Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Get ready to meet your new go-to treat: this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is everything a classic cookie should be—chewy, comforting, and packed with warm, nostalgic flavor. Each bite boasts tender oats, sweet juicy raisins, and the perfect balance of brown sugar goodness. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon at home or looking to impress at a cookie exchange, you’ll love how quickly these cookies come together and how utterly irresistible they smell as they bake. Trust me, these are the cookies friends and family request time and time again!
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the absolute joys of this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is how it relies on everyday pantry staples that work together in beautiful harmony. Each ingredient serves a delicious purpose, from lending chewy texture to infusing the cookies with that nostalgic, home-baked aroma.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Creates a rich, creamy foundation and keeps the cookies decadently soft.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moistness and a deep caramel flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and helps the cookies get those perfectly crisp edges.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and ensure your cookies bake up tender.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Provides a warm, fragrant boost to the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives the cookies just the right structure without making them cakey.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Allows the cookies to rise ever so slightly and stay soft.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with gentle spice and classic warmth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Intensifies all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (3 cups): The star ingredient for authentic chew and hearty texture.
- Raisins (1 1/2 cups): Plump jewels of sweetness scattered throughout every cookie.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—not only does this prevent sticking, but it also helps each cookie bake evenly with perfectly golden bottoms. Taking a moment here means you can bake with confidence later!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stick with it until the mixture is pale, smooth, and fluffy—this step builds the soft, chewy texture that makes this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe such a favorite.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Stir in your vanilla extract. This combination keeps the dough luxuriously rich and fragrant, setting the stage for all that flavor to shine.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This blend ensures each cookie rises just the right amount and delivers a hint of cozy spice with every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it! This keeps the cookies tender yet satisfyingly hearty.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Raisins
Gently fold in the rolled oats and raisins, making sure everything is evenly distributed. The oats lend that classic chewy bite, while the raisins bring pops of juicy sweetness right through the dough.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden yet centers remain soft—this ensures a delightfully chewy cookie every time.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This little rest allows them to finish setting up—if you sneak one warm, nobody can blame you!
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are undeniably delicious straight from the oven, a quick dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of white chocolate, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt will take your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe from homey to bakery-worthy! These simple touches add a hint of elegance and make each cookie feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy contrast makes every bite of the chewy oat cookie even more delightful. For a dessert board, try serving them with fresh fruit or a handful of roasted nuts!
Creative Ways to Present
Line a basket with colorful napkins and pile the cookies high for a picnic or party. If you’re in a gifting mood, stack a few cookies in a glass jar with a ribbon, or arrange them in cute cellophane bags for adorable grab-and-go treats. You can even use them to top a bowl of cinnamon ice cream for a fun twist on your favorite sundae.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cookies at peak freshness, store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days—assuming they last that long! Slip a piece of bread in the container to help retain moisture and keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe delightfully tender.
Freezing
If you’d like to make cookies ahead of time, this recipe freezes beautifully! You can freeze baked cookies by laying them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Or, for ultimate convenience, portion and freeze the raw dough—just bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
Craving that just-baked warmth? Pop a cookie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or warm several at once in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This revives both the aroma and soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture of the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Absolutely! While rolled oats give a heartier, chewier texture, quick oats will make your cookies softer and more uniform. You may notice the cookie is less rustic-looking, but it will still taste delicious.
What’s the secret to keeping cookies chewy?
For the ultimate chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe, slightly underbake them and let them finish setting on the baking sheet. The moisture from the brown sugar and butter also helps keep the cookies perfectly soft for days.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Stir in up to 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or mix in dark or milk chocolate chips for a decadent twist. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your favorite mix-ins.
How do I prevent the raisins from getting dry?
For plump, extra-juicy raisins, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before folding them into the dough. Drain well, and you’ll be rewarded with wonderfully tender bites in every cookie.
Can I halve or double this recipe easily?
Yes! This Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is very forgiving. Halve it for a small batch or double it for a crowd—just be sure to measure ingredients carefully and use multiple baking sheets when scaling up.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about a freshly baked batch of the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe, and I truly hope it wins you over as much as it has in my own kitchen. Whether you bake them for yourself or to share with others, these cookies are timeless, simple to make, and bursting with flavor in every chewy bite. Happy baking!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic and comforting flavors of homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. These chewy and delicious cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup 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 1/2 cups raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the oats and raisins.
- Bake the Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized portions 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 are still soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
- You can soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to keep them plump and soft.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts for extra texture if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg