If you are a fan of comforting, nostalgic treats, you are going to fall head over heels for this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between tender softness and satisfyingly chewy texture, with warm cinnamon notes and bursts of sweet, plump raisins in every bite. They’re just the sort of homemade cookie that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, bringing back memories and creating new ones with every batch baked.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy richness of butter to the chewy oats and sweet raisins, making these cookies irresistibly good.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/2 sticks), softened: Provides the creamy, tender base that keeps cookies soft and flavorful.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness that enhances chewiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and helps create the perfect cookie texture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s structure and softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cinnamon and raisins.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation that gives cookies their form and bite.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Makes the cookies spread and rise just enough for a soft texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and spiced flavors.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): Key to that unmistakable chewy texture and hearty character.
- Raisins (1 1/2 cups): Sweet, juicy pockets of flavor throughout every cookie.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Adds delightful crunch and nutty richness, if you like a little texture contrast.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off effortlessly. This simple step ensures smooth baking and clean-up later, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy — this takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This process is essential as it incorporates air that gives the cookies their tender, soft structure.
Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma that hints at the sweetness to come.
Step 4: Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients bring the right texture, flavor, and lift to your cookies. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined—you want to avoid overmixing so the cookies stay soft.
Step 5: Stir in oats, raisins, and nuts
Fold in the rolled oats and juicy raisins by hand, and if you’re using nuts, add those as well. Stir gently until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving you a cookie that’s rewarding in every bite with bursts of chewiness and delightful textures.
Step 6: Scoop the dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread without sticking together during baking.
Step 7: Bake to perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. Remember, they will continue cooking slightly after you take them out, so pulling them when centers look just set guarantees that perfectly soft and chewy texture.
Step 8: Cool and enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes; this resting time lets them firm up just enough for easy transfer to a wire rack where they finish cooling completely. From here, they’re ready to indulge in or share with friends and family.
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your cookies, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top before baking can also highlight those warm spice notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
These oatmeal raisin cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot tea or coffee. The comforting flavors of the cookies shine alongside these classic beverages, making them a perfect snack or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or parties, stack the cookies with layers of parchment paper in a beautiful tin or gift box. You could also create cookie sandwiches by pairing two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spread of cream cheese frosting between them for an indulgent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week—perfect if you want to savor them over several days or share with loved ones.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious cookies longer, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature and enjoy a fresh-baked taste anytime.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop the cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This simple reheating step softens them beautifully and revives their delightful aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or cherries make fantastic alternatives that provide similar chewy sweetness and a burst of flavor.
What if I want my cookies crispier instead of soft?
For a crisper cookie, bake them a few minutes longer and flatten the dough balls slightly before baking. Just keep a close eye so they don’t overcook!
Do I have to use nuts in this recipe?
Not at all. Nuts are optional and can be omitted without affecting the overall texture or flavor if you prefer nut-free cookies.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Old-fashioned oats provide the best texture here. Quick oats can be used in a pinch but may result in a less chewy, slightly softer cookie.
How long does the dough last if I want to bake cookies later?
The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container. This helps the flavors meld beautifully before baking fresh cookies.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe enough if you’re looking for a cozy, dependable cookie that tastes like homemade comfort in every bite. Whether for a quick snack, a party treat, or a gifting idea, these cookies never fail to delight. Get your ingredients ready, and enjoy baking something truly special!
Print
Soft & Chewy 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
Delight in these Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, a classic treat combining the wholesome texture of oats with sweet raisins and a hint of warm cinnamon. Perfectly balanced for a tender bite with just the right amount of chewiness, these cookies make a comforting snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-Ins
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure even incorporation, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- 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 Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing the dough.
- Add Oats, Raisins, and Nuts: Fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats, raisins, and optional chopped nuts carefully by hand to evenly distribute without breaking the oats or nuts.
- Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers still appear soft. This ensures a chewy texture once cooled.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with extra oats.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy rather than crispy.
- You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking to enhance the flavors.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
