Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies are a timeless classic. Packed with fiber-rich oats, naturally sweet raisins, and warm cinnamon, they deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat, they are sure to be a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft & Chewy Texture: The combination of oats and brown sugar creates a melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
Wholesome Ingredients: Made with hearty oats and naturally sweet raisins.
Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut for extra flair.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for meal prep, gifting, or freezing.
Kid-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Makes 24–30 cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
1 cup raisins
Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 to 3 minutes).

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Stir in the rolled oats, raisins, and optional nuts by hand using a spatula or wooden spoon.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked (they will firm up as they cool).
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why This Recipe Works

Rolled Oats: Provide a chewy texture and hearty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of raisins.
Brown Sugar Magic: Adds moisture and a rich caramel-like sweetness.
Cinnamon Spice: Enhances the warmth of the cookies for a cozy, comforting taste.

Variations to Try

Add Chocolate Chips: Swap half the raisins for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra depth of flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Nut-Free Version: Skip the nuts or replace them with shredded coconut for texture.
Mini Cookies: Use a smaller scoop for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or snacking.

Tips for Success

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can make the cookies dense—mix just until combined.
Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

Romantic Touch: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate for an elegant finish.
Brunch Staple: Serve alongside coffee, tea, or milk for a sweet breakfast treat.
Party Platter: Arrange on a dessert table with other cookies like chocolate chip or snickerdoodles for variety.

Final Thoughts

These oatmeal raisin cookies are a classic for a reason—they’re soft, chewy, and full of wholesome goodness. With their warm spices, sweet raisins, and hearty oats, they feel indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering, a casual snack, or simply indulging in a homemade treat, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction.