If you’ve been searching for a truly irresistible treat, look no further than the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between chewy and crispy, packed with hearty oats, sweet raisins, and a hint of warm cinnamon that wraps every bite in cozy comfort. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or a quiet afternoon snack, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe plays a vital role in creating cookies that are bursting with flavor and texture. From the creamy butter that adds richness to the oats that contribute chewiness, every item is essential and straightforward to find.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that helps create a tender yet slightly crispy cookie.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moistness and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to that perfect golden color.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture and structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy backbone of the dough, keeping the cookies holding their shape.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft interior without being cakey.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that makes these cookies feel like home.
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats: The star ingredient for texture and heartiness.
- 1 cup raisins: For bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and a touch of earthiness (feel free to omit if preferred).
How to Make Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep those cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until you get a smooth, fluffy mixture—this is where the magic begins. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, before stirring in the fragrant vanilla extract. This wet mixture is the foundation of your cookie dough’s perfect texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While your wet ingredients are blending nicely, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. These dry components are the little helpers that give the cookies their structure, rise, and that lovely hint of warming spice.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry mix into your wet mixture. Mix gently and only until combined—overmixing can make the cookies tough, and we certainly don’t want that in the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe!
Step 4: Incorporate Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts
The defining moment has arrived: fold in the oats, juicy raisins, and if you’re using them, the chopped walnuts. This step is where all the texture, chew, and bursts of flavor come alive, creating that signature cookie we all adore.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about two inches between each cookie so they have room to spread without sticking together. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—resisting the temptation to eat them straight away is tough but so worth it!
How to Serve Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are utterly delicious on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finishing touch perfect for a cozy afternoon coffee break. Fresh orange zest sprinkled on top just before baking can introduce a subtle brightness that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon and raisins.
Side Dishes
A tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of chai tea are classic companions that complement the natural sweetness and spice in these cookies flawlessly. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a dessert that feels both comforting and special.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not elevate your cookie platter by sandwiching a bit of cream cheese frosting or peanut butter between two cookies? Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with string also makes for an irresistible homemade gift. Presentation can turn this classic recipe into an unforgettable delight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you’ve enjoyed your fresh batch, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them sealed well preserves their chewy texture and flavor so each bite feels just as good as the first.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, place baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, making them perfect for quick snacks or unexpected visitors.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked feeling, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This simple step brings back that delightful softness and warmth that makes the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe so comforting.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or cherries all make amazing swaps and add their own unique flavors to these cookies.
What can I do if I don’t have walnuts?
If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have allergies, feel free to leave them out or swap in pecans or almonds for a different crunch profile.
How do I make these cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, you can slightly underbake them by a minute or two and be sure to include the brown sugar, which adds moisture and chewiness.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
It’s best to stick with old-fashioned oats for the right texture that is neither too soft nor too hard. Quick oats tend to make the cookies denser and less chewy.
Is it necessary to use both brown and granulated sugar?
Using a combination of both sugars balances moisture and crispiness nicely. Brown sugar keeps the cookies moist and rich, while granulated sugar contributes to crisp edges.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug in cookie form. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand how simple ingredients come together to create a batch of cookies that are chewy, flavorful, and totally unforgettable. So grab your mixing bowl and enjoy the delicious journey—these cookies are worth every minute spent baking!
Print
Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These best oatmeal raisin cookies are a classic, chewy treat packed with wholesome oats, sweet raisins, and a hint of warm cinnamon. Soft on the inside with slightly crisp edges, they make a perfect snack or dessert enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Add-ins
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This ensures a tender cookie. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. These ingredients provide structure and flavor to the cookies.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
- Incorporate Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts: Stir in the old-fashioned oats, raisins, and if using, chopped walnuts to distribute them evenly throughout the dough, adding texture and sweetness.
- Shape and Bake: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake by removing them when edges are set but centers still soft.
- Walnuts are optional and can be omitted or replaced with pecans or almonds.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
