If you’ve ever yearned for the perfect homemade cookie that balances a tender, soft center with a satisfyingly chewy bite, you’re in for a treat with this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a classic comfort baked to golden perfection, packed with flavorful oats, plump raisins, and just the right touch of cinnamon. Whether you’re craving something nostalgic or looking to impress friends with an irresistible batch, this recipe will quickly become your go-to, delivering that warm, wholesome goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe. Each component is simple yet vital, from the creamy, cold butter that creates tender layers in the dough to the perfectly spiced cinnamon that gives these cookies their charming warmth. The oats contribute texture and heartiness, while the raisins add bursts of natural sweetness—together making a cookie you won’t be able to stop reaching for.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, cold): Cold butter helps control spreading, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
- Light brown sugar (1½ cups, packed): Adds moisture and caramel notes that deepen the cookie’s flavor.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances sweetness and aids in creating that slight crispness on the edges.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances all the flavors with its sweet and floral aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure without weighing down the cookies.
- Rolled oats (1½ cups): The heart of the recipe, offering chewiness and a wholesome texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Infuses each cookie with warm, spicy undertones.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and highlights flavor depth.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise gently for a tender crumb.
- Raisins (2 cups): Natural sweetness and plump bursts throughout every bite.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This step not only keeps the cookies from sticking but ensures an even bake, every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the cold, cubed butter together with the light brown and granulated sugar until fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming process creates tiny air pockets that make your cookies luxuriously soft and chewy, so don’t rush it.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain that smooth, creamy texture. Stir in the vanilla extract for that unmistakable aroma that hints at cozy kitchens and sweet moments.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together flour, oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution and gives your Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe its signature balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined—overmixing can turn your cookies tough! Gently fold in the raisins with a spatula, making sure they are spread evenly without breaking them up.
Step 6: Portion and Bake
Using a rounded tablespoon, scoop dough onto your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to give the cookies space to spread. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden but the centers still look a little soft. That’s the golden cue for perfectly soft and chewy results.
Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, giving them time to set up before transferring to a wire rack. This step keeps them soft inside while firming up just enough on the edges.
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to contrast the natural sweetness. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar can also enhance their spiced personality beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of cinnamon-spiced chai. The creamy or spicy drinks perfectly complement the cookie’s sweetness and cinnamon notes, elevating your snack time into a cozy ritual.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them stacked with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between for a delightful cookie sandwich, or crumble over yogurt with a drizzle of honey for a wholesome breakfast twist. These cookies are versatile and always crowd-pleasing no matter how you plate them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to one week—perfect for grabbing whenever a craving strikes.
Freezing
To enjoy these cookies at your convenience, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully and can last up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature, and they’ll be as good as fresh-baked.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This quick heat-up revives their signature softness and chewiness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots work wonderfully and add a new flavor dimension while keeping the chewy texture that makes these cookies special.
Why use cold butter instead of softened butter?
Cold butter slows down spreading during baking, giving you thicker cookies with that ultra-soft and chewy interior you’re after. Softened butter can cause cookies to flatten too much.
Is it necessary to use rolled oats, or can I use quick oats?
Rolled oats provide the perfect texture—fluffy yet chewy—that defines these cookies. Quick oats can make the cookie too dense and less chewy, but feel free to experiment if you prefer.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerating the dough for a couple of hours or overnight enhances the flavor and helps develop a better texture. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature slightly before baking for easy scooping.
How do I keep these cookies soft for longer?
Store them with a slice of bread in the container. The bread releases moisture that the cookies absorb, keeping them soft and fresh for days.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe in your baking arsenal, I hope you jump right in and experience that perfect homemade cookie magic. These cookies truly capture the essence of comfort in every bite—soft centers, chewy oats, and sweet, plump raisins—all coming together to make your kitchen smell like happiness itself. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll quickly become your favorite go-to treat for any occasion.
Print
Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies deliver a perfect balance of wholesome oats, sweet raisins, and warm cinnamon. With a tender, chewy texture and a hint of buttery richness, these cookies make a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet 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 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 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
Add-ins
- 2 cups (approximately 10 oz) raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, and set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the cold, cubed butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda until well combined.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Gently fold in the raisins using a spatula to evenly distribute them without crushing.
- Portion the Dough: Using a rounded tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, while the centers remain slightly underdone for optimum softness and chewiness.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove them when the edges are set but centers are still slightly soft.
- Use cold butter for the best texture and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Feel free to swap raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates.
- Ensure cookies are spaced properly on the baking sheet to avoid sticking together.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
