Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

My kids call these "breakfast cookies," and I don't correct them because they're packed with hearty oats and fruit. Baking a batch of these oatmeal raisin cookies together is our favorite way to spend a rainy afternoon. There’s something about the smell of cinnamon and brown sugar filling the kitchen that just feels like a hug. It’s one of those easy things to bake that turns an ordinary day into a cozy memory.

This recipe is my go-to for a reason. It delivers that perfect balance—crispy edges, a chewy center, and just the right amount of sweetness. Forget the dry, crumbly versions. These oatmeal raisin cookies are soft, warmly spiced, and loaded with plump raisins. They’re the ultimate comfort food, made easy. Whether you’re looking for a simple after-school snack or a nostalgic dessert idea, this recipe works in any regular kitchen, with regular time, for great results.

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Ingredients List

Oatmeal raisin cookies start with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have. This is the beauty of easy cookie recipes—they rely on pantry staples to create something special.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
• 1 ½ cups raisins

Smart Swaps: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter stick. You can swap half the raisins for chocolate chips or chopped nuts. If you only have quick oats, reduce the amount to 2 ½ cups as they absorb more moisture.

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: About 1 hour (including chilling and baking)

This is about 30% faster than many recipes that require lengthy chilling. A short rest for the dough is all you need for the best texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for the best oatmeal raisin cookies every single time.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. It should become light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for creating that perfect chewy texture.
2. Add Wet Ingredients. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed.
4. Mix Dry into Wet. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies.
5. Fold in Oats and Raisins. Use a sturdy spatula to fold in the rolled oats and raisins by hand. The dough will be thick and hearty.
6. Chill the Dough. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading too thin and allows the oats to hydrate.
7. Bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, placing mounds about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look soft.
8. Cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.

Nutritional Information

Per cookie (approx.): 180 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated), 28g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 16g sugar, 3g protein. These oatmeal raisin cookies offer a good source of fiber from the oats and raisins. Using old-fashioned oats provides more whole grain goodness compared to quick oats.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy tools for these easy desserts with few ingredients. A standard kitchen setup is perfect.

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer (you can mix by hand, but a mixer makes creaming easier)
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop (optional but helpful)
• Wire cooling rack

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This oatmeal raisin cookie recipe is a forever favorite for so many reasons.

• Perfect Texture Guarantee: The method ensures crispy edges with a delightfully soft and chewy center every time.
• Pantry-Friendly: It uses basic ingredients you probably have on hand right now, making it a spontaneous dessert idea.
• Family-Friendly Activity: The dough is easy for little hands to help scoop, making baking a fun together-time project.
• Versatile & Customizable: Easily add nuts, chocolate, or different spices to make it your own.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the dough or baked cookies for a sweet treat anytime.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

You can easily tweak this classic to fit different dietary needs without losing the cozy flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use a high-quality vegan butter stick. The flavor and texture will be nearly identical.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the granulated sugar to ¼ cup. The brown sugar and raisins provide plenty of sweetness.
• Higher Protein: Add ½ cup of vanilla or unflavored protein powder to the dry ingredients. You may need to add a tablespoon of milk if the dough seems too dry. For another protein-packed treat, try my Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies.

Serving Suggestions

These oatmeal raisin cookies are fantastic all on their own with a cold glass of milk. But you can also dress them up.

• For a decadent dessert idea, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two slightly warm cookies.
• Crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a crunchy topping.
• Serve them on a platter alongside other easy cookie recipes like my Pistachio Pudding Cookies or Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies for a beautiful cookie assortment.
• Pack them in lunchboxes or take them on picnics—they travel beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few simple tips can make the difference between good and great oatmeal raisin cookies.

• Using Melted Butter: Your butter must be softened (cool to the touch but easily indented) to cream properly with the sugar. Melted butter will cause the cookies to spread too much and become greasy.
• Skipping the Chill Time: That 30-minute rest is non-negotiable. It prevents flat cookies and allows the flavors to meld.
• Overbaking: Take them out when the edges are set and golden but the centers look soft. They will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
• Using Quick Oats by Mistake: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best chewy texture. Quick oats will make your cookies more cake-like and dense.
• Overmixing After Adding Flour: Mix just until combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which leads to tough cookies.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Keeping your oatmeal raisin cookies fresh and chewy is easy.

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. A slice of bread in the container can help keep them soft.
• Freezing Dough: Scoop dough balls onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze solid. Transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Place fully cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.
• Reviving Stale Cookies: Place a cookie on a paper towel and microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore a just-baked softness.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the best oatmeal raisin cookies are about more than just a recipe. They’re about the warmth they bring to your kitchen and the smiles they create. This version is reliable, deeply flavorful, and truly simple—the kind of food that feels like home. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your baking routine, whether you’re whipping up a quick batch for dessert ideas or making memories with loved ones.

If you love these classic cookies, you might also enjoy my Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies for a healthy twist, or try baking a pan of Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for a fun change of pace. Happy baking, friends. Don’t forget to tag @StackSipSnack so I can see your beautiful, cozy creations.

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