The Best Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Perfectly Soft, Chewy, and Full of Nostalgia
There’s something uniquely comforting about a batch of homemade oatmeal raisin cookies. These aren’t just any cookies; they are the kind that transport you straight back to grandma’s kitchen, filling your home with a warm, inviting aroma and your heart with pure joy. Our Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are crafted to be exceptionally moist, delightfully thick, wonderfully soft, and satisfyingly chewy – truly a classic treat that never goes out of style.
Forget dry, crumbly cookies. This recipe is designed to deliver a rich, flavorful experience with every bite. The perfect balance of oats and plump raisins, infused with a hint of warm spices, creates an irresistible texture that’s both hearty and tender. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Get ready to bake a memory and share a timeless dessert that everyone will adore.
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Why You’ll Adore These Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
There are countless reasons why these Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household. From their irresistible taste to their ease of preparation and their universal appeal, these cookies are a true kitchen MVP.
- Classic Comfort and Nostalgia – This oatmeal raisin cookie recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a trip down memory lane. The moment these cookies begin to bake, their warm, homey aroma of cinnamon and oats fills your kitchen, instantly evoking feelings of comfort, childhood memories, and perhaps even Grandma’s loving touch. The perfect blend of a slightly crisp edge and a wonderfully chewy center makes them incredibly satisfying and an ultimate comfort food. It’s a timeless classic that brings warmth and happiness with every bite.
- Effortlessly Easy to Prepare – Don’t let their gourmet taste fool you; this oatmeal cookie recipe is surprisingly simple to master. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results. There’s no complicated chilling required for the dough, meaning you can whip up a batch from start to finish in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect recipe for a quick, delicious treat without the fuss.
- Perfect for Sharing & Gifting – These delightful cookies are ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a family gathering, a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or teachers, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these cookies fit the bill. Their robust flavor and satisfying texture make them universally loved, ensuring they’ll be a hit whenever and wherever they’re served.
While these oatmeal raisin cookies are truly special, we know you might also enjoy some of our other favorite cookie recipes. Be sure to check out our Italian Butterball Cookies for a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth experience, the rich and fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, our indulgent Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, the buttery simplicity of our Classic Shortbread Pan Cookie Recipe, and the beloved Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies.
Key Ingredients for the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Crafting the perfect oatmeal raisin cookie begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after moist, soft, and chewy texture. Below is a detailed look at the key ingredients you’ll need. For a full list of precise measurements and instructions, refer to the recipe card further down.
- Unsalted Butter – Always begin with room temperature unsalted butter. Butter at this consistency creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air that contributes to a lighter, softer cookie texture. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to about 1/4 teaspoon to maintain the flavor balance.
- Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar – The magic often lies in the combination of sugars! Using both dark brown sugar and granulated sugar provides a complex sweetness and essential structure to these cookies. Brown sugar, with its molasses content, adds moisture, a delightful caramel-like flavor, and contributes significantly to the cookies’ softness and chewiness. Granulated sugar, on the other hand, helps with browning and provides a crispier edge.
- Eggs – Large eggs serve as a crucial binder in our cookie dough, holding all the ingredients together. They also add moisture, richness, and contribute to the overall structure and texture of the cookies, helping them stay soft and tender.
- Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Salt – These spices are the heart and soul of traditional oatmeal raisin cookies, adding a comforting warmth and depth of flavor. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg complement the oats and raisins beautifully, creating that classic, inviting aroma and taste. Salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors, making them pop. We recommend freshly ground nutmeg for an even more vibrant spice profile.
- Vanilla Extract – A good quality vanilla extract is indispensable in any cookie recipe. It elevates all the other flavors, adding a layer of aromatic sweetness that is simply irreplaceable. Don’t skimp on the vanilla – it makes a noticeable difference.
- All-Purpose Flour and Baking Soda – All-purpose flour provides the primary structure for the cookies, giving them their body. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, reacting with the acidic brown sugar to create carbon dioxide bubbles. These bubbles expand during baking, resulting in a perfectly risen, soft, and chewy cookie rather than a dense, flat one.
- Old-Fashioned Oats and Raisins – The star ingredients! We specifically use old-fashioned rolled oats because they provide an incredible amount of texture and chewiness to these cookies. Their thicker, larger flakes hold their shape during baking, giving the cookies a hearty, substantial bite. Plump, sweet raisins are stirred in, providing bursts of fruity flavor and a soft, juicy contrast to the oats. This combination is what makes these cookies truly classic.
Pro Tip
For the best thick and chewy texture, it’s crucial to use old-fashioned rolled oats. Steel-cut oats will remain too hard and won’t soften sufficiently in the cookie, resulting in an unpleasant texture. Conversely, quick oats, which are processed to cook faster, will become too soft and mushy, dissolving into the dough and losing the characteristic oat chewiness we’re aiming for. Stick to old-fashioned oats for that perfect balance!
How to Make the Best Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Making these classic oatmeal raisin cookies is a delightful and straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly soft, chewy, and flavorful results every time.
- Prepare Oven & Dry Ingredients: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and ground nutmeg. Whisking them thoroughly ensures they are evenly distributed, which is crucial for the cookies’ texture and flavor. Set this mixture aside. Meanwhile, in a separate large bowl, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter and both the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium speed. Continue mixing for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and noticeably pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air into the butter and sugar, contributing to the cookies’ soft texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: To the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. The mixture should appear smooth and well emulsified. Next, gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed, or by hand with a spatula, just until a small amount of flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies.
- Fold in Oats and Raisins & Scoop: Once the flour is mostly incorporated, it’s time to add the stars of the show! Gently fold in the old-fashioned oats and the plump raisins using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Again, avoid overmixing. Using a medium cookie scoop (or a rounded tablespoon), drop portions of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. This helps ensure each cookie bakes evenly without fusing to its neighbors.
- Bake and Cool: Transfer the baking sheets to your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your cookies, so keep a close eye on them. The cookies are ready when their edges are lightly golden brown, but their centers still look soft and slightly underdone. This is key to achieving that perfectly chewy texture. Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows them to set up properly and continue cooking slightly from the residual heat. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful treats once they have cooled enough to handle.
In my experience, these cookies disappear incredibly fast! They were gone in less than a day at my house. If you’re hoping to enjoy more than just a taste yourself, I highly recommend doubling this fantastic recipe. You won’t regret having extra on hand!
Expert Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Achieving the ideal oatmeal raisin cookie is simple with a few helpful pointers. These tips will ensure your cookies are consistently moist, soft, and bursting with flavor, just like the classic ones you remember.
- The Right Oats Make a Difference: For that signature thick and chewy texture, always use old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats will become too mushy, and steel-cut oats will remain too firm, neither providing the desirable chewiness that defines a great oatmeal cookie.
- Handle Raisins with Care: Raisins often clump together in the box. Before adding them to your dough, take a moment to separate them with slightly damp fingers. This ensures they distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough, so every bite has a perfect balance of fruit.
- Plump Up Your Raisins: For an extra burst of moisture and softness, consider soaking your raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the dough. This rehydrates them, making them wonderfully plump. Just be sure to thoroughly drain and dry them with a paper towel afterward to avoid adding excess moisture to your cookie dough, which could affect the cookie’s texture.
- Customizable to Your Liking: While classic raisins are delicious, feel free to omit them if they’re not your preference. This recipe is also incredibly adaptable! You can easily add other mix-ins like chopped walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white), or even a combination for a personalized twist.
- Accurate Flour Measurement is Key: Proper flour measurement is crucial for cookie texture. Avoid scooping flour directly from the bag with your measuring cup, as this can pack it down and lead to too much flour. Instead, spoon the flour lightly into your measuring cup, then level it off with the back of a knife or a straight edge. This “fluff and spoon” method ensures you get the right amount.
- Uniformity with a Cookie Scoop: For perfectly uniform cookies that bake evenly, I highly recommend using a medium cookie scoop. This ensures each cookie is the same size, resulting in consistent baking times and a beautiful presentation.
- Don’t Overbake – Trust the Process: This is perhaps the most important tip! For soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies, it’s vital not to overbake them. The cookies should be lightly golden brown around the edges, but their centers should still appear soft and slightly undone when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to set and firm up as they cool on the hot baking sheet, ensuring a perfectly moist interior.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Beyond the butter, ensuring your eggs are also at room temperature helps them emulsify better with the creamed butter and sugar. This creates a smoother, more uniform dough, leading to a better cookie texture.
- Mix Just Enough: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until no dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in tough, dense cookies instead of the soft and chewy texture we crave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your oatmeal raisin cookies turn out perfectly every time.
While you technically can, we strongly recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats for this oatmeal raisin cookie recipe. Old-fashioned oats are thicker and larger, which provides a heartier, more substantial, and delightfully chewy texture to the cookies. Quick oats, being more finely processed, tend to absorb too much moisture and can become mushy or disappear into the cookie dough, losing that distinct oat texture. Steel-cut oats, on the other hand, are too hard and won’t soften sufficiently during the quick baking time.
No, this particular oatmeal raisin cookie dough does not require chilling! This is one of the best parts of the recipe – you can mix the dough and bake them immediately, making it a fantastic option for a quick craving or last-minute baking. So go ahead, bake away!
Once your old fashioned oatmeal raisin cookies have cooled completely to room temperature, store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They will stay fresh and wonderfully soft at room temperature for up to 1 week. For best results and to maintain their chewy texture, avoid storing them in a humid environment.
Absolutely! Baked oatmeal raisin cookies freeze beautifully. Once they are completely cool, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Yes, freezing the dough is a fantastic way to prepare ahead! Portion out the raw cookie dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze the dough balls for approximately 30 minutes, or until they are firm. Once solid, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer. Just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the normal baking time, or until they’re golden brown and set.
Discover More Delicious Cookie Recipes
If you loved baking these Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, you’re in for a treat! We have a curated collection of other incredible cookie recipes that are just as satisfying and perfect for any occasion. Expand your baking repertoire with these fan favorites:
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Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup Dark brown sugar packed firmly
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 3 cups Old fashioned oats uncooked (not quick or steel-cut)
- 1/2 cup Raisins (can be soaked and dried for plumpness)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and kosher salt until well combined. Set aside.1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon Baking soda, 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
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In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer (hand or stand), beat the softened unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy (about 3 minutes).1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup Dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
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Add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.2 large Eggs, 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
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Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined, being careful not to overmix. A few streaks of flour remaining are fine.
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Fold in the old-fashioned oats and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.3 cups Old fashioned oats, 1/2 cup Raisins
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Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough (or use a medium cookie scoop) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still appear soft. Cool on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store tightly covered once fully cooled.
Notes
Avoid overbaking your cookies! The key to soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies is to remove them from the oven when their tops still look slightly soft and the edges are just lightly golden brown. They will continue to cook and set as they cool on the hot baking sheet, ensuring a perfectly moist interior.
Storage Instructions – Once your cookies are completely cool, place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week. Alternatively, for longer freshness, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Originally Published 11/17/2015 – This timeless recipe continues to be a favorite!
Nutrition Information
Recipe adapted with love from isavea2z, ensuring the very best soft and chewy results!