Name: Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 cup raisins

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When you’re in the mood for a cozy, classic treat that never goes out of style, nothing quite matches the pure comfort of biting into the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. With their warm cinnamon aroma, golden chewy edges, and plump bursts of sweet raisins, these cookies are a hug in dessert form. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays or just to treat yourself on a random afternoon, this is the recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These cookies require a handful of pantry staples, proving that mouthwatering magic can happen with the simplest ingredients. Each one plays a special part in building the unforgettable flavor and texture of the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This is the secret to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t skip the softening step!
Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings a lovely caramel flavor and chewiness that defines this classic cookie.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and helps create perfectly crisp edges.
Large eggs (2): These bind the cookies together and add moisture for that dreamy soft center.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and deepens the cookie’s aroma.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides the structure you need so your cookies don’t spread into mush.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): This is what makes the cookies rise just enough and stay soft.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds the classic warmth that makes the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies truly cozy.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Sharpens all the sweet flavors for that irresistible cookie taste.
Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): Bring hearty chew and beautiful texture—go for the classic, not quick oats!
Raisins (1 cup): Little pockets of juicy sweetness in every bite; soak them briefly if you want them extra plump!

How to Make Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Preheat Oven

Start by setting yourself up for effortless clean-up. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, making sure the surface is smooth. While you’re at it, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s hot and ready when the dough comes together.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

This is where the cookie magic begins! In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the blend is light, fluffy, and creamy—this step helps add air, making your cookies beautifully tender.

Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, taking care to scrape down the bowl so everything is incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract, breathing in that glorious aroma as it mixes with the sugars. This creates a rich, creamy base for your Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour with the baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening and spices are evenly distributed, so every bite is as delicious as the last.

Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Use your mixer on low or a sturdy spatula, mixing just until combined. Overmixing is a cookie’s worst enemy—stop as soon as you can’t see any streaks of flour.

Step 6: Add Oats and Raisins

Now for the fun part! Stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats and raisins by hand. You’ll notice the dough getting thick and hearty, which is exactly what makes the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies so satisfying.

Step 7: Portion and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies so they have space to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are perfectly golden and the centers look just set for those coveted chewy middles.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes—this helps them firm up a bit without falling apart. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, though no one will blame you if you sneak one warm from the tray!

How to Serve Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Garnishes

For a bakery-worthy finish, try dusting your cookies with a whisper of powdered sugar or a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar while they’re still slightly warm. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate adds an elegant (and delicious) touch.

Side Dishes

There’s nothing more classic than enjoying Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk, but they pair just as perfectly with hot tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a special afternoon treat, try serving alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Package your cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for homemade gifts or stack them in a jar for an irresistible cookie tower. For parties, consider making cookie sandwiches with a little cinnamon cream cheese frosting between two Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies soft and chewy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Place a slice of bread in with them—this old trick keeps your Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from drying out, so they stay fresh for several days.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to three months. For freshly baked treats on demand, freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag—bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

If you want that warm, just-baked experience, simply pop your cookie in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. For bigger batches, reheat cookies on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives that soft, gooey center and crisp edges that make the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies irresistible.

FAQs

Why are my oatmeal raisin cookies coming out flat?

Flat cookies can happen if your butter is too soft or the dough is overmixed. To avoid this, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, and be sure to measure your flour correctly. This gives the cookies structure and helps them hold their lovely shape.

Can I substitute the raisins with something else?

Absolutely! Try dried cranberries, dried cherries, or even chocolate chips for a twist on the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. You can also combine raisins with any of these add-ins for extra flavor and texture.

How do I make my cookies chewier?

For extra chewy cookies, make sure to use only old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats) and chill the dough before baking. The brown sugar also helps guarantee that soft bite you crave in the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

Do I need to soak the raisins?

Soaking raisins for 10 minutes in warm water (or even rum for an adult twist) plumps them up, making them juicier in the final cookie. Drain and pat dry before adding to the dough for the best results.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You sure can! Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies dough keeps in the fridge for up to 48 hours. The flavor actually improves as the dough rests, making the cookies even more delicious when baked fresh.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something nostalgic and utterly satisfying, you can’t go wrong with a batch of Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Their perfect blend of buttery dough, cinnamon warmth, and bursts of sweet, plump raisins is a delight in every bite. Bake a batch soon and discover why these have become my ultimate go-to for sharing, gifting, and indulging. Happy baking, friends!

Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 30 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting sweetness of these Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, a classic treat that is sure to delight your taste buds with every chewy bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup raisins

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Create Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
Stir in Oats and Raisins: Stir in the oats and raisins until evenly distributed in the dough.
Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look just set.
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.