Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for a classic cookie that brings together nostalgic comfort and irresistible texture, look no further than Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. With perfectly golden edges, plush chewy centers, and bursts of plump raisins in every bite, these cookies are the kind that transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll love how easy this recipe is and how quickly your kitchen fills with warm, cinnamon-laced aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies lies in their simplicity—each ingredient brings its own personality to the dough, building irresistible layers of flavor, texture, and color. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why these pantry staples matter.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is the secret to that dreamy, chewy texture and rich flavor in every bite.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and remarkable depth, giving the cookies their signature chew.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of classic white sugar balances sweetness and helps create those perfectly crisp edges.
- Eggs: Two large eggs help bind the dough and add tenderness to the finished cookies.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon infuses every bite with beloved vanilla warmth.
- All-purpose flour: The reliable base that gives structure, so your cookies stay sturdy without being dry.
- Baking soda: Ensures the cookies puff just enough to stay soft and chewy rather than flat and crispy.
- Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a cozy, aromatic note that plays beautifully with the raisins and oats.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon brightens the flavors and balances all the sweetness.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These provide hearty texture and give the cookies their distinctive oatiness—quick oats won’t quite do the trick!
- Raisins: Plump, juicy raisins bring natural sweetness and delightful chew, making each bite a perfect balance of flavor and fun.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—not only does this prevent sticking, but it also guarantees golden, evenly baked cookies every time. Having everything ready means you can move smoothly from mixing to baking to enjoying your first warm bite.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that hallmark soft and chewy texture—creaming introduces air and makes the base irresistibly smooth.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in the eggs and add the vanilla extract. Continue beating until everything is thoroughly combined and the dough looks glossy and even. This step ensures your flavorings are perfectly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This even distribution of leavening and spices means no surprises—just consistent, delicious cookies every time.
Step 5: Mix the Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing slowly at first to avoid a flour cloud. Stir just until the dough comes together. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, so go gently for the best soft & chewy oatmeal raisin cookies experience.
Step 6: Fold in the Oats and Raisins
Switch to a spatula and gently fold in the rolled oats and raisins, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you want extra-plump raisins, soak them briefly in warm water before draining and adding—they’ll surprise you with their juiciness!
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Drop generous tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about two inches apart. This allows the cookies to spread just enough while keeping their plump, soft centers. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers still look just a touch underdone—this is your key to that plush, chewy interior.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to finish setting up and ensures they’re easy to handle without falling apart.
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
If you want to take your Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies to the next level, try sprinkling a little flaky sea salt on top just after baking. Or, for a pretty touch, drizzle on a bit of vanilla glaze once cooled. Both options add a pop of flavor and make your cookies look bakery-ready!
Side Dishes
Nothing complements these cookies like a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee. If you want to round out a dessert plate, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a bowl of fresh seasonal berries for an extra burst of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few cookies in a rustic jar with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift, or making ice cream sandwiches with two cookies and your favorite ice cream. For a party platter, pair these Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with a mix of chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies for a classic trio everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies perfectly soft, place them in an airtight container as soon as they’re completely cool. Store at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to five days. For extra moisture, tuck in a piece of bread—it works like magic!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, layer them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment to prevent sticking. They’ll taste freshly baked for up to three months. You can also freeze raw cookie dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer for warm cookies anytime.
Reheating
To revive that irresistible just-baked flavor, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The centers become gooey and delicious, as if they just came out of the oven. For a full tray, reheat in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes to restore their softness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with something else?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even mini chocolate chips are fun twists on the classic. The soft & chewy oatmeal raisin cookie base is super versatile for all kinds of mix-ins.
How can I make sure my cookies stay soft?
The secret is not to overbake! Pull the cookies from the oven when the centers still look slightly underdone—they’ll set as they cool. Proper storage in an airtight container keeps them chewy for days.
Are quick oats okay to use instead of old-fashioned oats?
For the best texture, stick with old-fashioned oats. Quick oats can make the cookies dense instead of chewy, so you might lose some of that signature bite that makes Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies so special.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch that plays perfectly with the chewy cookie and plump raisins. Just stir in about half a cup along with the oats and raisins.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
You can! Simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The cookies may spread a little less, but they’ll still taste fantastic.
Final Thoughts
If you love the kind of cookie that feels just like home, these Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are bound to become your new go-to recipe. Every bite combines comforting spices, buttery oats, and sweet raisins in the most delightful way. Share them with friends, tuck them into lunchboxes, or simply treat yourself—you deserve it! Enjoy every soft and chewy morsel, and don’t forget to bake them again soon.
Print
Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a classic treat that is sure to please your taste buds. With a perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 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
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Incorporate oats and raisins: Stir in the oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
- Bake the cookies: Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden around the edges but soft in the centers.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For plumper raisins, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain before adding to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft.
- Add chopped walnuts for extra crunch if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
