If you are searching for the ultimate comforting treat, this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine biting into a cookie that is tender and chewy on the inside with a hint of cinnamon and bursts of sweet raisins in every mouthful. These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft texture and flavor-packed goodness, making them a beloved classic that will have you reaching for seconds and thirds without a second thought. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack or sharing with friends and family, these oatmeal raisin delights are sure to become your new go-to recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is delightfully straightforward, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect texture and taste. From creamy butter that enriches the dough to fragrant cinnamon that infuses every bite, these components come together to create a timeless cookie experience.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 229 g): Using cold, unsalted butter ensures a tender crumb and prevents the dough from spreading too thin during baking.
- Light brown sugar (1½ cups / 330 g): Packed tightly to add moisture and subtle caramel notes that deepen the cookie’s flavor.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup / 95 g): Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with a slightly crisp edge contrast.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tablespoon / 15 ml): Injects warmth and rich aroma that enhances the overall depth.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups / 280 g): Provides structure, balancing the chewiness of the oats and moisture from the butter.
- Rolled oats (1½ cups / 120 g): Give the cookies their hearty texture and classic oatmeal flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon / 7 g): Adds a warm, spicy note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the raisins.
- Salt (1 teaspoon / 5 ml): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to keep them soft and pillowy.
- Raisins (2 cups / approx. 10 oz): Bring juicy bursts of natural sweetness that are absolutely irresistible in every bite.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat ensures that the cookies bake evenly and release effortlessly from the surface later.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, mix the cold, cubed butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar using a mixer on medium speed. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because properly creamed butter and sugar trap air, helping your cookies maintain that soft, chewy texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate air and moisture smoothly. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a wonderful aromatic note.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Mixing the dry ingredients evenly ensures each cookie has consistent texture and flavor.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet bowl, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing can toughen cookies, so keep it gentle here. Finally, fold in the plump raisins with a spatula, distributing them throughout the dough perfectly.
Step 6: Portion and Bake
Use a spoon to scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie so they can expand without merging. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges develop a light golden color. Don’t worry if the centers seem slightly underdone — that’s exactly what keeps them soft and chewy.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time helps them set and makes handling easier without breaking the tender structure.
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Though these cookies are delightful on their own, sprinkling a little cinnamon sugar on top right after baking adds a lovely crunchy contrast and accentuates the warm spices. Alternatively, a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate transforms these into a decadent treat for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair your Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of chai tea for a classic soulful match. For breakfast, these cookies go wonderfully alongside a dollop of creamy yogurt and fresh fruit, turning them into a delightful morning indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in a rustic tin tied with twine as a charming homemade gift. You can also sandwich your favorite ice cream between two cookies for an irresistible dessert sandwich, perfect for warm weather or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of apple or a piece of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. For the dough, scoop portions onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers for similar durations. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If your cookies have lost a bit of their fresh-baked softness, warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes to revive that perfect chewy texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries make excellent alternatives and add their unique flavor twists to the Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe.
Why is my cookie dough so sticky?
Sticky dough is quite normal for this recipe because of the moisture from butter and sugars. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help make it easier to handle, especially if you’re having trouble scooping.
How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?
Don’t overbake the cookies; pull them out when edges are golden but centers still look slightly underdone. Proper storage in airtight containers with a moisture-retaining item like bread can also keep them soft longer.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While rolled oats are preferred for their chewy texture, quick oats can be used in a pinch but may result in a slightly less chewy cookie and a finer texture.
Is it necessary to use cold butter?
Cold butter helps create a thicker dough that doesn’t spread too much in the oven, contributing to the cookie’s chewy texture. Using room temperature butter might yield thinner cookies with a different texture.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something magical about a Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe that perfectly balances nostalgia, comfort, and deliciousness in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a go—you might just find yourself making these cookies your new favorite anytime snack or thoughtful gift for loved ones. Baking them from scratch is not only rewarding but fills your home with the most inviting aroma that’s simply irresistible.
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
Enjoy these soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies featuring a perfect balance of warm cinnamon, sweet raisins, and hearty oats. With a tender crumb and a hint of vanilla, these classic cookies are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (229 g) unsalted butter, cold
- 1½ cups (330 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (95 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups (120 g) rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon (7 g) ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Add-ins
- 2 cups (approximately 10 oz) raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine cold, cubed butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. 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, oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Fold in raisins with a spatula.
- Portion the Dough: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden. The centers may be slightly underdone for a soft, chewy texture.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Using cold butter helps achieve a tender, chewy texture.
- Do not overmix once dry ingredients are added to avoid tough cookies.
- For extra flavor, soak raisins in warm water or rum for 10 minutes before folding them in.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
