Name: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups shortening (or butter); 2 cups brown sugar; 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup water; 2 teaspoons vanilla; 6 cups uncooked oats (quick oats); 2 1/2 cups flour; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 1/2 cups raisins

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Who doesn’t love the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookies filling the house? These cookies are everything you crave: soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. The oats give them that hearty texture, while the raisins add a sweet, chewy burst with every bite. And let’s not forget the perfect touch of cinnamon that ties it all together. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to cookie recipe—perfect for snack time, dessert, or just whenever you need a little something sweet.

Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about baking cookies—it’s about creating memories. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family night or sharing with friends, these cookies are always a hit. Here’s why they’ll steal the show:

Comforting and Cozy: There’s something about oatmeal raisin cookies that feels like a warm hug. The combination of oats, cinnamon, and raisins just hits the spot every time.

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make these cookies. You’ve probably got most of what you need in your pantry right now—making it easy to whip up a batch anytime!

Perfect Balance of Texture: These cookies are chewy with just the right amount of crispness around the edges. The oats provide a hearty chew, while the raisins give bursts of sweetness in every bite.

Customizable: Feel free to make these cookies your own! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a little dash of nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous.

Great for Sharing: Whether it’s for a cookie exchange, a gift, or just a treat for loved ones, oatmeal raisin cookies are perfect for sharing and spreading joy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these classic oatmeal raisin cookies. Simple, straightforward ingredients that will make your kitchen smell amazing:

Rolled Oats: The heart and soul of oatmeal cookies. They add texture and a satisfying chew that makes these cookies so comforting.

Raisins: Sweet and chewy, they’re the perfect complement to the oats and bring in a burst of natural sweetness.

Butter: The butter makes these cookies rich and flavorful. It’s the secret to getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar gives these cookies a slight caramel flavor and depth.

Granulated Sugar: A little white sugar to balance the richness of the brown sugar and add that perfect sweetness.

Flour: All-purpose flour holds everything together and gives the cookies their structure.

Baking Soda: This helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy. It’s the key to achieving the perfect texture.

Cinnamon: Just the right amount of cinnamon adds warmth and a comforting flavor that ties everything together.

Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients and give the cookies their chewy texture.

Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor to round out the sweetness.

Salt: A pinch of salt balances out all the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making these perfect oatmeal raisin cookies:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out just the right amount of golden.

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This will give your cookies that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. This adds moisture and flavor to your dough.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and gives the cookies a consistent flavor.

Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’ll keep the texture light and airy.

Add the Oats and Raisins: Gently fold in the oats and raisins until they’re evenly mixed throughout the dough. This is where the magic happens—those chewy raisins and hearty oats will make every bite a delight!

Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. You want them soft and chewy, so don’t overbake.

Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, gooey, and perfectly spiced oatmeal raisin cookies!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 140

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These oatmeal raisin cookies are great on their own, but here are a few fun ideas to make your treat even more special:

With a Glass of Milk: You can’t go wrong with the classic combo of cookies and milk. Whether you prefer it cold or warm, it’s the ultimate comfort snack.
With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy your cookies with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat. The warmth of the drink pairs so nicely with the cinnamon-spiced cookies.
As a Dessert with Ice Cream: Want to go all out? Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between to create a delicious cookie sandwich.
Pack Them for Lunch: These cookies are the perfect portable snack. Pack them in a lunchbox or bring them to a picnic for something sweet to enjoy on the go.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the best oatmeal raisin cookies:

Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better and results in a chewier texture.

Customize Your Add-ins: If you’re not a fan of raisins, try swapping them out for dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a fun twist.

Don’t Overbake: These cookies are best when they’re slightly underbaked, so they stay soft and chewy. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time.

Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy whenever the craving hits!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A1: Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind they may make the cookies a little softer. Rolled oats provide more texture.

Q2: Can I make these cookies without raisins?
A2: Absolutely! You can leave them out or replace them with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even chopped nuts for a different flavor.

Q3: How can I make these cookies healthier?
A3: Try substituting some of the butter with applesauce and using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute.

Q4: How do I store leftover cookies?
A4: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!

Q5: Can I freeze the dough?
A5: Yes! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag or container. You can bake them straight from the freezer; just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Q6: How do I keep my cookies chewy?
A6: Be sure not to overbake them! Take them out of the oven when they’re just set in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool but remain chewy.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and keep the baking time the same. You may need to bake in batches, depending on the size of your oven.

Q8: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Q9: How can I make my cookies crispier?
A9: If you prefer a crispier cookie, flatten the dough balls slightly before baking, and bake them a bit longer until they’re golden brown.

Q10: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A10: You can, but butter gives these cookies the best flavor and texture. If you must use margarine, opt for one with a high fat content for the best results.

Conclusion

These oatmeal raisin cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a comforting, nostalgic bite that always feels like home. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them solo with a cup of tea, they’re guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion—what’s not to love? So go ahead, grab that mixing bowl, and treat yourself to a batch of homemade goodness!