If you’re on the hunt for a nostalgic treat that perfectly balances softness and chewiness with wholesome ingredients, this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is absolutely your next baking adventure. Each bite offers a delightful harmony of cinnamon-spiced oats and juicy raisins, bringing warmth and comfort in cookie form. These cookies have that ideal tender yet chewy texture that feels like a hug from the inside, making them an instant favorite for both kids and adults alike. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your cookie jar will never be empty for long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of making these Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe lies in simple, well-chosen ingredients that combine to create incredible texture, flavor, and aroma. Each component plays its role — from the creamy butter to the fragrant cinnamon and hearty oats — ensuring every cookie is a mini masterpiece.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creates the rich, tender base and helps the cookies spread just right without overpowering saltiness.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor essential for that chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and contributes a slight crispness around the edges.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together while giving a bit of lift to the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors with a sweet, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure so your cookies hold their shape without becoming tough.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps lighten the dough and ensures a gentle rise during baking.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and highlights the flavors perfectly.
- Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and that classic oatmeal raisin cookie spice you’ll love.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): Offer hearty texture and a wholesome chew that makes these cookies so addicting.
- Raisins (1 cup): Deliver bursts of sweet juiciness throughout every bite.
- Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor but can be left out for a nut-free version.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, giving you a clean release every single time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process is key to incorporating air and creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, before stirring in the vanilla extract for a burst of flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Each dry ingredient has a precise job, from leavening to seasoning, so whisking them well helps distribute everything evenly in the dough.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding carefully until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so gentle folding helps keep the chewiness intact. Next, fold in the oats, raisins, and walnuts if you’re using them – these add body, flavor, and lovely texture contrasts.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them roughly 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching closely for lightly golden edges and soft centers. This timing is crucial to achieve that perfect balance of soft and chewy that makes these cookies stand out.
Step 6: Cool Before Enjoying
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to finish setting, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to let the cookies firm up just enough while keeping them wonderfully tender inside.
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to dress these cookies up a bit, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can be spectacular. Adding a pinch of cinnamon on top right after baking enhances the spice aroma and makes them look as irresistible as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk is a classic for a reason, but you can also serve them alongside a cozy cup of chai tea or creamy coffee for a comforting afternoon snack. The warm spices in the cookies complement these drinks beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking these Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream between them for an indulgent cookie sandwich. You can also crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for added texture and flavor. They are versatile enough to elevate any snack moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to a week, making them perfect for a ready-made treat anytime cravings hit.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead or save extras, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delightful texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or day-old cookies at their best, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This revitalizes their softness and releases that heavenly aroma that makes it hard to eat just one.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates work wonderfully well and add their own unique sweetness and texture to the cookies. Just keep the quantity the same for best results.
What makes these cookies soft and chewy rather than crispy?
The combination of brown sugar, rolled oats, and careful baking time creates a moist interior and tender chew. Also, not overbaking them is crucial to keeping that soft texture.
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower if you want a bit of crunch without nuts. The cookies will still be delicious and safe for nut allergies.
Why is it important to cool the cookies before removing them from the baking sheet?
Cooling them allows the cookies to set and firm up slightly, preventing them from breaking apart when moved. It also helps retain their chewy interior.
How do I ensure the cookies spread evenly while baking?
Using softened (not melted) butter and properly spacing the cookie dough scoops about two inches apart helps them spread uniformly without merging together.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those recipes that bring warmth and happiness—in cookie form—straight from your oven to your heart. Whether for a cozy family moment or a special treat to share with friends, these cookies never fail to deliver comfort and delight.
Print
Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a perfect blend of hearty oats, sweet raisins, and a hint of cinnamon, all baked to golden perfection. They offer a delightful chewy texture balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, making them a comforting classic treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
Mix-ins
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined, ensuring even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the rolled oats, raisins, and chopped walnuts if desired to incorporate texture and flavor.
- Form Cookies: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers remain soft for the perfect chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts.
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the preferred chewy texture; quick oats will alter the consistency.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips for variation.
