Hey y’all! If you’re craving the ultimate Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, you’re in for a treat. These cookies are sweet, perfectly soft, and loaded with plump raisins and hearty oats—absolutely perfect for everything from school lunches to cozy family nights and holiday cookie swaps. This classic recipe delivers those golden, bakery-style cookies that everyone loves. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe
- Irresistibly soft centers and delightfully chewy edges make every bite memorable.
- Wholesome oats add texture and heartiness, while cinnamon and vanilla provide cozy flavors.
- Simple pantry staples come together for a quick and fuss-free baking session.
- Packed with plump, juicy raisins for bursts of natural sweetness in every bite.
- Perfect for making ahead, freezing, or gifting throughout the year.
Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Ingredients
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (240g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ¼ cups (190g) raisins
How to Make Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Step 3: Fold in Oats and Raisins
Stir in the rolled oats and raisins with a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading (learn more about chilling cookie dough).
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough and space them 2 inches apart on the sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look soft but set.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes for the Best Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Be sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the perfect chewy texture (not quick oats!).
- Soak your raisins in warm water for 10 minutes if they’re dry—this keeps them nice and plump (how-to guide).
- Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes keeps cookies thick and chewy.
Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Variations
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Swap out raisins for chocolate chips (or use half and half!).
- Nutty Delight: Fold in ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Required Equipment for Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Storage Instructions
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months, separating layers with parchment paper. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls—bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time (freezing tips).
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Serve with a cold glass of milk or your favorite non-dairy beverage.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Pack in lunchboxes or enjoy as an afternoon snack with tea.
Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Pro Tips
- Don’t overbake; cookies should look slightly underdone in the center for the chewiest texture.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing and optimal texture.
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet before moving—they’ll continue to set and stay soft (cookie baking tips).
FAQs about Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
- You can, but the cookies may be less chewy and more cake-like in texture—rolled oats are best.
- How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
- Chill the dough before baking and avoid over-creaming the butter to keep cookies thick and chewy.
- Can I substitute dried cranberries for raisins?
- Absolutely! Dried cranberries work great and add a sweet-tart twist to these cookies.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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3Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
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4In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
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5Stir in the oats and raisins until evenly combined.
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6Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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