Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a classic cookie that hits all the right notes, look no further! This Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is absolutely one of my favorites to bake and share. What makes it special is that perfect balance of tender chewiness with just the right amount of sweetness and that nostalgic burst of raisins in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or prepping snacks for a family gathering, these cookies never disappoint.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create something so irresistibly soft and chewy. Plus, the oats add a wholesome texture that feels a little healthier without sacrificing any of the fun. You’ll find that making these is straightforward and the results are consistently amazing — perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most ingredients for this Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe are basic pantry staples, but I love how they blend to create such a comforting, sweet treat. Look for good-quality oats and fresh spices to get that homey flavor just right.

• Butter: Use softened, not melted, to get the right creamy texture when mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with spread while baking.
• Light brown sugar: Brings moisture and that subtle caramel flavor that makes these cookies chewy.
• Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, fragrant notes.
• All purpose flour: The base that supports the cookie structure.
• Baking soda: Leavens the cookies just enough for tenderness without puffiness.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a lovely hint of spice that complements the oats and raisins perfectly.
• Old fashioned rolled oats: Essential for the chewy bite you want; avoid instant or steel-cut oats here.
• Raisins: For that sweet, fruity pop in every mouthful — feel free to swap these out if raisins aren’t your thing!

Variations

I love that this Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is so adaptable — I often mix it up depending on what I have on hand or special dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative and add your personal touch!

• Fruit swaps: I swapped raisins for dried cranberries once, and the tartness really brightened up the cookies — super tasty!
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch if you’re looking for texture contrast.
• Chocolate chips or butterscotch: For a sweeter twist, tossing some chips into the batter makes a fun surprise in each bite.
• Make it vegan: Use dairy-free butter and flax eggs to make these vegan-friendly without losing softness.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by whisking together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Adding the eggs and vanilla extract right after helps everything blend seamlessly. I’ve found that using room temperature eggs really makes the batter creamier and smoother, which creates that beautiful soft texture in the final cookie.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon together. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spice throughout your dough. Be sure to give it a thorough mix but don’t overdo it — you don’t want to activate the gluten too much and risk tougher cookies.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Keep your mixing light here — overmixing is one of the biggest mistakes that turns soft cookies into chewy (but not in a good way) or tough treats. Stop when the flour is just combined.

Step 4: Stir in the Oats and Raisins

This is where your cookie dough starts looking like the classic oatmeal cookie you know and love. Add in the old fashioned rolled oats and raisins, stirring just until everything is evenly distributed. You want the raisins spread throughout but not mashed up.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Using a spoon, scoop and roll your dough into balls about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving enough room for spreading. Pop them in your preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden edges with slightly soft centers — they’ll set as they cool for that trademark chewiness.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies stand well on their own, I love sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before baking sometimes — it amplifies the sweetness and adds a gourmet touch that’s surprisingly delightful.

Side Dishes

These Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee — my go-to relaxing combo! For brunch or dessert, serve alongside vanilla yogurt or fruit salad for a balanced and tasty treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Whenever I bring these cookies to parties, I like to stack them on pretty serving plates with parchment paper doilies for a charming touch. You can also package them in mason jars tied with ribbon for easy gifting — everyone always asks for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container on the counter; they stay soft and chewy for several days. If you find they firm up overnight, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.

Freezing

One trick I discovered is freezing cookie dough balls before baking. Just freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time, perfect for whenever cookie cravings strike!

Reheating

To revive day-old cookies, I pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or briefly microwave them. This makes them taste fresh again with that signature soft and chewy texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen rotation because it’s a dependable classic everyone loves. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do — there’s something really comforting about baking and sharing these with friends and family. Once you get the hang of the texture and timing, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again, and I can’t wait for you to taste that perfect chewy goodness!

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