Name: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; ¾ tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; 1¼ cups butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 3 cups Old Fashioned Oats; 1½ cups raisins

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 7 reviews

There’s something heartwarming and utterly nostalgic about biting into a fresh Oatmeal Raisin Cookie. Buttery, chewy, and studded with plump raisins, these cookies are a classic for a reason. I adore how they marry wholesome oats with sweet, fruity bursts of raisin in every bite, while just a whisper of cinnamon and nutmeg adds comfort and warmth. With this recipe, you’ll have a batch of cookies that rival grandma’s—perfect for sharing (or maybe not!), and so incredibly easy to make, you’ll want to bake them again and again. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies is in their simplicity—every ingredient plays a vital role in crafting that signature chewy texture and cozy spice. A few pantry staples are all you need to whip up a truly irresistible treat!

All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure and the perfect tender crumb.
Baking powder: Ensures the cookies rise just enough to stay chewy, not cakey.
Salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the sweetness for a cookie you can’t put down.
Cinnamon: Brings a touch of warmth that is essential to classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy spice that makes every bite more interesting.
Butter (softened): The secret to a rich, buttery base and that signature chew.
Sugar: White sugar delivers crisp edges and a sweet punch.
Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and helps lock in moisture for chewiness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the other flavors and brings them together beautifully.
Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and help emulsify the dough.
Old Fashioned Oats: The star of the show—gives texture, bite, and classic oat flavor.
Raisins: Sweet, plump, and juicy—don’t skimp here!

How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. To prevent sticking and guarantee perfectly baked cookies, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This little step makes cleanup a breeze, plus it ensures the bottoms don’t over-brown.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This distributes the leavening and spices evenly, so each cookie gets that perfect blend of flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a larger mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Use a mixer to beat them together until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and creamy. This is what lays the foundation for a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the vanilla extract and the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of your bowl as needed—this ensures everything blends beautifully and no rogue butter pockets remain.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently pour the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing until just combined. This is the moment when the batter truly turns into cookie dough, thick and tempting!

Step 6: Stir in Oats and Raisins

Add the old fashioned oats and mix again—your dough will become gorgeously dense and hearty. Fold in the raisins last, ensuring they’re evenly distributed, so each Oatmeal Raisin Cookie will be full of juicy bites.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop out the dough in generous tablespoon-sized balls, spacing them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, keeping a close eye so you catch them right as the edges turn golden brown. Let them cool on the pan a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This patience ensures they set up perfectly chewy.

How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Garnishes

For a special touch, sprinkle the tops with a pinch of flaky sea salt while they’re still warm—it highlights the sweetness of the raisins and balances the richness of the cookie. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of cinnamon sugar can also add a little flair to your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

Side Dishes

Pair these classic cookies with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a steaming mug of coffee for the ultimate comfort combo. For an after-school snack or a simple dessert, a bowl of fresh berries alongside your cookies makes for a refreshingly sweet contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in a mason jar as a homemade gift, or arrange them on a rustic wooden board with assorted cheeses and dried fruits for a grown-up, cookie-inspired dessert board. You can even crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a delicious sundae topping that’s sure to spark smiles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your cookies are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightfully chewy and fresh for 4 to 5 days—if they last that long! Pop a slice of bread into the container to help maintain softness.

Freezing

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled, layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake off just what you need for a freshened-up treat anytime.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-baked magic, pop a cookie (or two!) into the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This quick warm-up revives their delightful chewiness and brings out the aromatic spices.

FAQs

Can I substitute other dried fruits for raisins?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap raisins for dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates if you want to switch up the flavor or use what you have on hand. The cookies will turn out just as chewy and delicious.

What type of oats should I use for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies?

Old fashioned rolled oats are best for this recipe, as they provide the ideal texture and chewiness. Instant or quick oats can make the cookies a bit mushy, while steel-cut oats are too coarse and won’t soften enough during baking.

Do I need to soak the raisins first?

It’s not required, but soaking raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before folding them in can make them extra plump and juicy. Just drain and pat dry before adding them to the dough.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The cookies will still be tender, flavorful, and satisfyingly chewy.

Why did my cookies turn out dry?

This can happen if they’re over-baked or if a bit too much flour was added. Be sure to measure your ingredients carefully (scoop and level the flour), and check the cookies a little early so they stay soft and moist in the center.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bake a batch of these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and fill your kitchen with their cozy aroma. There’s just something special about taking a classic, simple recipe and sharing it with loved ones. Whether you keep them all to yourself or pass them around, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home, too. Happy baking!