Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

There’s something so cozy and comforting about oatmeal raisin cookies. They’re chewy, hearty, and just the right balance of sweet and spiced. Whether you’re baking a batch to share with friends or indulging in one (or, let’s be real, a few) with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies hit all the right notes. And the best part? The oats and raisins give them a bit of that wholesome feel, so you can pretend they’re a little bit good for you. But trust me, this is one of those recipes that’s so good, you’ll want to keep it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Perfectly Chewy

These cookies come out with the perfect chewy texture that’s a little crisp on the edges but soft and melt-in-your-mouth in the middle. It’s the best of both worlds!

Flavorful & Sweet

With the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg paired with the natural sweetness of raisins, every bite is packed with cozy, comforting flavor. These cookies bring out all the best fall vibes—even if it’s not fall!

Easy & Quick

These oatmeal raisin cookies are simple to make, and they come together quickly. From mixing to baking, you’ll have a batch of fresh, warm cookies in under 30 minutes. Perfect for when you need a sweet fix, stat!

Customizable

Feel free to add your own twist! If you’re not a fan of raisins, swap them out for chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even chopped nuts. Want a little extra spice? A dash of ginger or cloves could add a fun, unexpected flavor.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The hearty base of this cookie, providing texture and chewiness.
  • All-Purpose Flour: To give the cookies structure.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds that warm, spicy flavor we all love in oatmeal cookies.
  • Ground Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg brings a subtle, cozy flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create that perfect chewy texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper sweetness.
  • Granulated Sugar: For that classic cookie sweetness and slight crispness.
  • Eggs: Provides structure and moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a wonderful aroma and flavor that rounds out the cookies.
  • Raisins: The classic addition, giving bursts of sweetness and chewiness.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies don’t stick and makes for an easy cleanup!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, so you get that perfect flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or hand whisk to cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is key to achieving the right texture, so take your time with it!

Step 4: Add the Eggs & Vanilla

Once the butter and sugars are fluffy, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.

Step 5: Combine the Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. You don’t want to overmix, as this could make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Stir in the Oats & Raisins

Fold in the rolled oats and raisins. Be gentle when mixing so you don’t break up the oats. The dough will be thick, but that’s exactly what we want for chewy cookies.

Step 7: Scoop & 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 golden brown and the centers are still soft.

Step 8: Cool & Enjoy!

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set while still warm and soft. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or just by themselves!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 140
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 60mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 4%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 4%
Potassium: 80mg

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

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These cookies are delicious all on their own, but if you want to make them even more indulgent, here are a few ideas:

  • With Ice Cream: Make a cookie sandwich with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream in the middle. Instant dessert upgrade!
  • With Coffee or Tea: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a soothing tea. The spices in the cookies complement the flavors of your favorite hot beverage perfectly.
  • On Their Own: Sometimes, a classic cookie is perfect just as it is. Enjoy a warm oatmeal raisin cookie with a glass of milk for a simple, satisfying treat.

Additional Tips

  • Customize the Add-ins: Not a fan of raisins? Swap them out for chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts for a different twist on this classic cookie.
  • For Extra Chewiness: Use a little extra brown sugar or try substituting part of the butter with coconut oil. This can make your cookies even chewier!
  • Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to save some for later—just pop them in a freezer-safe bag and enjoy them anytime.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
A1: While you can use quick oats, the texture of the cookies will be a bit different. Quick oats tend to break down more during baking, leading to a softer, less chewy cookie.

Q2: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
A2: To prevent spreading, make sure the dough is chilled for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents them from becoming too flat.

Q3: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A3: Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just make sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free as well.

Q4: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A4: Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can even freeze the dough and bake cookies later for a fresh batch whenever you like.

Q5: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A5: The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, but the center is still slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them.

Q6: Can I use other dried fruit instead of raisins?
A6: Yes! You can use dried cranberries, cherries, or even chopped dried apricots for a fun twist on the traditional oatmeal raisin cookie.

Q7: Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?
A7: Yes! You can mix the ingredients by hand using a wooden spoon. Just be sure to cream the butter and sugars well to get that light, fluffy texture.

Q8: How can I make these cookies more spice-forward?
A8: If you love spice, try adding a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or allspice to the dough for an extra burst of warmth and flavor.

Q9: How do I store leftover cookies?
A9: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you want to make a larger batch, just double all the ingredients and you’ll be good to go. You may need to bake the cookies in batches, depending on the size of your baking sheets.

Conclusion

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are everything you want in a classic cookie: chewy, flavorful, and comforting. With just the right amount of sweetness, spice, and texture from the oats, these cookies are perfect for snacking, sharing, or indulging in with your favorite warm drink. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a batch of homemade cookies that will disappear faster than you can say “yum”!

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Oatmeal Raisin Cookies


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  • Author: Recipes Tasteful
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: Makes about 60 cookies (depending on size) 1x

Description

These oatmeal raisin cookies are the perfect combination of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and warm spices. Baked to golden perfection, they are the ultimate comfort cookie that your family will love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups shortening (or butter)
  • 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 6 cups uncooked oats (quick oats)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ cups raisins

Optional add-ins:

  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat.
  • Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening (or butter), brown sugar, sugar, eggs, water, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
  • Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
  • Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined. The dough will be thick.
  • Stir in Raisins: Add the raisins (and optional add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut) and stir to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
  • Shape the Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1 ½ tablespoons) onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
  • Bake: Bake for 11 minutes. After that, rotate the baking sheet and bake for an additional 4 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
  • Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Substitutions: You can substitute the shortening for butter if you prefer. Using butter will provide a richer flavor, while shortening gives a softer texture.
  • Customize with Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.
  • Storing: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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