These Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are simply delightful – deliciously irresistible, you’ll be craving more after just one bite!
These Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a timeless classic, loved for their soft texture, warm spices, and bursts of sweet raisins. Made with hearty oats, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies strike the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. The edges are slightly crisp, while the centers stay delightfully chewy, making every bite both comforting and satisfying.
For more raisin recipes you have to check out my Raisin Pecan Bread, Biscoff Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and Raisin Walnut Oatmeal Cookies.
Table of Contents
What We Love About Oatmeal Cookies
- Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are perfectly balanced with the sweetness of raisins and the warmth of spices.
- These chewy cookies are made with wholesome ingredients, making them a somewhat healthier cookie option.
- This Oatmeal Raisin Cookies recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
Recipe Ingredients
- Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spiced flavor.
- Raisins: Infuse the cookies with natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
- Old Fashioned Oats: Contribute a hearty, chewy texture and a nutty flavor.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Nut Options: Walnuts and pecans provide a rich, buttery taste. Almonds add a subtle, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch, while hazelnuts offer a slightly sweet and earthy taste. You can also mix in a combination of nuts for a more complex taste.
- Oatmeal Variations: Consider using steel-cut oats for a nuttier taste and chewier texture or gluten-free oats for a gluten-free option. Instant oats can create a softer cookie, while mixing in some toasted oats can enhance the flavor.
How to Make Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the raisins along with ¼ cup of water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 30 seconds, then allow to sit covered until needed.
Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together butter, sugars, and vanilla extract for 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, then mix until combined.
Step 3: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk to combine. With the mixing speed on low, gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until no flour pockets remain. Remove the bowl from the stand and fold in raisins (drain any excess moisture from the bowl before adding them). Cover the bowl and place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour before baking.
Step 4: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or baking mats, and set aside.
Step 5: Using a standard-sized cookie scoop, place chilled cookie dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheets. Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown in color. The centers should look slightly underbaked; they will firm up once cooled. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on sheets for 3-4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips
- Rehydrate Your Raisins: For the best oatmeal raisin cookies, rehydrate your raisins. Even if you just bought them, they need more moisture. Toss them in a bowl with water, microwave for 30 seconds, cover, and let sit until needed. Drain excess water before use.
- Rotate the Baking Sheets: Halfway through baking, rotate the baking sheets to ensure even cooking. This helps the cookies bake evenly, preventing some from becoming too brown while others are undercooked.
FAQs
Yes, you can swap the raisins for dried cherries or cranberries. This variation adds a slightly tart flavor.
You can use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper. It provides a non-stick surface, ensures even baking, and is reusable, making it a great eco-friendly alternative.
Storage Info
STORE Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To FREEZE, just place them in a freezer bag. They can also be frozen for up to three months
To REHEAT, microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) for 5-10 minutes.
Other Cookie Recipes to Enjoy
Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter - room temperature
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup quick rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the raisins along with ¼ cup of water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 30 seconds, then allow to sit covered until needed.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together butter, sugars, and vanilla extract for 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, then mix until combined.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk to combine. With the mixing speed on low, gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until no flour pockets remain. Remove the bowl from the stand and fold in raisins (drain any excess moisture from the bowl before adding them). Cover the bowl and place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour before baking.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or baking mats, and set aside.
- Using a standard-sized cookie scoop, place chilled cookie dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheets. Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown in color. The centers should look slightly underbaked; they will firm up once cooled. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on sheets for 3-4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Loved these because they’re wholesome but still feel like a treat! Thanks Andrea ❤️
Thanks, awesome tips, I can’t wait to try your recipe! My cousin is coming in for New Years and she loves Oat meal cookies.
Got to love a soft oatmeal cookie. I was worried at first there was not enough flour but once cooked they were awesome!!!