There is something truly comforting about a classic batch of homemade cookies, and this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe captures that warm, nostalgic feeling perfectly. These cookies bring together the hearty texture of rolled oats, the natural sweetness of plump raisins, and a hint of cinnamon spice to create a treat that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or to share with friends and family, this recipe delivers chewy, flavorful cookies that everyone will love. Get ready to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as you dive into these delightful oatmeal raisin cookies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe, the magic lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: oats provide that wonderful chew, raisins add bursts of sweetness, and the cinnamon brings a subtle warmth. Together, they create a cookie that’s full of character and taste.
- Rolled oats: The base ingredient giving these cookies their hearty texture and wholesome flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps bind all ingredients together for perfect cookie dough.
- Brown sugar (light or dark): Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies moist.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and aids in a crisp edge formation.
- Baking soda: Offers a gentle lift for soft, chewy cookies.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, cozy spice that complements the oats and raisins.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the cookie’s texture.
- Large egg (room temperature): Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for chewy softness.
- Raisins: Plump and naturally sweet, these give each bite bursts of flavor and delight.
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 to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key—it helps create a tender cookie with just the right amount of sweetness and moisture.
Step 3: Add the Egg
Beat in the large egg until fully combined. The egg works as a binder, helping everything come together, while also adding softness to each cookie.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until you see no more flour. Over-mixing here can make cookies tough, so gentle is the way!
Step 5: Fold in the Oats and Raisins
Stir rolled oats into the dough, then fold in the plump raisins evenly. This step ensures every cookie will have that signature chewy texture with pockets of sweet raisins spread throughout.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. This gives the cookies enough room to spread and develop those tantalizing edges without blending into one big cookie.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly undercooked. This balance is what guarantees that tender chewiness we all crave. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon sugar on top of warm cookies just after baking to amplify their cozy flavor. For a more indulgent touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for an irresistible combo of sweet and spice.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combo that never fails. They are also delightful served alongside a warm cup of chai tea or coffee, where their cinnamon notes shine beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, stack oatmeal raisin cookies with layers of cream cheese frosting for a fun cookie cake. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with your favorite nut butter or marshmallow fluff for an elevated twist on a classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for an anytime treat or last-minute snack.
Freezing
To freeze, place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to three months and can be thawed quickly when you want a sweet bite.
Reheating
Warm stored cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness and gooey texture. It’s like magic in every bite!
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with something else?
Absolutely! You can swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile without losing that chewy delight.
Is it necessary to use softened butter?
Yes, softened butter helps to cream properly with the sugars, which impacts the texture and rise of your cookies. Cold butter won’t blend as well, and melted butter will change the cookie’s consistency drastically.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Definitely! Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, and double-check your oats are certified gluten-free.
How do I keep my cookies soft and chewy?
Make sure not to overbake them—removing cookies when edges are golden and centers still look slightly underdone is key. Also, using a combination of brown sugar and butter helps retain moisture.
What is the best way to measure flour?
Spoon the flour lightly into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing too much flour into the cup, which could make your cookies dense.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s a perfect balance of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and cozy cinnamon spice, look no further than this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe. It’s a tried-and-true classic that promises to become one of your go-to treats, filled with heartwarming flavors and simple ingredients. So, grab your mixing bowl and let these delicious cookies fill your home with unforgettable aroma and smiles.
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic homemade oatmeal raisin cookies that are soft, chewy, and packed with wholesome rolled oats and plump raisins. These cookies are lightly spiced with cinnamon and have a perfect balance of sweetness from brown and granulated sugars. Ideal for a comforting snack or dessert.
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 large egg (room temperature)
Sugars and Add-ins
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup raisins (plump)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, indicating that air has been incorporated for better texture.
- Add Egg: Beat in the large egg until it is fully combined with the creamed butter and sugars, forming a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add Oats and Raisins: Stir in the rolled oats and fold in the plump raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets spaced about two inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure to use softened butter at room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to set on the baking sheet after removing from oven.
- Raisins can be replaced with chocolate chips or other dried fruits as preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Allow eggs to reach room temperature before mixing for better batter consistency.
