Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a timeless classic that perfectly balance hearty texture with natural sweetness. Made with wholesome rolled oats, plump raisins, warm cinnamon, and buttery dough, these cookies are both comforting and satisfying. They have a soft, chewy center with lightly crisp edges, making them just as enjoyable fresh from the oven as they are the next day.
Often considered a nostalgic favorite, oatmeal raisin cookies are the kind of treat that feels like home. They’re perfect for afternoon snacks, lunchboxes, holiday baking, or whenever you crave something cozy and homemade.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers consistently soft and chewy cookies packed with flavor and texture. The oats add heartiness, the raisins provide natural sweetness, and the hint of cinnamon ties everything together beautifully. Plus, they stay moist for days, making them ideal for make-ahead baking.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
- Soft, chewy texture with wholesome oats
- Naturally sweet from raisins
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Kid-friendly and great for all occasions
- A healthier-feeling classic cookie
Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time (Optional): 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: About 30–45 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 150–170 kcal
- Course: Dessert / Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup raisins
Cooking Directions
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Add egg and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients separately.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures.
- Fold in oats and raisins.
- Bake until lightly golden.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. - Add Egg and Vanilla:
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. - Make the Dough:
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. - Add Oats and Raisins:
Fold in rolled oats and raisins until evenly distributed. - Chill (Optional):
Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies. - Scoop and Bake:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set. - Cool:
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

How to Serve
- Serve warm with milk or tea
- Pair with coffee for a cozy snack
- Pack for lunchboxes or picnics
- Enjoy as a wholesome dessert
Recipe Tips
- Use old-fashioned oats for best texture.
- Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes for extra plumpness.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft.
- Chill dough to reduce spreading.
Variations
Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Cookies
Add ½ cup chopped walnuts for crunch.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Replace raisins with chocolate chips.
Spiced Oatmeal Cookies
Add nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for warmth.
Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
Use whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.
Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Use plant-based butter and a flax egg.
Freezing and Storage Time
Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days.
Freezing
- Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Special Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
- Wire cooling rack
Conclusion
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a comforting, classic treat that never goes out of style. With their chewy texture, warm spices, and natural sweetness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to love, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking collection.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Description
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a timeless classic that perfectly balance hearty texture with natural sweetness. Made with wholesome rolled oats, plump raisins, warm cinnamon, and buttery dough, these cookies are both comforting and satisfying. They have a soft, chewy center with lightly crisp edges, making them just as enjoyable fresh from the oven as they are the next day.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
-
Make the Dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
-
Add Oats and Raisins: Fold in rolled oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
-
Chill (Optional): Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
-
Scoop and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
-
Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
