If you’ve ever wanted a cookie that combines hearty oats, sweet bursts of raisins, and a touch of warm cinnamon, then this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. These cookies strike the perfect balance between chewy and soft, with a golden edge that invites you to take just one more bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack, a family get-together, or simply to brighten your day, this recipe brings a comforting homemade charm that’s hard to resist. Once you try it, it quickly becomes a household favorite that everyone will ask you to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the key to making these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies truly outstanding. Each component plays an essential role—whether it’s enhancing texture, adding sweetness, or boosting flavor depth.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture, helping the cookies stay tender and buttery.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies chewy.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar while helping create a crisp edge.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the soft, cakey texture inside.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors with its sweet, fragrant notes that pair beautifully with cinnamon.
- 2 cups rolled oats: The heart of this recipe, adding a warm, rustic texture and hearty bite.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Builds the structure of the cookies for a satisfying chew.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough without becoming cakey.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy warmth and depth that complements the raisins perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough’s richness.
- 1 1/2 cups raisins: Bursts of natural sweetness and chewy contrast in every bite.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure you grease your baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This simple step ensures an easy release once your cookies are baked to golden perfection.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is vital because it introduces air into the dough, giving your cookies a delightful tenderness and slight rise.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This gradual addition prevents curdling and ensures a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen and sets the stage for wholesome, inviting cookies.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Combining these ingredients separately helps distribute the rising agent and spices evenly throughout the dough for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet batter, stirring just until combined. Resist the temptation to overmix here—it’s important to maintain a tender crumb and avoid tough cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Raisins
Gently fold in your rolled oats and plump raisins so they’re evenly scattered throughout the dough. The oats offer a hearty chew, while the raisins bring natural bursts of sweetness that make every bite exciting.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye out for golden edges and slightly soft centers. This ensures your cookies stay chewy and tender after cooling.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling lets the cookies set without falling apart while retaining their soft, chewy texture.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Try sprinkling a little cinnamon sugar on top right after baking for an extra layer of sweetness and sparkle. You can also press a few extra raisins into the surface while the dough is still warm to make them visually inviting and packed with flavor.
Side Dishes
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of chai tea. The spices in the cookie complement the chai perfectly, creating a comforting treat that’s ideal for tea time or after dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of cream cheese frosting or peanut butter spread. They make delightful bites for parties or special occasions. You can also crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream to add texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and flavorful for up to one week, making it easy to enjoy a homemade treat anytime you want.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies in advance, the dough freezes beautifully. Shape the dough into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake them from frozen for just a couple of extra minutes. Baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to three months.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back the melt-in-your-mouth softness and brings the flavors alive as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates work wonderfully and add a new twist to the classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe. Just be mindful of the sweetness level and adjust if needed.
Why are my cookies too hard?
If your cookies turn out hard, it might be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to bake just until the edges are golden, and measure your flour accurately for the best chewy texture.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While quick oats can be used in a pinch, rolled oats provide a heartier texture and hold up better in the baking process, giving the cookie that signature chewiness you expect.
Is it okay to reduce sugar in the recipe?
You can reduce sugar slightly, but remember that sugar affects both flavor and texture. Cutting too much might make the cookies dry or less flavorful, so adjust carefully.
How do I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version of the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe, substitute the butter with vegan margarine and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg). The texture might be slightly different but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking a batch of these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe and sharing them with loved ones. From the warm scent that fills the kitchen to the satisfying chew and sweet raisin pops, this recipe promises comfort and joy in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite cookie to bake again and again!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic oatmeal raisin cookies that are soft, chewy, and packed with rolled oats and plump raisins. These cookies offer a comforting combination of cinnamon-spiced sweetness and hearty texture, perfect for a delicious snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and either grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter together with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create that tender cookie texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure proper incorporation, then mix in the vanilla extract to add aromatic flavor to the dough.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute leavening agents and spices.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing that can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in oats and raisins: Gently fold in the rolled oats and raisins to evenly distribute the hearty oats and chewy raisins throughout the dough.
- Portion the dough: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for chewy texture.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and allow to cool on the sheet.
- You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- Softened butter is crucial for proper creaming and texture.
