Name: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; ¾ tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; 1¼ cups butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 3 cups Old Fashioned Oats; 1½ cups raisins

If you’re looking for the ultimate homemade treat, look no further than Oatmeal Raisin Cookies! These are the kind of cookies that transport you to a cozy afternoon, each bite brimming with buttery richness, warm spices, chewy oats, and bursts of sweet raisins. Whether you’re baking a batch for your family, sharing at a potluck, or sneaking one as a midnight snack, these cookies hit all the right nostalgic notes—soft in the middle, golden crisp on the edges, and absolutely irresistible.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every classic cookie owes its magic to a handful of well-chosen ingredients, and these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are no exception. Each element works its own flavorful charm—contributing to tender centers, inviting spice, and that signature texture you crave.

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base, ensuring each cookie holds together without getting too cakey.
Baking powder: Gives the cookies just the right lift for a chewy texture instead of a flat, crispy one.
Salt: Balances all the sweet flavors and highlights the richness of the butter and oats.
Cinnamon: Infuses the dough with warm, comforting spice that’s iconic in any great Oatmeal Raisin Cookie.
Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with the oats and raisins.
Butter, softened: The backbone of the cookie, giving each bite its luscious, buttery flavor—don’t skip the softening step!
Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and contributes to the cookies’ delicate crunch.
Brown sugar: Offers molasses-y richness and helps keep the cookies moist and chewy in the center.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with an undercurrent of sweet, aromatic warmth.
Large eggs: Bind everything together, adding moisture and helping the cookies rise perfectly.
Old Fashioned Oats: Not only give the cookies texture, but also that wonderful, hearty bite and classic appearance.
Raisins: The sweet jewels in every bite—be sure to use plump, fresh ones for the best flavor and chew.

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step makes removal and clean-up a breeze, and it prevents sticking so your cookies emerge picture-perfect every time.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Take a moment to whisk these together—this disperses the spices evenly, ensuring that every cookie is warm and flavorful throughout.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter together with both the white and brown sugars in a large bowl. You want the mixture to become light and fluffy—this creates air pockets that help your cookies rise and gives them a wonderful texture.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Eggs

Beat in the vanilla extract and then add your eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. This ensures everything is seamlessly blended and your dough has a smooth, creamy base.

Step 5: Combine with Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. This careful mixing helps keep the cookies tender and prevents overworking the dough.

Step 6: Stir in Oats and Raisins

Add in the oats next and mix until things look thick and hearty—just what you want in Oatmeal Raisin Cookies! Finally, gently fold in the raisins, making sure they’re evenly distributed so each cookie gets its fair share.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, shape dough balls and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the edges start turning golden brown. For a perfect chewy middle, don’t overbake.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This quick cooling time helps them set without losing that wonderful soft and chewy texture we all love in Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Garnishes

For a gorgeous finish, sprinkle your warm cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you want to impress, a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate can make these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies feel extra special—just let it set before stacking them on a plate!

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk (classic, right?), a mug of your favorite coffee, or even a cozy chai latte. For a sweet treat platter, pair Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with chocolate chunk cookies or nutty shortbreads for delightful variety at dessert time.

Creative Ways to Present

Gift-wrap a stack of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in cellophane and tie with baker’s twine for a heartfelt present. Or, use them as ice cream sandwich bases with vanilla bean, cinnamon, or rum raisin ice cream—the flavors are a match made in dessert heaven. Another fun idea: crush leftover cookies over yogurt parfaits or morning oatmeal for an indulgent breakfast topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days—if they last that long! Add a slice of bread to the container for extra moisture retention.

Freezing

You can freeze both the baked cookies and unbaked dough balls for later. Flash-freeze dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag and keep them for up to three months. Baked cookies should be layered with parchment in a tightly sealed container to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

Want that fresh-from-the-oven experience? Warm a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or place several on a baking sheet to reheat at 300 degrees F for 3 to 5 minutes. They’ll be perfectly melty and irresistible.

FAQs

Can I substitute the raisins in Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with another dried fruit?

Absolutely! Try dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates for a twist. Each variation brings its own tartness and texture, keeping your cookies exciting batch after batch.

How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?

Store them in an airtight container as soon as they’re fully cooled. You can add a slice of white bread to the container—the cookies will absorb its moisture, staying soft and chewy for days.

Can I make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Also check that your oats are certified gluten-free to cater to all dietary needs.

Why did my cookies turn out flat and crispy?

This usually happens if the butter was too warm or the dough was over-mixed. Try chilling your dough for 30 minutes next time before baking for thicker, chewier cookies.

Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?

Definitely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking. In fact, chilling the dough even enhances the flavors and can improve the texture!

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked Oatmeal Raisin Cookies filling your kitchen. This recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again, whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking just one more for yourself. Give it a try—you’re in for a classic treat that never fails to warm hearts and lift spirits!