Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Is there anything more comforting than biting into the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, still warm from the oven, their centers deliciously chewy and their edges just crisp enough? This classic treat is a nostalgic favorite for good reason: it’s packed with plump raisins, hearty oats, and a subtle sweetness that makes it nearly impossible to stop at just one. Whether you adore them as an after-school snack or as a cherished weekend bake, these cookies strike the ideal balance of sweet, soft, and satisfying—just what every cookie lover dreams of.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to whipping up the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, simplicity is part of the magic. Each ingredient brings something important to the party, from perfect chewiness to that irresistible golden color and cozy spice. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their rich flavor and tender texture—make sure it’s at room temperature for best results.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Adds moisture and a caramelly depth that amplifies chewiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and helps the cookies brown beautifully.
- Large eggs (2): Provide structure and bind the dough for the perfect bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a sweet, aromatic finish.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Lays the foundation for the cookie, creating just the right amount of lift.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise lightly and evenly.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and that classic oatmeal cookie character.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): The star of the show—choose regular, hearty oats for extra chew.
- Raisins (1 cup): Plump, sweet, and slightly sticky, they make every bite a delight.
- Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): For a little crunch and a nutty bonus if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Make Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven gets nice and toasty, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This extra step guarantees your Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies won’t stick, and it makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or some vigorous arm power to cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Continue beating until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and pale—this is what gives the cookies their soft, tender texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each so everything gets nicely incorporated. Pour in the vanilla extract and beat until it disappears into the dough. This is where your kitchen really starts to smell like cookies!
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking not only combines things evenly, but it also prevents those sneaky baking soda clumps that nobody wants in their cookies.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so keep it easy here. Once combined, fold in the oats, raisins, and walnuts if you’re using them—your dough will look hearty and irresistible.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Pop them in the oven for 10–12 minutes. When the edges are golden and the centers are still a little soft, your Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are perfectly baked. Let them cool for about five minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling (if you can resist eating them right away!).
How to Serve Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
If you want to make your cookies look as special as they taste, sprinkle a few extra oats or chopped walnuts on top before baking. A dusting of cinnamon sugar as they come out of the oven adds sparkle and an inviting aroma.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fabulous with a tall glass of cold milk, steamy hot coffee, or even as an afternoon treat paired with fresh fruit. If you’re serving a crowd, offer them alongside a selection of other classic cookies for a nostalgic dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in a mason jar with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift, or arrange them on a vintage cake stand for a charming display. You can even sandwich two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your cookies cool completely, then stash them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days—if they last that long!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these cookies. Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, perfect for those cookie emergencies.
Reheating
To recreate that fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes or give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave. They’ll taste just as amazing as the day you baked them.
FAQs
Can I substitute chocolate chips for raisins?
Absolutely! If you want a twist on the classic, swap raisins for chocolate chips, or even try a mix of both—either way, the cookies will be irresistible.
What type Dessert
Old-fashioned rolled oats are the way to go. They bring a hearty texture and classic chew, unlike quick oats, which can make the cookies too dense.
Why do my cookies sometimes come out flat?
This often happens when the butter is too soft or warm, or if you overmix the dough. Chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm, and measure ingredients carefully for best results.
Is soaking raisins really necessary?
It’s optional, but soaking raisins in warm water for 10 minutes plumps them up, making your Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies extra soft and tender with juicy bites throughout.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance and keep it tightly covered in the fridge. Chilled dough also makes forming perfect cookies easier and can improve flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Once you bake a batch of the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, you’ll understand why they’re a time-honored favorite that everyone loves. Don’t be surprised if your kitchen suddenly becomes everyone’s favorite gathering spot—give them a try and watch these cookies disappear!
Print
Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are chewy, wholesome, and full of classic oatmeal cookie flavor. Packed with raisins and optional walnuts, these homemade cookies are perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the oats, raisins, and walnuts if using.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden at the edges and slightly soft in the centers.
- Cool: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes and drain before adding.
- These cookies freeze well—just cool completely and store in a freezer-safe bag.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
