Why You’ll Love Chewy Raisin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These cookies are everything you want in a classic oatmeal cookie—soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. They’re easy to make with pantry staples and perfect for make-ahead treats. The raisins add natural sweetness and a chewy contrast to the soft cookie base, making them incredibly satisfying. Plus, they store well and taste just as good days later.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Old-fashioned rolled oats
All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Raisins
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in the oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
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Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look just set.
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Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total time: About 30 minutes
Variations
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Swap raisins with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a classic twist.
Nutty Oatmeal Cookies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and depth.
Coconut Oatmeal Cookies: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies: Use dried cranberries instead of raisins for a tart bite.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave a cookie for 10–15 seconds for a warm, fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
How do I make my oatmeal cookies chewier?
Use more brown sugar than white sugar, and avoid overbaking. Brown sugar retains moisture, which helps keep cookies soft and chewy.
Can I soak the raisins before adding them?
Yes, soaking raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding can plump them up, making them juicier and more tender in the cookies.
What type of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal. They provide the best chewy texture without being too mushy like instant oats or too firm like steel-cut.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, portion out the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Butter that’s too soft or melted can cause cookies to spread too much. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough if needed.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a store-bought egg replacer.
How do I make crispier oatmeal cookies?
Bake them a few minutes longer and use a bit more granulated sugar than brown sugar for a crisper edge and texture.
Are these cookies good for shipping?
Yes, they hold up well when packed tightly in a container. Add parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar by about ¼ cup without affecting the texture too much. Keep in mind the cookies will be less sweet.
What’s the best way to prevent dry cookies?
Avoid overbaking and measure flour correctly. Too much flour or too long in the oven can lead to dry cookies.
Conclusion
These Chewy Raisin Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect mix of comfort, sweetness, and nostalgic flavor. With their buttery texture and chewy goodness, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a quick snack during the week, they’re sure to become a staple in your cookie rotation.
