Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

The Best Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe For Sweet Comfort

Crafting the perfect chewy oatmeal raisin cookies demands a delicate balance of ingredients and technique.

Soft, golden edges with a tender center make these treats irresistible.

Sweet raisins nestle between hearty rolled oats, creating a symphony of textures.

Grandma’s classic recipe gets a modern twist with carefully selected spices.

Each bite brings comfort and nostalgia, transporting you to childhood kitchens.

Warm, fragrant, and packed with wholesome goodness, these cookies promise pure delight.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear in moments.

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies That Satisfy

  • Bake with Ease: This recipe offers a straightforward process that even beginner bakers can master, with simple steps and minimal kitchen equipment required.
  • Comfort in Every Bite: Packed with classic oatmeal and raisins, these cookies deliver a nostalgic taste that brings warmth and memories of home-baked goodness.
  • Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are ideal for potlucks, school events, or family gatherings, creating instant smiles and connecting people through delicious homemade treats.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for all ages, these cookies work as a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or sweet dessert that satisfies everyone's cravings.

Ingredients for Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: A creamy base that provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Add sweetness and contribute to the cookies' soft, moist consistency.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a tender cookie structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
For the Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient for the cookie.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread during baking.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice to the cookie flavor.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
For the Mix-Ins:
  • Old-Fashioned Oats, Raisins: Provide texture, chewiness, and natural sweetness to the cookies.

How to Bake Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a big mixing bowl, whip together softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy like a cloud.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Crack eggs into the mixture one by one, blending thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until everything just comes together.

Step 6: Fold in Texture Makers

Stir in:
  • Old-fashioned oats
  • Raisins

Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the centers look set.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Grab a glass of milk and enjoy your homemade treats!

Tips for Perfect Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

  • Leave butter out for 30-45 minutes before baking to achieve the ideal creamy texture without melting.
  • Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes, then pat dry to help them distribute evenly in the cookie dough.
  • Slightly underbake cookies by removing them from the oven when edges are golden but centers look slightly soft for maximum chewiness.
  • Use a consistent cookie scoop to ensure uniform baking and professional-looking cookies that cook evenly.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or replace half the vanilla extract with maple syrup for a more complex, rich taste profile.

Variations on Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

  • Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Replace raisins with chocolate chips for a classic sweet variation that appeals to chocolate lovers.
  • Nutty Oatmeal Cookies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to introduce a crunchy texture and rich, earthy flavor to the traditional recipe.
  • Coconut Oatmeal Cookies: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical touch and extra chewiness that complements the oats perfectly.
  • Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies: Swap raisins with dried cranberries to create a tangy and slightly tart version of the original cookie.

Best Pairings with Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

  • Pair with Creamy Chai Latte: Spicy, warm chai tea with frothy milk complements the cookies' cinnamon notes and creates a cozy flavor experience.
  • Enhance with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, chewy cookie texture and highlights the sweet raisin undertones.
  • Match with Caramel Macchiato: Rich, sweet caramel coffee drink balances the oatmeal cookie's hearty oats and adds a luxurious depth to each bite.
  • Combine with Almond Milk: Nutty, light almond milk cleanses the palate between cookie bites and offers a subtle complementary flavor that doesn't overpower the cookie's delicate sweetness.

Proper Storage for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.

Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, and freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality or taste.

Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring they remain soft by adding a slice of bread to absorb moisture and prevent hardening.

Warm refrigerated or frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their original chewy, warm texture.

FAQs

  • What makes these oatmeal raisin cookies chewy?

The key to achieving a chewy texture is using old-fashioned rolled oats, softened butter, and not overbaking the cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but centers still look slightly soft.

  • Can I replace raisins with another ingredient?

Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or a combination of mix-ins to customize the cookies to your taste.

  • Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is required for this recipe. You can mix the dough and immediately scoop and bake the cookies, which makes the process quick and simple.

  • How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough.

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Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies bring classic comfort right to kitchen counters with sweet nostalgia. Warm spices and plump raisins nestled in hearty oats create irresistible treats you’ll crave with morning coffee or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare your oven by heating to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, blend softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until creamy and aerated.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract.
  4. Separately, combine flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt using a whisk.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated.
  6. Fold old-fashioned oats and raisins into the dough, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Portion dough onto prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop, placing mounds approximately 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and set centers.
  9. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for several minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and smoother cookie texture, ensuring a more even mix and better incorporation of ingredients.
  • Gently fold raisins into the dough to prevent breaking and distribute them evenly throughout the cookies for consistent sweetness in every bite.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies with more defined edges.
  • Swap raisins with chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a fun flavor variation that keeps the classic oatmeal cookie structure intact.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 172
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 22 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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