These Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, packed with oats, cinnamon, and raisins. A classic cookie that’s soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the edges, they’re sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. These cookies stay fresh for days, making them a great treat to prepare in advance for family gatherings, after-school snacks, or simply as a comforting dessert after a long day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something nostalgic and comforting about oatmeal raisin cookies. The chewy texture combined with the slight crunch from the oats and the burst of sweetness from the raisins make every bite irresistible. Not only are these cookies incredibly easy to make, but they also stay soft for days, which makes them perfect for meal prep or sharing with loved ones. With a perfect blend of cinnamon and vanilla, these cookies are bound to become your new favorite homemade treat.

Ingredients

1 cup (229 g) unsalted butter, cold
1½ cups (330 g) light brown sugar, packed
½ cup (95 g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure vanilla extract
2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
1½ cups (120 g) rolled oats
1 tablespoon (7 g) ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 cups (approximately 10 oz) raisins

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, and set them aside.
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold, cubed butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Once combined, fold in the raisins with a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed.
Portion the Dough:
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly undercooked, but this is ideal for that soft, chewy texture.
Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the raisins for a decadent twist on the classic oatmeal raisin cookie.
Nutty Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch and a nutty flavor.
Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of warmth.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you'd like them to stay even fresher, store them in the refrigerator.
Freezing: You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating: To bring the cookies back to their soft, chewy state, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

How can I make my oatmeal raisin cookies softer?

For a softer cookie, be sure not to overbake them. Take them out of the oven when the edges are golden, but the centers are still slightly underdone. Also, letting the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking helps them stay soft.

Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruit?

Yes, you can substitute the raisins with other dried fruits such as dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots. Just make sure to chop larger fruits into smaller pieces before adding them to the dough.

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

If your dough is too soft, try chilling it for 15-30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape better while baking.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter for the most consistent flavor, but if you only have salted butter, just reduce the amount of salt in the recipe slightly.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can make these cookies vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and using flax eggs or other egg replacements.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This helps the flavors meld together, and the dough will be easier to handle when baking.

How do I make my cookies chewier?

To make your cookies extra chewy, try using more brown sugar than granulated sugar, and make sure not to overbake them. You can also add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for added moisture.

What should I do if my cookies are too hard?

If your cookies are too hard, they may have been overbaked or the dough was overmixed. You can also try adding a bit more moisture next time, such as an extra egg or tablespoon of butter.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need more cookies. Just ensure you have enough space on your baking sheets and that your oven can handle the larger batch.

How do I get my cookies to be perfectly round?

For perfectly round cookies, roll the dough into balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. You can also gently press the tops of the dough balls to flatten them slightly before baking.

Conclusion

These Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the comforting flavor of oats and raisins. With a chewy, soft texture and a hint of cinnamon spice, they’re an easy-to-make classic that will delight everyone. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are a surefire way to make your day a little sweeter.