There is something irresistibly comforting about a warm, soft cookie loaded with chewy oats and sweet raisins, which is exactly why this Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe has become a treasured favorite in my kitchen. These cookies blend the hearty texture of rolled oats with the natural sweetness of raisins, all wrapped up in a tender, buttery dough that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re craving a cozy snack or the perfect treat to share with friends, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of softness and chewiness that makes oatmeal raisin cookies so special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing an important role to create the perfect cookie. From the warm spices to the smooth butter and plump raisins, every component contributes to flavor, texture, and that classic homemade charm.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body of the cookie, making sure they hold together just right.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a touch of warmth and spice that complements the oats and raisins beautifully.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and gives a tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the cookie.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The star ingredient that brings chewy texture and a hearty bite.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, making the cookies delightfully soft.
- Brown sugar: Contributes a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the cookies moist.
- Granulated sugar: Provides structure and a gentle sweetness.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and supports that soft texture.
- Pure vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with a sweet, fragrant note.
- Raisins: The chewy bursts of natural sweetness that make every bite special.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Then, stir in the rolled oats gently to ensure an even distribution. This mix forms the foundation of your cookie dough, layering in flavor and texture from the start.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, or a handheld mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is smooth and well combined—this usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. This creaming process is essential for a tender, light cookie with a perfect crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until everything is fully incorporated. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl to make sure all ingredients come together perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry oat and flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies soft. Finally, fold in the plump raisins to ensure they’re evenly scattered throughout the dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is a crucial step that helps solidify the butter, leading to less spreading in the oven and a deeper flavor in your cookies.
Step 6: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
Step 7: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Remove the chilled dough and use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto the baking sheets. Roll the dough into balls and gently press each ball down just a little to shape them. Leave enough space between each cookie to accommodate a little spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown and the tops appear set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To add a bit of extra charm, sprinkle a few oats or a couple of raisins on top of each cookie just before baking. It makes for a lovely rustic look and highlights the wholesome ingredients inside.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of warm tea, a glass of cold milk, or even a mug of rich coffee. The comforting sweetness contrasts beautifully with these drinks, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these cookies to a gathering, try stacking them with a layer of cream cheese frosting or peanut butter in between for a delightful cookie sandwich. For a fun twist, serve warm oatmeal raisin cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic dessert everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cookies maintain their quality for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy a quick snack anytime.
Reheating
To revive the cookies’ soft texture, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This little trick brings back that fresh-baked feel and makes the raisins wonderfully plump again.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with another type of dried fruit?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates work beautifully and offer a different flavor twist while maintaining that chewy texture.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling firms up the butter, which helps prevent excessive spreading during baking and enhances the cookie’s flavor by allowing ingredients to meld.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for texture and chewiness. Quick oats tend to make the cookies denser and less chewy, but they can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
Will these cookies be crispy or soft?
This Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is designed to yield tender, soft cookies with a chewy center, not crispy ones. For crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer, but be careful not to overbake.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like baking a batch of these Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe to fill your home with warmth and delicious aromas that invite smiles all around. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing these cookies as much as I do because they prove that with simple ingredients and a little care, you can create a treat that feels like a big, comforting hug from the inside out.
Print
Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a classic treat with a delightful texture and rich flavor. Made with rolled oats, warm cinnamon, and plump raisins, these cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. Ideal for snack time or dessert, they are easy to prepare, requiring a brief chill in the fridge before baking to achieve the perfect softness inside with lightly golden edges.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 cups (150 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup (150 grams) raisins
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt thoroughly. Stir in the rolled oats and set this mixture aside to prepare the wet ingredients.
- Cream butter and sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then add the egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing again until fully incorporated, making sure to scrape down the bowl sides as needed.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Gently fold in the raisins evenly through the dough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances flavor.
- Prepare to bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Shape cookies: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Roll each portion into a ball and very gently press down to slightly flatten, spacing them apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden brown and the tops are set. Remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on them for 5 minutes.
- Cool completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing. This step prevents sogginess and ensures the cookies set properly for their chewy texture.
Notes
- For best texture, do not skip the chilling step—cold dough helps cookies maintain their shape.
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for a chewy texture; quick oats will result in a softer cookie.
- To make the cookies more flavorful, consider soaking the raisins in hot water or warm tea for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the granulated sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
