the centers look ever-so-slightly underbaked. That’s the trick to getting that perfect chewy center! Let them rest on the sheet for five minutes, then move to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking sends the flavors over the top. Or, try a dusting of cinnamon sugar for extra sparkle and warmth. If you’re feeling playful, drizzle a bit of melted white or dark chocolate in zigzags across the cookies.
Side Dishes
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are pure joy on their own, but they shine even brighter alongside a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. For dessert platters, pair with sliced apples, spiced pecans, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible cookie sundae.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cookies in a pretty glass jar with a ribbon for the perfect hostess gift, or layer them with parchment in a rustic tin for a nostalgic touch. At parties, serve them mini-style with shot glasses of milk, or set up a cookie sandwich station with ice cream or peanut butter spreads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to five days, making them a lasting treat for family snacks, lunchboxes, or late-night cravings.
Freezing
If you want to stretch out the cookie magic, freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls. Place them on a tray to firm up, then stash in freezer bags for up to three months. You’ll always be less than 15 minutes away from a fresh, warm batch.
Reheating
To revive day-old (or frozen) Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes or give them a quick zap in the microwave. They’ll emerge warm, fragrant, and as soft as the day they were baked.
FAQs
Can I soak the raisins before adding them?
Absolutely! Soaking raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes before mixing them in will keep them extra plump. Just don’t forget to pat them dry before adding to the dough.
Can I make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies gluten-free?
Yes—you can swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-for-1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure the oats are certified gluten-free too!
What’s the difference between old-fashioned oats and quick oats in this recipe?
Old-fashioned rolled oats give you the chewy, hearty texture that defines these classic cookies, while quick oats will make them softer and less textured. For authentic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, stick with old-fashioned oats.
Can I substitute other dried fruits or nuts?
Of course! Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates all work beautifully, and you can swap in pecans or almonds for a twist on tradition. The base recipe is wonderfully flexible.
How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
If your dough is very soft, chill it for 20–30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and give you those lovely domed tops with golden edges.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like pulling a tray of homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from the oven—the sweet aroma, the gooey centers, and happy faces they bring. I hope you’ll give this classic recipe a try and share the joy (and maybe a few cookies) with those you love.
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic oatmeal raisin cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, raisins, and nuts. Perfect for a sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Stir in the oats, raisins, and walnuts if using.
- Bake the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown. Cool on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Soaking the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them helps keep them plump and soft.
- You can substitute chocolate chips or dried cranberries for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
