If you have a soft spot for cookies that bring together wholesome ingredients and a touch of nostalgia, this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine chewy oats mingling with plump, sweet raisins and a hint of warming cinnamon all wrapped up in a golden cookie that’s perfectly soft in the middle and lightly crisp on the edges. It’s a classic treat that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out, whether you’re baking for a crowd or just a quiet moment to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients work beautifully together to create the perfect oatmeal raisin cookie. Each one plays a crucial role in the texture, flavor, and look of the final batch, making the process straightforward and rewarding.
- Rolled oats (1 cup): Adds chewy texture and wholesome heartiness that defines oatmeal cookies.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides structure to the cookies so they hold their shape.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, light or dark): Gives a rich sweetness and moisture with a hint of caramel flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness and aids in crisping up the edges.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and spread perfectly during baking.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds cozy, warm spice that complements the oats and raisins.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Brings richness and tenderness to every bite.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients and contributes to the chewy texture.
- Raisins (1 cup, plump): Bursts of juicy sweetness that contrast beautifully with the oats.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheets effortlessly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is key for that tender crumb and slight chewiness we love in oatmeal raisin cookies.
Step 3: Add the Egg
Beat in the room temperature egg until it’s smoothly incorporated into your buttery-sugar mixture. This not only binds the dough but also helps the cookies stay soft on the inside.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly spread through the dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet mixture, stirring gently. You want that perfect balance of combined but not overmixed, so the cookies turn out tender yet structured.
Step 6: Stir in Oats and Raisins
Fold in the rolled oats and plump raisins carefully, making sure every bit of dough has a good amount of these star ingredients. These bring the delightful chewiness and bursts of sweetness you expect.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets spaced about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden color while the centers remain soft. Then, set them on wire racks to cool completely before enjoying.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little something extra, try lightly dusting the cookies with cinnamon sugar right after baking for an extra sparkle. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate can also elevate these cookies into an indulgent treat perfect for sharing.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for that classic combo or a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea to bring out the cinnamon’s warm notes. They also complement a bowl of vanilla ice cream beautifully for a dessert that’s both simple and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Stack a few cookies and tie them together with a rustic twine for a charming gift, or layer them in a jar with additional oats and cinnamon for a thoughtful homemade present. They’re also great served on a platter surrounded by fresh fruit for a cozy afternoon gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover oatmeal raisin cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This method preserves their softness and chewiness for up to a week, so each bite still feels freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies anytime, freeze the cooled cookies in a sealed bag or container. They freeze well for up to three months, making it easy to thaw a few whenever the craving hits without any loss of quality.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop frozen or refrigerated cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This revives the softness and the aroma, making them just as irresistible as when they first came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! You can swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries depending on your preference. Just keep the quantity the same for balanced sweetness and texture.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter gives you control over how much salt is in your cookies, ensuring the flavor isn’t too salty. If you only have salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
Why do my oatmeal raisin cookies turn out flat?
Cookies can flatten if the butter is too soft or melted when you mix, or if your dough is too warm before baking. To prevent this, chill your dough for about 15-20 minutes before baking and make sure your butter is just softened, not melted.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free as well, to avoid any contamination.
How do I make my oatmeal raisin cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, try using more brown sugar than granulated sugar, as brown sugar retains moisture. Baking just until the edges are set and the centers remain soft also helps keep that delightful chewiness.
Final Thoughts
This Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to blend timeless flavors and comforting textures in every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply to enjoy a sweet moment yourself, these cookies never fail to bring a smile. So, roll up your sleeves and give this classic recipe a try—it might just become one of your favorite go-to treats!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously chewy oatmeal raisin cookies made with a perfect blend of rolled oats, warm cinnamon, and plump raisins. These classic cookies are lightly sweetened with a combination of brown and granulated sugars, baked to golden perfection with soft centers and crisp edges.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
Add-ins
- 1 cup raisins (plump)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add the egg: Crack in the room temperature egg and beat it into the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated, ensuring an even dough consistency.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to blend without overmixing.
- Incorporate oats and raisins: Stir in the rolled oats, then fold in the plump raisins evenly throughout the dough for chewy texture and bursts of sweetness.
- Form the cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers remain soft. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheets briefly before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow cooling on the baking sheet.
- Raisins can be substituted with other dried fruits such as cranberries or chopped dates.
- Butter should be at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- To add a nutty crunch, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
