If you’re longing for a soul-warming, straight-from-the-oven treat, these Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are just the ticket. Plump raisins nestled in a spiced oat dough, each cookie packed with wholesome flavor and that irresistible bend-and-bite texture — it’s a classic that always hits the spot. Whether for after-school snacks, late-night cravings, or cozy family gatherings, this recipe turns everyday ingredients into magical morsels of comfort! Get ready to bake up a batch you’ll want to share (or maybe not!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies lies in their everyday, no-fuss ingredients. Each component has a starring role, from giving chew to lending spice, and together they create that perfect bite you crave.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creamed with sugars, this sets up the soft texture and buttery flavor right from the start.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds sweetness and rich molasses undertones that deepen the cookie’s flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Delivers that classic cookie sweetness and helps with a crisp edge.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients and add moisture for chewiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all those homey flavors and gives the cookies warmth.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The structure-building backbone of your cookies — don’t overmix!
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives lift, so your cookies are just thick enough.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds cozy spice in every bite — don’t skip it!
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): These give the cookies heartiness and that classic oatmeal chew.
- Raisins (1 cup): Plump, sweet, and a little tart — they’re the chewy jewels of each cookie.
- Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Toss them in for nutty crunch if you love extra texture (highly recommended!).
How to Make Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Not only does parchment keep your cookies from sticking, but it also makes cleanup a total breeze. Organization here sets you up for cookie success later!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes, until your mixture is light and fluffy — creaming is key to that signature soft texture in Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before moving on. Pour in the vanilla extract. This duo adds richness and depth, while ensuring your cookie dough stays moist and delicious.
Step 4: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly mixed. This ensures you won’t get a pocket of spice or leavener — every cookie will have that perfect flavor and texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop when no streaks of flour remain. It’s totally normal for the dough to be fairly thick at this point!
Step 6: Stir in the Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts
Add the rolled oats, raisins, and (if you like a little crunch) chopped walnuts. If you prefer, soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes first to make them extra plump. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon for this part, as the dough gets heavy!
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Scoop generous tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, pulling them from the oven when the edges are just turning golden and the centers are still slightly soft. That’s how you lock in that soft and chewy bite—don’t overbake!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. The cookies will firm up as they cool, settling into the perfect Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies texture you’re craving!
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
If you want to dress up your Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon while they’re still warm. For a festive touch, you can press a few extra raisins or chopped walnuts into the tops of the cookies just before baking.
Side Dishes
These cookies are dreamy alongside a mug of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. For a decadent dessert, sandwich two cookies with a layer of cinnamon ice cream or simply serve them warm as a sweet companion to your afternoon tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them up in a cellophane bag tied with a rustic ribbon for homemade gifts, or pile them high on a vintage cake stand at your next gathering. For lunchbox love, tuck a few Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies into waxed paper packets, or create a DIY cookie platter with a variety of homemade treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightfully soft for up to five days — if they last that long! You can place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain the cookies’ chewy texture.
Freezing
Want to save some for later (or stash away for unexpected guests)? You can freeze baked cookies or even the raw dough! For baked cookies, let them cool completely, then layer between sheets of wax paper in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. If you prefer to freeze the dough, scoop amounts onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and transfer to a resealable bag. Bake from frozen with just a minute or two extra in the oven.
Reheating
Craving that fresh-from-the-oven warmth? Simply pop a cookie in the microwave for about 8 seconds, or reheat several on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 275°F) for 3-5 minutes. This little trick revives their soft, chewy magic perfectly.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with another dried fruit?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried cherries work beautifully and add their own unique flavor. You might notice a slight difference in sweetness and chew, but your Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies will still be incredibly delicious.
What makes these cookies soft and chewy instead of crispy?
The secret comes down to a combination of brown sugar, lots of oats, and just the right baking time. Pulling the cookies from the oven while the centers are still pale ensures they set up perfectly without becoming dry or crunchy.
Are quick oats okay to use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for the hearty, chewy texture found in Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they may result in a softer, less textured cookie that bakes up a bit differently.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free as well, and you’re good to go.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading too flat, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This firms up the butter, so the cookies hold their shape and maintain that dreamy thickness Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are known for.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies brings happiness to any day and fills your kitchen with the kind of irresistible aroma that makes everyone gather around. Give this recipe a try — I promise, you’ll fall in love with every bite and probably tuck it away as your new go-to classic for years to come!
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 combines wholesome oats, plump raisins, and a touch of cinnamon for a delightful treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in oats, raisins, and walnuts: Mix in oats, raisins, and walnuts if using.
- Bake: Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Let cookies cool on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For plump raisins, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the dough.
- You can use chocolate chips as a substitute for raisins for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
