Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a timeless classic that combine wholesome oats, plump raisins, and warm spices to create a chewy, soft, and utterly comforting treat.

Every bite bursts with a blend of sweetness from brown sugar and the earthy texture of oats, balanced perfectly with the fruity chew of raisins. They’re the kind of cookies that taste like home — nostalgic, hearty, and impossible to resist.

These cookies are beloved not only for their delicious flavor but also for their nutritious profile compared to other desserts. They’re slightly crisp around the edges and chewy in the center — the hallmark of a perfect oatmeal cookie.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and wholesomeness. The texture — soft and chewy inside with golden, slightly crisp edges — is everything you could want in a cookie. The cinnamon aroma that fills the kitchen while baking is simply irresistible, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort.

What truly sets these cookies apart is their versatility. You can enjoy them as a dessert, a quick snack, or even a breakfast treat with a glass of milk or coffee. Plus, they store and freeze beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep or gifting during the holidays.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try recipe because:

• It’s simple and foolproof, perfect for beginners.
• Uses pantry staples — no fancy ingredients required.
• Has the perfect chewy texture every oatmeal cookie lover craves.
• Offers a healthy twist thanks to fiber-rich oats and raisins.
• The dough can be customized — add chocolate chips, nuts, or cranberries to suit your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time (optional): 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 45–60 minutes

Servings & Calories

• Servings: 24 cookies (approx.)
• Calories: ~150 kcal per cookie

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Snack / Tea-time Treat

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Mix-ins:

• 3 cups (240 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup (150 g) raisins (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
6. Stir in oats and raisins (plus nuts, if using).
7. Scoop dough onto baking sheets and slightly flatten each ball.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown at the edges.
9. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Measure all ingredients accurately. Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes to make them plump and juicy, then drain them well.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with brown and white sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until combined — do not overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Oats and Raisins

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir in the oats and raisins (and nuts, if desired).

Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

Chill the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and to enhance the cookie’s chewiness.

Step 8: Scoop and Bake

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers look just set.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Serve warm with a glass of cold milk, a cup of tea, or coffee.
They’re also great for lunchbox treats, holiday platters, or wrapped in ribbon as homemade gifts.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Always use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant oats, for the best chewy texture.
• For extra flavor, toast the oats lightly before mixing.
• Soaking raisins enhances their juiciness and prevents them from burning.
• Chill the dough for thicker, chewier cookies.
• Slightly underbake for softer centers.

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Replace raisins with chocolate chips.
• Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies: Add dried cranberries and orange zest.
• Nutty Oatmeal Cookies: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
• Coconut Oatmeal Cookies: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Add nutmeg, allspice, or ginger for a warm spiced version.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 10 days.
• Freezing (Baked): Freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
• Freezing (Unbaked Dough): Freeze cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag — bake directly from frozen (add 1–2 extra minutes).

Special Equipment Needed

• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack

FAQ

Q1: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Q2: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You can, but the texture will be less chewy and more soft. Rolled oats give the best result.

Q3: Why are my cookies flat?
The butter may have been too soft or melted, or the dough wasn’t chilled before baking. Try chilling the dough next time.

Q4: How do I make them crispier?
Bake them 2–3 minutes longer until deeper golden brown.

Q5: Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup without affecting the texture much.

Conclusion

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are the perfect fusion of comfort, simplicity, and classic flavor. Each bite delivers a chewy, spiced sweetness that feels like a warm hug from the oven. Whether you bake them for family gatherings, a cozy afternoon snack, or just because you crave something homemade and heartwarming — this recipe never disappoints.