Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

The Coziest Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Soft, chewy oatmeal raisin cookies transport you straight to childhood comfort with their irresistible homemade warmth.

These classic raisin-studded treats blend hearty oats and sweet, plump raisins into a delightful bakery-style cookie.

Generations of bakers have perfected this beloved recipe, creating a nostalgic dessert that never goes out of style.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of crisp edges and tender center, packed with wholesome ingredients.

The aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar fills your kitchen, promising a delectable experience.

Warm from the oven or enjoyed with a cold glass of milk, these cookies invite you to savor a timeless classic that sparks joy and memories.

Bake a batch and watch smiles bloom with every delicious bite.

  • Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Chocolate Chip Swap: Substitute raisins with dark chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile.
  • Vegan Friendly Version: Use coconut oil instead of shortening, replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
  • Nutty Crunch Option: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans to add extra texture and nutritional value to the classic cookie recipe.

Pairings to Enjoy With Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

  • Pair with Warm Chai: Steep a fragrant chai tea that complements the cinnamon notes in the cookies, creating a cozy and comforting flavor combination.
  • Match with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cookies for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
  • Enjoy with Milk: Pour a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness of the oatmeal raisin cookies and provide a classic, nostalgic dunking experience.
  • Complement with Caramel Latte: Sip a rich caramel latte that echoes the warm, sweet flavors of the cookies and adds a luxurious touch to your dessert moment.

Storing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for Snack Time

  • Store cooled cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Preserve cookies for 7-10 days by keeping them in a closed container in the refrigerator, ensuring they remain fresh and crisp.
  • Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for long-term storage.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and texture.

FAQs

  • Can I substitute butter for shortening?

Yes, you can use butter instead of shortening. The texture might be slightly different, but the cookies will still taste delicious.

  • How do I prevent raisins from sinking to the bottom of the cookie?

Toss the raisins in a little flour before adding them to the dough. This helps distribute them evenly throughout the cookie.

  • Are these cookies crispy or soft?

These oatmeal raisin cookies are soft and chewy with a slightly crisp edge. The combination of oats and raisins creates a tender texture.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This can help develop deeper flavor and make the cookies more consistent.

What Makes Oatmeal Raisin Cookies So Classic

  • Savor Quick Homemade Comfort: This cake transforms a simple cake mix into a delightful dessert with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor impact.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treats that appeal to both kids and adults with its sweet strawberry and cinnamon profile.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and seasonal variations.
  • Celebrate Versatile Baking: Combines the classic honeybun cake concept with fresh strawberries, offering a delicious twist on traditional dessert recipes that feels both familiar and exciting.
Primary Ingredients:
  • Shortening (or Butter): A rich, creamy fat that helps create a soft and tender cookie texture.
  • Brown Sugar, Sugar: Sweet ingredients that provide deep caramel and classic sweetness to the cookies.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the cookie dough together and adds richness.
  • Oats: The signature ingredient that gives the cookies a hearty and wholesome character.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: The structural base that helps the cookies maintain their shape and provides a classic cookie texture.
  • Salt, Baking Soda, Cinnamon: Flavor enhancers and leavening agents that contribute to the overall taste and texture of the cookies.
Flavor Boosters:
  • Raisins, Water, Vanilla: Sweet dried fruits and flavor extracts that add depth, moisture, and aromatic complexity to the cookie recipe.

Steps to Bake Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Steps to Bake Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect baking environment for these scrumptious treats.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Goodness

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and transform your ingredients into a smooth, dreamy mixture:
  • Shortening or butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Water
  • Vanilla extract

Beat these together until they become a luxuriously creamy blend.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, marry your dry components:
  • Rolled oats
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon

Gently fold these dry ingredients into your creamy wet mixture, stirring until everything mingles perfectly.

Step 4: Welcome the Raisins

Sprinkle in those sweet, plump raisins and fold them throughout the dough, ensuring each cookie gets a delicious burst of fruity goodness.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop dollops of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 11 minutes.

Then, do a quick pan rotation – switch from front to back and top to bottom racks. Continue baking for another 4 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for a few moments. Transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.

Watch as they transform into crispy-edged, soft-centered delights ready to be devoured!

  • Soak raisins in warm water or juice for 10 minutes before adding to the dough to make them softer and juicier.
  • Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professional.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
  • Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition without compromising cookie texture.
  • Keep cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture and freshness for several days.
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Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 36 1x

Description

Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies deliver sweet comfort with classic charm. Hearty rolled oats and plump raisins combine in these irresistible treats you’ll crave with morning coffee or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 cups quick oats
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups raisins

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups shortening (or butter)
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Seasonings and Leavening Agents:

  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even baking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the shortening, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, water, and vanilla until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous blend.
  3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine the oats, flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon, creating a uniform dry mixture.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until fully incorporated without overmixing.
  5. Gently fold the raisins into the cookie dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  6. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart.
  7. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 11 minutes, then carefully rotate the pans to ensure uniform browning.
  8. Continue baking for an additional 4 minutes or until the edges turn a delicate golden brown and the centers appear set.
  9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheets for 3-4 minutes to firm up.
  10. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely, enabling them to reach their optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Swap out raisins for chocolate chips or dried cranberries to customize the flavor profile and keep things interesting.
  • Use old-fashioned rolled oats for better texture and chewier cookies that hold their shape perfectly.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, more substantial cookies.
  • For gluten-free options, replace wheat flour with almond flour or a certified gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 36
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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