If you have a soft spot for comforting, homey treats, you are going to absolutely adore this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the warm spices of cinnamon, the hearty texture of rolled oats, and bursts of sweet, plump raisins. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering that perfect balance of softness and chewiness that keeps you reaching for one more. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon or packing snacks for friends, this recipe makes cookie magic simple and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that pack a punch of flavor and texture. Each component is key— from the chilled butter that ensures a tender bite to the cinnamon that infuses warmth, every item works together to create these unforgettable cookies.
- Cold unsalted butter: Using cold, cubed butter helps maintain the cookie’s delightful softness and prevents greasiness.
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor essential for chewiness.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps achieve a slight crisp edge.
- Pure vanilla extract: Lifts all the flavors, giving a warm, aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour: The structure builder, creating the perfect dough base.
- Rolled oats: Provides the signature chewy texture and hearty earthiness.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that complements the raisins beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for softness without spreading too thin.
- Raisins: Sweet bursts of fruit that add natural sweetness and chewy contrast.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prep sets the stage for cookies that bake evenly without sticking or burning, giving you that picture-perfect golden edge.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold, cubed unsalted butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat this mixture on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes fluffy and light. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, helping your cookies be soft and tender rather than dense.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract, which will give your dough an irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda until well combined. This ensures your leavening and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, just until everything comes together; overmixing can make the cookies tough. Finally, fold in the raisins gently with a spatula. This careful combination ensures chewy goodness in every bite.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, arranging them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread slightly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges turn golden. Don’t worry if the centers look a bit underdone — this is exactly what keeps them soft and chewy.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Allow your cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooling lets them set perfectly so they don’t break apart but remain tender.
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, try dusting them lightly with cinnamon sugar or adding a sprinkle of rolled oats on top before baking to amp up the rustic look and texture. You could also drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist that melts softly with every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these oatmeal raisin cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a nostalgic combo, or serve alongside warm chai tea or coffee. The spices in the cookies complement the warm, fragrant drinks beautifully, making them perfect for cozy afternoons or after dinner treats.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try sandwiching two cookies together with a layer of cream cheese frosting or vanilla ice cream in between. For gifting, stack a dozen in a mason jar tied with a ribbon. They’re not just delicious — they look the part as heartfelt homemade gifts too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delightful for up to a week, perfect for enjoying a little sweetness whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag once solid — baking from frozen just takes a few extra minutes!
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked softness, warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. They’ll taste just like they’ve come straight out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use golden raisins instead of regular raisins?
Absolutely! Golden raisins will add a slightly different, fruitier sweetness but work wonderfully in this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe.
What’s the secret to making these cookies soft and chewy?
Using cold butter and not overbaking are key to that perfect texture. Also, the combination of brown sugar and rolled oats locks in moisture for chewiness.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour?
You can, but the texture will be a bit denser and nuttier. For best results, try a half-and-half mix to maintain softness while adding a wholesome flavor.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged.
Can I add nuts to this cookie recipe?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with the chewy raisins and oats. Add about 1/2 cup along with the raisins.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a batch of warm, soft, and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies fresh from your oven, and this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is a surefire way to achieve that joy every time. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep close and share often. So get your baking sheets ready and enjoy the sweet, cinnamon-spiced love in every bite!
Print
Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone craving a comforting and wholesome snack. Made with rolled oats, fragrant cinnamon, and plump raisins, these cookies boast a delightful chewy texture with a soft center and golden edges. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this recipe yields 24 delicious cookies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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 to incorporate fully.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda until well combined.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful to avoid overmixing to ensure tender cookies. Fold in the raisins gently with a spatula to distribute evenly.
- Portion the Dough: Using a rounded tablespoon, scoop dough portions onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. The centers should remain slightly underdone to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely and set.
Notes
- Using cold butter helps create a chewier texture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- If you prefer plumper raisins, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain before adding.
- Spacing the cookies properly on the baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents them from merging together.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
