Name: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; ¾ tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; 1¼ cup 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 on a quest to find the ultimate cookie to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than these timeless Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. This recipe brings together hearty oats, plump raisins, and a duo of sugars for that crave-worthy chewy texture and buttery taste. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply treating yourself, each bite delivers a perfect balance of warmth and nostalgia—Oatmeal Raisin Cookies truly are a classic you’ll want to make again and again.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are beautifully straightforward. Each one plays a vital role in creating a cookie that’s thick, soft, and layered with flavor, making every bite unforgettable.

All-purpose flour: Provides a sturdy base, ensuring a tender but solid cookie.
Baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift for a soft, pillowy texture.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors present.
Cinnamon: Infuses warmth and classic spice that pairs perfectly with oats and raisins.
Nutmeg: Lends a subtle, earthy note to deepen the cookie’s flavor profile.
Butter, softened: The foundation of a rich, buttery cookie that practically melts in your mouth.
Granulated sugar: Helps achieve perfectly crisp edges while providing sweetness.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a lovely depth of caramel-like flavor.
Vanilla extract: Complements the spices and elevates the overall aroma.
Large eggs: Binds everything together and contributes to the cookies’ chewy finish.
Old Fashioned Oats: The hero ingredient—these oats create that signature chewy, hearty bite.
Raisins: Soft, juicy pockets of sweetness sprinkled throughout for a burst of classic flavor in every mouthful.

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and slide off easily, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing the dry ingredients first allows the leaveners and spices to be evenly distributed—this way, each cookie gets the perfect balance of flavor and tender rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This creaming process is essential for that classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies texture—chewy in the center, with just the right hint of crispiness at the edge.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Eggs

Blend in the vanilla extract, then beat in one egg at a time, mixing thoroughly between each. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well incorporated. Eggs bring moisture and help bind the ingredients, keeping the cookies from crumbling apart.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so blend only until you have a cohesive dough.

Step 6: Fold in Oats and Raisins

Stir in the old fashioned oats until the dough is thick, then gently fold in the raisins. The oats provide structure and chewiness, while the raisins add those perfect pops of sweetness in every bite of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop out generous tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are just golden brown. The centers might look a bit soft, but they’ll firm up as the cookies cool.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooling period helps set the cookies’ structure while preserving their delightfully chewy centers.

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. If you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking enhances the natural sweetness and gives each cookie that irresistible bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

There’s nothing quite like pairing fresh Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with a tall glass of milk—the classic, unbeatable duo. For a grown-up spin, try them with a cup of spiced chai, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a decadent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

These cookies make beautiful gifts—stack a few in a cellophane bag tied with twine, or arrange them on a rustic plate for holiday parties. Layer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in a mason jar for a charming presentation, or serve them in a cookie tin lined with parchment for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their soft, chewy texture for up to five days—if you can go that long without eating them all!

Freezing

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies freeze exceptionally well. Let them cool completely, then stash them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature whenever a cookie craving strikes.

Reheating

Craving that just-baked warmth? Pop a cookie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive that soft center and gentle aroma. You can also refresh them in a low oven for a few minutes if you prefer a crisper edge.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?

While you can substitute quick oats, your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies will have a slightly different texture—less chewy and more uniform. For best results, stick with old fashioned oats to get that signature hearty bite.

Are there substitutions for raisins?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips if you’re in the mood for something different while still enjoying the chewy base of these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour, and be sure your oats are certified gluten-free. You’ll get all the same cozy flavors and textures, minus the gluten.

Why did my cookies turn out flat?

Cookies can spread too much if the dough is too warm or if there’s not enough flour. Make sure your butter isn’t overly soft and double-check your measurements. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. This also allows the flavors in your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies to meld, making each bite even more delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Oatmeal Raisin Cookies never go out of style—they’re easy to make, full of comforting flavors, and bring joy to every occasion. Give this recipe a try and experience firsthand the irresistible magic of this classic cookie. Happy baking!