I absolutely love this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe because it strikes that perfect balance between chewy and soft, with just the right hint of cinnamon warmth and sweet raisins tucked inside. Whenever I make these, the aroma fills the whole house with cozy vibes that instantly put everyone in a good mood. They’re perfect for afternoon snacks, lunchbox treats, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised how easy it was to get such great texture and flavor with simple ingredients I already had on hand. You’ll find that it’s forgiving and straightforward—ideal whether you’re an everyday baker or just getting warmed up to baking cookies. Trust me, once you master this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for craving something nostalgic yet fresh.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Classic Comfort: Offers that nostalgic homemade cookie flavor you crave, with wholesome oats and sweet raisins.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples that you probably already have, making it super easy to whip up anytime.
  • Perfect Texture: Soft centers with lightly crisp edges make every bite delightful.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for these, and they always request more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create deliciously chewy, flavorful cookies. Use good quality butter and fresh oats for the best outcome—trust me, your taste buds will notice!

  • Butter: Softened butter is key for creaming with sugar to give you that tender crumb.
  • Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor that deepens the cookie’s sweetness.
  • Granulated sugar: Helps balance the sweetness and promotes browning.
  • Eggs: They bind ingredients and add richness—room temperature is best.
  • Vanilla extract: A little splash intensifies the cookie’s warmth and complexity.
  • All-purpose flour: The backbone for structure; be sure to measure properly for perfect texture.
  • Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
  • Ground nutmeg: A subtle spice that adds depth without overpowering.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
  • Rolled oats: The star ingredient that brings chewy texture and heartiness.
  • Raisins: Plump, juicy bursts of natural sweetness carefully folded in.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is. Whether you want to mix up the flavor profile or accommodate special diets, small tweaks make it your own—and trust me, you’ll appreciate the personalization opportunities.

  • Add chopped nuts: I often throw in walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch that my family adores.
  • Switch raisins for dried cranberries: It adds a lovely tart contrast—something I discovered works surprisingly well!
  • Use gluten-free oats and flour: Perfect if you want to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
  • Mix in some cinnamon: Boost the warm spice factor if you want more of that cozy, fall-time vibe.

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep for Success

Begin by preheating your oven to 350° F. While it warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to avoid sticking and easy cleanup—this small prep really saves time and keeps your cookies intact.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until very light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it traps air, giving your cookies their tender texture. If it doesn’t look light and fluffy, keep mixing a bit longer—you’ll thank yourself later!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures everything blends smoothly without curdling. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that signature sweet aroma that fills your kitchen as you bake.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients, Then Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, beating just until combined. Overmixing here can make cookies tough, so stop as soon as you see the flour disappear.

Step 5: Fold in Oats and Raisins

Use a spatula to gently stir in the rolled oats and raisins until evenly distributed. This step adds chewiness and sweetness and gives each cookie those beloved bits bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop dough onto your prepared baking sheets using a 1/3- or 1/4-cup measure, leaving a few inches between each cookie because they spread as they bake. Bake for about 20 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers remain soft. I like to let them cool a few minutes on the sheet before moving to a wire rack, so they firm up without losing that perfect chew.

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Pro Tips for Making Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

  • Soft Butter at Room Temperature: I learned that letting butter soften naturally (not melted) gives you the best creaming results.
  • Don’t Overmix Dry Ingredients: Stopping as soon as the flour disappears keeps your cookies tender instead of tough.
  • Measure Oats Correctly: Pack oats lightly into your measuring cup—not overly compressed—to maintain ideal cookie texture.
  • Watch Baking Times: Taking cookies out while centers are still soft ensures chewy, not dry, results after cooling.

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

The image shows several oatmeal cookies placed closely on a black wire cooling rack, with a soft textured cloth partially visible underneath the rack through the gaps. Each cookie has a rough, crumbly texture with visible oats and darker raisins mixed throughout. The cookies are golden brown with slight shadows that give them a warm and fresh-baked look. The background surface is a white marbled texture, creating a clean and simple setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I sometimes dust a tiny bit of cinnamon sugar on top right before baking to add a spark of extra sweetness and spice. For a fun twist, dipping half the cookie in melted dark chocolate is a simple way I like to fancy them up for guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of chai tea. I also enjoy pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream when I’m in the mood for an easy, comforting dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I arrange a cookie platter with a mix of nuts and dried fruit nearby so friends can customize their bites. Sometimes, I stack them in cute mason jars tied with ribbon as edible gifts—always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, with a slice of bread to keep them soft for several days. This little trick keeps that ideal chewy texture fresh longer than you’d expect.

Freezing

For longer storage, I freeze the baked cookies individually on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When I want a treat, I just pop one out and let it thaw for about 30 minutes—still tastes freshly made!

Reheating

If I want that fresh-baked feel, I warm cookies in a 300° F oven for 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This revives softness and fills the room with that irresistible aroma again.

FAQs

  1. Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits in the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe?

    Absolutely! You can swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chopped dried apricots. Just keep in mind some dried fruits are sweeter or tarter, so adjust the sugar slightly if needed to balance flavors.

  2. How do I make softer oatmeal raisin cookies?

    To get softer cookies, don’t overbake them—take them out when edges are lightly golden but centers still look soft. Also, using more brown sugar than granulated sugar helps keep moisture in for that chewy texture.

  3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

    Yes! Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. This way, you still get chewy, delicious results without gluten worries.

  4. Why do my oatmeal raisin cookies turn out flat?

    Flat cookies can be caused by using melted butter instead of softened, overmixing the dough, or using expired baking soda. Make sure your butter is just soft, mix until ingredients are combined but no more, and check your leavening agent’s freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe truly holds a special place in my heart—from its easy prep to the comforting taste it delivers every single time. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the simple joy of homemade cookies just like I do. Remember, baking is as much about the love and memories as the finished product—so take your time, savor every step, and share these sweet treats with the people you care about.

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Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 139 reviews
  • Author: Alvarez
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are chewy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome oats and sweet raisins. Soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, they make a perfect treat for any time of day.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Add-ins

  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup raisins

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cookies evenly.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes very light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cookie.
  3. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well mixed before adding the next to create a smooth batter.
  4. Mix in Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with rich flavor.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground nutmeg, and salt.
  6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in small amounts, beating gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  7. Add Oats and Raisins: Fold in the rolled oats and raisins with a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  8. Scoop Dough: Using a 1/3- or 1/4-cup scoop, place portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a few inches between each to allow for spreading.
  9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft and tender.
  10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the perfect texture.

Notes

  • For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to set on the baking sheet.
  • You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips if preferred.
  • Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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