The sweet, homey aroma of baking cookies can instantly lift your spirits. Just picture the moment when these Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies come out of the oven, golden brown and tantalizing. I stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a rainy afternoon, looking for a cozy treat that would remind me of afternoons spent at my grandmother’s kitchen table. The chewy oats combined with plump raisins provide a texture that’s both comforting and satisfying, making these cookies a timeless favorite for all ages.
What truly sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of flavors—sweet molasses and warm cinnamon blend harmoniously, while the optional walnuts add a delightful crunch. Whether you’re in the mood for an afternoon snack or need a crowd-pleasing dessert for your next gathering, these cookies are wonderfully versatile. Plus, with an easy prep time and a few simple ingredients, you’ll find that enjoying homemade cookies is far better than any fast-food alternative. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into baking these irresistible treats!
Why are Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies irresistible?
Warm, Inviting Aroma: As these cookies bake, your home fills with a delightful scent that feels like a warm hug.
Classic Comfort: Combining oats, raisins, and cinnamon creates a nostalgic flavor profile that appeals to cookie lovers of all ages.
Simple Ingredients: With pantry essentials and just a few additions, crafting these cookies is easy, making it a perfect recipe for everyone.
Perfect Chewy Texture: The balance of oats and molasses ensures each bite is soft, chewy, and utterly satisfying.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike!
Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• Unsalted butter – 1 cup (226g), softened to room temperature for creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Brown sugar – 1 cup (200g), packed to add moisture and depth of sweetness.
• Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup (50g), to complement the brown sugar and provide a crisp edge.
• Large eggs – 2, acting as a binder to hold the cookies together.
• Pure vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons for that warm, comforting aroma.
• Unsulphured or dark molasses – 1 tablespoon (15ml) adds a rich, caramel-like depth to the flavor.
For the Dry Ingredients
• All-purpose flour – 1 and 2/3 cups (209g), spooned & leveled to ensure the perfect cookie structure.
• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon, to help the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• Ground cinnamon – 1 and 1/2 teaspoons for that classic oatmeal raisin flavor profile.
• Salt – 1/2 teaspoon, to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
For the Chewy Texture
• Old-fashioned whole rolled oats – 3 cups (255g) provide a hearty and chewy base for your cookies.
• Raisins – 1 cup (140g), adding natural sweetness and a lovely chewy bite.
• Chopped toasted walnuts (optional) – 1/2 cup (64g) for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
These ingredients will come together beautifully to create the most delightful Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, making every bite a delicious reminder of home!
How to Make Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
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Cream the butter and sugars together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. This step is essential for fluffy cookies! Then, add the eggs and mix on high for 1 minute, ensuring everything is well combined. Stir in the vanilla and molasses, mixing on high again until fully combined. Set aside your wet mixture to let the flavors meld.
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Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture using low speed, mixing until just combined. This gentle approach helps maintain the cookie’s structure. Fold in the oats, raisins, and walnuts (if using) on low speed until evenly distributed. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes for that perfectly chewy texture.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While it’s heating, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures that your cookies won’t stick and helps achieve that golden brown perfection!
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Scoop out balls of dough—roughly 2 tablespoons per cookie—and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. This spacing allows them to spread without merging. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned, suggesting a soft, chewy center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Drizzle with a touch of melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and chewy.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they’re well wrapped so they don’t dry out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies at room temperature or microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, soft treat again!
Helpful Tricks for Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Chilling for 30-60 minutes helps prevent spreading and ensures a thicker cookie. Don’t skip this step to achieve that perfect chewiness!
- Measure Accurately: Use the spoon and level method for flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dry results—no one wants that!
- Mix Gently: When incorporating dry ingredients and mix-ins, mix on low to maintain the soft texture; over-mixing can result in tough cookies.
- Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different. Start checking cookies at 12 minutes; they should be lightly browned on the edges and soft in the center for that soft and chewy bite.
- Storage Secrets: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to five days. If you prefer them extra chewy, place a slice of bread in the container!
Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Variations
Feel free to make these cookies uniquely yours with delightful twists and substitutions!
- Gluten-Free: Swap out all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to enjoy a cookie that everyone can indulge in.
- Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture, keeping it safe for nut allergies.
- Coconut Flakes: Add 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist; this little addition enhances both flavor and texture wonderfully!
- Dried Fruit Mix: Instead of raisins, try a mix of dried cranberries, apricots, or cherries for bursts of fruitiness that surprise and delight.
- Spiced Up: Amp up the warmth by adding 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger to the mix, creating a cozy, spiced flavor profile.
- Pumpkin Spice: Replace half the butter with pumpkin puree and add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired version that’s also a hit!
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to satisfy any chocolate cravings while still keeping the classic oatmeal base.
- Savory Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of sea salt flakes on top before baking; the hint of salt elevates the sweet flavors, creating a perfect balance.
No matter which variation you choose, each cookie will be a custom treat that warms your heart!
What to Serve with Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies?
Dreaming of fond memories with every bite, these delightful cookies can be enjoyed in various ways that elevate your snacking experience.
- Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk balances the sweetness of the cookies, making every crunchy-chewy bite even more indulgent.
- Coffee: The rich flavors of a warm latte or black coffee complement the subtle sweetness and cinnamon notes effortlessly, creating a cozy experience.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing twist, contrasting the warm cookies with zesty bursts of flavor, perfect for a light dessert.
- Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat that combines textures and temperatures beautifully.
- Hot Chocolate: Enjoying a warm mug of hot chocolate with your cookies creates a comforting winter vibe, wrapping you in warmth with each sip and bite.
- Chopped Nuts: Drizzle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top of vanilla yogurt for a crunchy contrast to the softness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Pairing these cookies with soft cheese like mascarpone offers an unexpected savory twist, making for a delightful snack that tantalizes your palate.
- Spiced Tea: A warm, spiced tea complements the cinnamon in the cookies, enhancing the cozy, homey feeling while providing a soothing finish to your snack.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and then chilling it in the refrigerator. If you want to prep even further ahead, you can scoop the cookie balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply adjust the baking time by a couple of minutes, and enjoy freshly baked cookies that are just as delicious as when they were made from scratch!
Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best oats for the cookies?
Absolutely! For these Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, it’s best to use old-fashioned whole rolled oats. They provide the desired chewy texture and absorb moisture well. Avoid quick oats as they can make the cookies too soft and mushy.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their life, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent drying out!
Can I freeze oatmeal raisin cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze, place your baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Why are my cookies spreading too much during baking?
Very! If your Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are spreading too much, it may be that the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Try chilling the dough for the full 60 minutes before baking, and ensure you’re using the correct amount of flour by spooning and leveling it.
Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Definitely! You can easily adjust the recipe to be nut-free by omitting the optional walnuts. Just ensure that no cross-contamination occurs if you’re serving them to someone with nut allergies. The cookies will still be delicious without them!
How do I get that perfect chewy texture?
To achieve the ultimate chewiness, start by chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spread and allows the oats to soak in moisture. Use old-fashioned oats instead of instant or quick oats, and ensure your butter is softened, but not too melted—this balance is key. Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly browned while keeping the centers soft. Enjoy each bite!
The Best Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Ever
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the butter and sugars together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs and mix on high for 1 minute, ensuring everything is well combined. Stir in the vanilla and molasses, mixing on high again until fully combined.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture using low speed, mixing until just combined. Fold in the oats, raisins, and walnuts (if using) on low speed until evenly distributed. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop out balls of dough—roughly 2 tablespoons per cookie—and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until edges are lightly browned. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
