If soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies make your heart skip a beat, you’ve landed on the perfect recipe. With buttery edges, tender centers, and plump, juicy raisins in every bite, these cookies strike the ideal balance between hearty and sweet. The subtle hint of cinnamon adds a cozy warmth, making them a timeless classic for all occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a cookie enthusiast, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time.
Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Perfect Texture: Crispy edges with soft, chewy centers make these cookies irresistible.
- Rich Flavor: A blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter delivers a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple pantry staples, making it accessible for any level of baker.
- Stays Fresh for Days: These cookies retain their chewy texture and delicious flavor for days, making them perfect for meal prep, gifting, or casual snacking.
Ingredients for the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, 226g)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (200g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (190g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-Ins:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (240g)
- 1½ cups raisins (optional: soak in warm water for extra plumpness)
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Follow these detailed steps to create the ultimate oatmeal raisin cookies.
Step 1: Prepare the Raisins (Optional)
If you prefer extra juicy raisins, soak them:
- Place the raisins in a small bowl and cover with warm water.
- Let them sit for 10 minutes to plump up.
- Drain and pat them dry with a clean towel. Set aside.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Sifting ensures even mixing and helps create a tender cookie texture. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat together:
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the dough, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 6: Fold in the Oats and Raisins
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the rolled oats and prepared raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Step 1: Portion the Dough
- Use a cookie scoop or two tablespoons to portion out dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Each scoop should be about 2 tablespoons of dough.
- Roll each portion into a ball and place on the tray, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
Step 2: Flatten the Dough Slightly
Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly. This helps the cookies spread evenly while baking.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) or 325°F (160°C fan).
- Bake for 11-14 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through for even baking.
- Remove the cookies when the edges are golden, but the centers still appear soft. They will continue to set as they cool.
Step 4: Cool the Cookies
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Room-temperature butter and eggs blend more smoothly, ensuring an evenly mixed dough.
- Soak the Raisins: This optional step adds extra moisture and prevents the raisins from drying out during baking.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and oats.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to cook after being removed from the oven, so take them out while the centers are still soft.
Variations to Try
- Add Chocolate Chips: Replace half the raisins with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
- Nutty Flavor: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix in place of all-purpose flour.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Storing Baked Cookies
- Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Dough
- Roll dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Freezing Baked Cookies
- Let the cookies cool completely. Store in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a rich, caramel-like flavor, while the rolled oats and raisins add a chewy texture. The optional step of soaking the raisins ensures they remain moist, and precise baking times guarantee perfectly crisp edges without overbaking the centers.
FAQ
1. Can I Substitute Quick Oats for Rolled Oats? Yes, but the texture will be less hearty. Rolled oats provide the classic chewy texture of oatmeal cookies.
2. What Can I Use Instead of Raisins? Try dried cranberries, chopped dates, or mini chocolate chips for a unique twist.
3. How Do I Know When the Cookies Are Done? The edges should be golden, and the centers should look set but soft. Avoid waiting for the centers to firm up entirely while in the oven.
These oatmeal raisin cookies are a classic for good reason. They’re easy to make, endlessly versatile, and the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and comforting. Bake a batch today and enjoy the nostalgic goodness of homemade cookies! Let me know how yours turn out. Happy baking! 🍪