If you’re craving a treat that tastes like a warm hug, this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These cookies are perfectly soft inside with just the right amount of chewiness and a sprinkle of cinnamon that dances with sweet raisins and hearty oats. Every bite brings that nostalgic home-baked goodness, making it impossible to have just one. Whether you need a cozy snack or a delightful dessert, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for comfort baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create a depth of flavor and texture you’ll adore. Each element plays a special role to ensure your cookies come out just right, with tender softness, a hint of spice, and delightful chewiness.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing and to give the cookies their rich, creamy base.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep molasses flavor that keeps the cookies chewy.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps cookies crisp slightly at the edges.
- Large eggs: Bind the dough together while contributing to the cookie’s tender structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone for structure, giving the cookies a soft yet sturdy crumb.
- Baking soda: Leavens the cookies, helping them rise and maintain their chewiness.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Cinnamon: Adds a cozy spiced note that pairs beautifully with oats and raisins.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Bring hearty chew and texture that define true oatmeal cookies.
- Raisins: Burst with juicy sweetness in every bite.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Offer a delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help the cookies bake evenly. This simple step makes clean-up a breeze and ensures every cookie comes out perfectly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is key for creating that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing your dry ingredients thoroughly ensures the warm spice and leavening are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a consistent flavor and texture.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet bowl, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Then gently fold in the rolled oats, raisins, and chopped walnuts if you’re using them. This step brings in the classic chewy texture and bursts of sweetness.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie onto your prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft and inviting.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling helps develop their signature soft and chewy texture while avoiding crumbling.
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe beauties are delightful on their own but dressing them up can be fun. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds a lovely touch and makes them extra special for guests or gifting.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of warm tea or coffee creates an unbeatable combo. The creaminess of milk or the warmth of tea balances the sweetness and texture beautifully, elevating the whole experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, consider sandwiching two cookies with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter. You can also crumble them as a topping for vanilla ice cream or yogurt, giving your dessert a wonderful crunchy-chewy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain soft and chewy for up to 5 days, making them perfect for quick grab-and-go snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe treats fresh longer, freeze them in a sealed container or plastic freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, so you can always have homemade cookies on hand whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen cookies, warm them for a few minutes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or microwave for about 10 seconds. This refreshes their soft and chewy texture like they’ve just come out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried cherries work wonderfully and add a delicious twist to this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe.
What if I don’t have walnuts? Can I skip them?
Yes, walnuts are optional in this recipe. You can omit them or replace with pecans, almonds, or even leave the nuts out altogether if preferred.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup, and be sure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep the recipe safe and tasty.
Why are my cookies not soft and chewy?
Overbaking is usually the culprit. Remove the cookies from the oven when edges are just golden and centers look slightly underdone. Letting them cool on the pan finishes the cooking perfectly for that soft & chewy texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. This actually helps the flavors marry and can improve the texture of your Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comfort of homemade cookies fresh from the oven, and this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe truly hits the spot every time. From its tender, chewy texture to its warm, cinnamon-spiced flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. So get baking, share these treasures with friends and family, and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and loaded with hearty oats and sweet raisins. This classic recipe yields a batch of comforting, chewy cookies with just the right balance of sweetness and texture, ideal for any occasion or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
Additional Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to combine all wet ingredients well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly mixed, which ensures the leavening and spice are well distributed in the dough.
- Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the rolled oats, raisins, and optional walnuts carefully to evenly disperse all mix-ins.
- Scoop and Bake the Cookies: Using about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, scoop onto the prepared baking sheets spacing them approximately 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges become lightly golden but the centers remain soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents sogginess and preserves their chewy consistency.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove when edges are just golden.
- Chopped walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor.
- You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips for variation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Using old-fashioned rolled oats is preferred for the best texture; quick oats will alter the chewiness.
