There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies filling the house, and when it comes to Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, it feels like a warm hug from the oven. I remember the first time I made these delightful treats—my grandmother was the secret ingredient in my baking journey. She’d always whip up a batch when we’d come home from school, and we could hardly wait for them to cool before diving in. The chewy texture of oats combined with the sweetness of raisins creates a nostalgic experience that takes me back to my childhood. It’s a simple recipe, yet it brings so much joy, and the best part? You can whip these up anytime! Whether it’s a quiet afternoon or a festive gathering, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are always a hit.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
7 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Grater, Mixing Bowl, Whisk, Baking Sheet, Oven

What We Adore About This Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

1. Comforting Flavor

There’s no denying the comforting aroma that wafts through your kitchen while baking Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. The rich scent of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg paired with the toasty oats is simply irresistible. The flavor is both sweet and hearty, making it perfect for any occasion.

2. Wholesome Ingredients

What I love about Oatmeal Raisin Cookies is that they’re made with wholesome ingredients. The oats provide fiber and nutrients, while the raisins add natural sweetness and a touch of chewy goodness. It’s a treat you can feel good about indulging in!

3. Perfect for Sharing

These cookies are perfect for sharing. Whether it’s with neighbors, friends, or family, a batch of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies makes a fantastic gift. I often find myself baking extra just to ensure there’s enough to go around!

4. Customizable

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how you can customize it to suit your taste. Want to add nuts? Go for it! Prefer chocolate chips instead of raisins? You can do that too! The sky’s the limit with Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

5. A Family Tradition

Baking these cookies has become a cherished family tradition. On rainy days or during family gatherings, we all gather in the kitchen to mix and bake together. Each batch seems to bring us closer, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Ingredients

When it comes to the ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, each component plays a significant role in creating the perfect cookie. The blend of textures from the oats and the sweetness from the raisins harmonize beautifully. Here’s a closer look at these key players:

Unsalted Butter (1 cup / 225g): This provides a rich flavor and helps to create a soft, chewy texture.
Granulated Sugar (2/3 cup / 150g): Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
Light Brown Sugar (1 cup / 200g): Brings moisture and a slight molasses flavor.

Large Eggs (2): Essential for binding the ingredients and giving structure to the cookies.
Flour (1 3/4 cups / 245g): Forms the base of the cookie dough, providing stability.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.

Sea Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
Freshly Grated Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Gives a cozy, aromatic touch to the cookies.

Old-fashioned Rolled Oats (1 3/4 cups / 175g): Provides texture and chewiness, making cookies heartier.
Raisins (1 1/2 cups / 240g): Offers natural sweetness and a chewy element.

How to Assemble Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Making Oatmeal Raisin Cookies is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Let’s dive into the steps for crafting these delightful treats:

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). While the oven warms up, prepare your baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed until it becomes very light and fluffy, which should take about 5 minutes. This aeration is crucial for the cookie’s texture.
While the sugars and butter are creaming, take a separate bowl and whisk together flour, baking soda, sea salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Ensure there are no lumps of baking soda in this dry mix.

Fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats and raisins to the flour mixture, stirring until they are evenly distributed. This combination brings the heartiness to the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Next, add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat well after each addition until fully incorporated. This helps to bind the ingredients.
Slowly add the dry mixture into the creamed butter mixture. I recommend doing this on low speed or by hand to prevent overmixing. Mix until just combined, but be careful not to overdo it!

Now, cover the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours or, if you have time, overnight. This step is optional, but it helps improve the flavor and texture.
Once ready to bake, drop dough balls about 1/4 cup (50g) onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave enough space for them to spread. Flatten the tops slightly with your hand.
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 20 to 22 minutes. Rotate the sheets halfway through for even baking. The cookies should turn golden brown on top, but avoid overbaking them, as they’ll continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets. This step ensures they firm up nicely.

Things Worth Knowing

Chilling the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps to enhance the flavors and improve the texture of the cookies.

Texture Check: The cookies should be soft in the center but firm around the edges once they’re finished baking.
Storage Tip: Store cookies in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
Ingredient Quality: Using high-quality butter and vanilla can elevate the flavor significantly.

Ways to Customize

Customizing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies is fun and allows you to put your personal spin on them. Here are some ideas:

Add Nuts: Throw in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Chocolate Chips: Substitute raisins with chocolate chips or a mix of both for a sweeter twist.

Spices Variation: Experiment with different spices, such as ginger or cardamom, to create unique flavor profiles.
Fruits: Dried cranberries or apricots can replace raisins for a different fruity flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

Accompaniments for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Pair with Milk: These cookies are delightful when paired with a cold glass of milk, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Enjoy with Coffee: Serve alongside a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Perfect for Lunch Boxes: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies make an excellent addition to lunch boxes, providing a sweet surprise.

Great for Picnics: These cookies are sturdy enough to take along for picnics or outings.
Seasonal Occasions: Perfect for holidays or gatherings, adding to the festive spirit.

FAQ

It’s best to use old-fashioned rolled oats for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Quick oats may result in a different texture, making the cookies softer and less chewy. Rolled oats provide that signature heartiness that complements the other ingredients.

To keep your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookie dough or baked cookies. They can be frozen for up to two months, but ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Absolutely! Adding nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can enhance the flavor and texture of your Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Just make sure to chop them coarsely before mixing them into the dough for an even distribution.

The chewiness of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies primarily comes from the use of rolled oats and the right amount of butter. The sugars also play a role; a combination of granulated and brown sugar helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Conclusion

In summary, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a beloved classic that combines wholesome ingredients with a delightful taste. They’re a fantastic choice for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive gatherings. I encourage you to try making them yourself—you’ll find that the experience of baking and sharing will bring as much joy as the cookies themselves!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

The ultimate comfort food, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are chewy, sweet, and packed with wholesome ingredients. With the perfect balance of oats and raisins, these cookies are a delightful addition to your baking repertoire. Bake a batch tonight and enjoy this timeless treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Grater
Mixing Bowl
Whisk
Baking Sheet
Oven

Ingredients

1 cup Unsalted Butter at room temperature
2/3 cup Granulated Sugar Granulated Sugar adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
1 cup Light Brown Sugar packed
2 large Eggs at room temperature
1 3/4 cup Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
1/4 teaspoon Freshly Grated Nutmeg
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1 3/4 cup Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (not instant or quick-cooking)
1 1/2 cups Raisins

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and sugars until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, sea salt, freshly grated nutmeg, and ground cinnamon, making sure there are no lumps of baking soda. Stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats and raisins.
Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until thoroughly combined. On low speed, or by hand, gradually add the flour and oat mixture to the creamed butter, mixing until completely incorporated.

Chill the batter a few hours or overnight, covered. (This step is optional, although recommended by the author.)
To bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Drop the dough in 1/4 cup (50 g) balls evenly spaced on the baking sheet and flatten the tops slightly with your hand. (I got about 8 cookies per baking sheet.)

Midway during baking, rotate the baking sheet and tap the tops of the cookies down somewhat firmly with a spatula to flatten the domes.
Bake the cookies for 20 to 22 minutes, until they just start to turn brown across the top, but do not overbake.
Remove from oven and cool completely.