Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

The Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Few things are as comforting as the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. While chocolate chip cookies may garner most attention, oatmeal raisin cookies hold a special place in the hearts (and ovens) of many people. With their chewy texture, sweet bursts of raisins, and wholesome oats, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion.

Whether you’re making snacks for the kids, prepping for a bake sale, or simply baking for yourself, this oatmeal raisin cookie recipe is here to become your new favorite. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from the simple ingredients to helpful baking tips—so you can create soft, chewy, and utterly delicious cookies every single time. 

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Ingredients That Make Magic Happen

Before we start baking, let’s talk about the stars of this cookie show and why they’re essential to the recipe. 

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (2 cups): Old-fashioned oats bring that chewy texture we love in oatmeal raisin cookies. Instant oats won’t give you the same satisfaction, so be sure to grab the rolled variety. 
• Raisins (1 cup): Sweet, plump raisins provide bursts of natural sweetness in every bite. You can even soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough to make them even juicier! 
• All-Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cups): The backbone of the cookie. Flour creates structure while keeping the cookies soft. 
• Butter (1 cup, softened): Butter adds richness and flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing and to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. 
• Brown Sugar (1 cup) and Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): A blend of these sugars creates the perfect balance of sweetness while giving the cookies a soft and chewy consistency. Brown sugar also adds a hint of caramel flavor. 
• Eggs (2 large): Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookies’ tender texture. 
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla enhances all the flavors and gives the cookies that nostalgic, homey aroma. 
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon) and Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Baking soda helps the cookies rise, while salt brings out all the wonderful flavors. 
• Ground Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): The secret ingredient that adds a warm, spicy note to your cookies. 

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Follow these easy steps to create the best oatmeal raisin cookies you’ve ever tasted. 

1. Preheat and Prep 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and makes clean-up a breeze. 

2. Mix Dry Ingredients 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. 

3. Cream Butter and Sugars 

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step is crucial for achieving a soft cookie texture. 

4. Add Wet Ingredients 

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. 

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients 

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. 

6. Fold in Raisins 

Gently fold in the raisins with a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. 

7. Scoop and Bake 

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. 

Tip: They might look slightly underdone in the center—that’s perfect for a chewy cookie! 

8. Cool and Enjoy 

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, if you’re like me, enjoy one fresh from the oven while it’s still warm! 

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Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cookies Every Time

• Keep them soft: Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven. 
• Chill the dough: For extra thick and chewy cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. 
• Make them your own: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for a crunchy twist. Or swap out the raisins for dried cranberries. 
• Use parchment paper: This keeps the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and ensures even baking. 

Read More: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe You’ll Love

Variations to Try

Here are a few fun ways to put your own spin on this classic oatmeal raisin cookie recipe! 

• Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Replace half the raisins with chocolate chips for a decadent treat. 
• Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies: Swap raisins for dried cranberries and add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the batter. 
• Nutty Oatmeal Cookies: Throw in chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added crunch. 

Serving Suggestions

Freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookies are delicious on their own, but why stop there? Here are some ideas to elevate your cookie experience. 

• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Enjoy them as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. 
• Cookie Sandwiches: Spread your favorite icing or cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a fun twist. 
• With Vanilla Ice Cream: Crumble cookies over a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a quick and indulgent dessert. 

Ready to Bake Your Next Favorite Cookie?

There’s something truly special about baking your own oatmeal raisin cookies—they’re warm, wholesome, and a perfect way to bring the family together. With this foolproof recipe and all the helpful tips we’ve shared, you’re well on your way to creating the ultimate batch. 

When you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see how your cookies turn out! Don’t forget to leave a review in the comments below—your feedback makes my oven sing! 

Happy baking! 

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