Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, you’re about to meet your new go-to recipe. These cookies are the ultimate comfort treat: soft in the center, perfectly chewy, and brimming with plump raisins, hearty oats, and a touch of cinnamon warmth. Every bite brings back nostalgic memories of homemade goodies, and this recipe guarantees bakery-quality cookies that are delightfully simple to make in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll be amazed at how each ingredient plays its part in creating unforgettable flavor and texture. Every component brings a little magic, so don’t skip or swap unless you’re looking to put your own spin on these classic Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for rich, tender cookies with that classic buttery flavor.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Adds moistness and a deep, caramel-like sweetness for that signature chew.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides just the right balance of sweetness and helps the cookies spread perfectly.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough and add a touch of richness for the perfect cookie crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives structure to the cookies, so they’re sturdy yet still tender.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies rise just enough for a soft, chewy bite.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses every bite with cozy, spiced warmth that plays beautifully with the oats and raisins.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): The heart of the recipe, adding that classic, hearty texture and nutty flavor.
- Raisins (1 cup): Bursts of sweet, chewy goodness in every bite—feel free to soak them for extra plumpness.
- Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty depth, but leave them out if you prefer nut-free cookies.
How to Make Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and release easily, so you get those beautiful golden edges without any sticking or burning.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process introduces air into the dough, which is key for achieving that dreamy, chewy texture we all crave in the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. These wet ingredients not only bind everything together but also give your cookies a rich, aromatic base.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed, so every cookie comes out perfectly spiced and tender.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough—just a gentle stir until you no longer see streaks of flour.
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts
Now comes the best part! Stir in the rolled oats, juicy raisins, and walnuts if you’re using them. The dough will be thick and hearty, exactly what you want for that classic cookie texture.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers are still slightly soft. This is the secret to keeping your Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies irresistibly chewy.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they set up just right, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Try to resist sneaking a warm one—they’re absolutely heavenly fresh from the oven!
How to Serve Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, dust your cookies with a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. A few extra raisins or a scattering of chopped walnuts on top before baking also adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
The Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are perfect with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. They’re also a fantastic addition to a dessert platter for brunch or afternoon tea.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, stack the cookies and tie them with twine for a rustic gift, or serve on a pretty cake stand with fresh fruit. You can even crumble them over yogurt or parfaits for a fun twist on breakfast or dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days—if they last that long!
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake straight from the freezer, just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
If your cookies lose that fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop them in a 300°F oven for 2 to 3 minutes, or microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings back their wonderful softness and revives the flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruit?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries make excellent swaps. Each will bring a unique twist to your Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies while keeping that chewy texture everyone loves.
How do I make my cookies extra chewy?
For maximum chewiness, soak your raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the dough, and slightly underbake the cookies so the centers remain soft.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
You can, but old-fashioned rolled oats are best for hearty texture and chew. Quick oats will give a finer, softer cookie, but the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies really shine with the classic oats.
What’s the secret to getting perfectly round cookies?
Use a cookie scoop or roll the dough into balls with your hands. If needed, gently shape the cookies right after baking while they’re still warm for that bakery-perfect look.
Are these cookies suitable for making ahead?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and chill it in the fridge. Chilled dough often results in thicker, chewier cookies—the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are even better with a bit of patience!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a batch of cookies that’s timeless, cozy, and sure to become a family favorite, don’t wait to try the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. They’re easy, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to bring smiles with every bite. Happy baking!
Print
Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a perfect blend of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and warm cinnamon spices. Soft and comforting, they make an ideal homemade treat that’s easy to bake and loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 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 (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Add Oats and Raisins: Stir in the rolled oats, raisins, and if using, chopped walnuts to evenly distribute throughout the dough for texture and flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain slightly soft, indicating a chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage and maintaining texture.
Notes
- For extra chewy cookies, soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain before adding to the dough.
- You can substitute chocolate chips or dried cranberries as an alternative to raisins for a different flavor profile.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
