Oh, let me tell you about this Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen! There’s just something so comforting about these cookies—the perfect balance of soft centers and a gentle chewiness that I can’t get enough of. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend treat or prepping for a holiday cookie exchange, these little gems always steal the show.

I love this recipe because it’s straightforward and yields consistent results every time. Plus, the combination of cinnamon-spiced oats and plump raisins gives it a classic flavor that feels nostalgic but with a fresh, homemade touch. Trust me, once you try this Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Texture: Soft in the center with just the right amount of chewiness from the oats and raisins.
  • Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items—just everyday pantry staples that come together beautifully.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can freeze the dough in portions, so fresh cookies are just minutes away anytime you want them.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for these cookies, and I bet yours will too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together beautifully to create that melt-in-your-mouth quality you want in a Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe. My tip: use room-temperature eggs and butter for the best dough consistency.

  • Butter: Softened to room temperature for smooth creaming with the sugars.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Packed for moisture and that signature chewy texture.
  • Eggs: Room temperature eggs help blend everything together evenly.
  • Vanilla Extract: For that warm, familiar flavor boost.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cookie structure.
  • Baking Soda: Helps with just enough lift and spread.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
  • Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: Key for chewiness and texture, not instant or steel cut oats here!
  • Raisins: The juicy little bursts of sweetness I personally love in every bite.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to play around with this Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe depending on mood and what’s in my pantry. Feel free to get creative and make it your own—your taste buds will thank you for the variety!

  • Swap the Raisins: If you’re not a fan of raisins, I’ve replaced them with chopped dried cranberries or cherries with great success—adds a nice tartness that complements the cinnamon.
  • Add Nuts: Sometimes I toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast, and my family loves the added texture.
  • Chocolate Chip Version: When I’m feeling indulgent, replacing raisins with chocolate chips is a total game changer—try mini chips for smaller bursts of chocolate.
  • Toasted Coconut: A sprinkle of sweetened shredded coconut gives an unexpected tropical twist that’s surprisingly delicious.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by whisking together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. I usually use a hand mixer for this bit; it saves time and gives a perfect texture. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract—this is where your dough starts coming together with that lovely, luscious base.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. I like this step because it ensures that everything is evenly distributed. It’s a small thing, but trust me—this little shuffle helps your cookies bake evenly and taste balanced.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Carefully

Now, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The key here is not to overmix; I learned the hard way that mixing too long can make your cookie tough instead of soft and chewy. Stop as soon as you see no more flour streaks.

Step 4: Fold in Oats and Raisins

This is where the magic happens! Fold in the rolled oats and raisins evenly throughout the dough. It’s so satisfying watching that hearty cookie dough come together with all the yummy texture components ready to shine.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop the dough with a spoon and roll into 1 to 1.5-inch balls—no need to be perfectly round, just try to keep sizes consistent so they bake evenly. Place them on a lined baking sheet, giving enough space for spreading. Bake at 350℉ for 10 to 12 minutes; you want them just set but not overdone—they’ll look soft in the middle but will firm up as they cool.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!

After baking, I recommend letting the cookies cool on a rack for a few minutes to firm up but not get hard. That first bite when they’re warm and chewy? Absolutely unbeatable.

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Pro Tips for Making Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: I always make sure my butter and eggs are at room temp—it helps the dough come together smoothly and promotes even baking.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mixing the dough minimally preserves tenderness; try folding with a spatula once the flour joins in.
  • Use Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: They provide that chewy texture that instant or steel-cut oats just can’t match.
  • Freeze Dough Balls: Freezing the dough in individual balls makes it easy to bake fresh cookies anytime—super handy for last-minute cravings.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

The image shows several oatmeal raisin cookies with a rough, textured surface and golden brown color. Some cookies are resting on a silver cooling rack while one cookie is placed on a simple white plate in the center. The cookies have visible oats and dark raisins scattered throughout. Around the scene, there are loose oats, raisins, and round white beads on a tan burlap fabric. The whole setting is on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—sometimes a light dusting of cinnamon or a few sparkling sugar crystals before baking adds just a lovely touch. For a festive vibe, a drizzle of melted white chocolate can be both pretty and delicious.

Side Dishes

Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of chai tea makes for a cozy snack. I’ve also served them alongside vanilla ice cream for an easy yet impressive dessert treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to stack them on a pretty plate with small bowls of extra raisins and nuts on the side. Sometimes, I layer cookies with parchment paper in a holiday tin to gift friends and family—it’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies keep beautifully for several days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. I like to place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain softness—it works wonders to keep them chewy!

Freezing

Freezing the dough balls ahead of time is my go-to for fresh cookies anytime. Just scoop, freeze on a sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 4 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen and add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

If you want to warm up previously baked cookies, I pop them in the oven for 5 minutes at 300℉ or microwave for 10-15 seconds—this revives the softness without drying them out.

FAQs

  1. Why are my oatmeal raisin cookies not soft and chewy?

    This usually happens if the dough is overmixed, which develops too much gluten and makes cookies tough. Also, using the right oats matters—old fashioned rolled oats are ideal for chewiness, while instant or steel-cut oats can change the texture.

  2. Can I substitute raisins with other fruits or mix-ins?

    Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips are great swaps and bring different flavors and textures. Nuts and shredded coconut also make fantastic additions.

  3. Is it okay to freeze the dough, and how do I bake from frozen?

    Yes, freezing dough balls is a great way to prep ahead. When baking from frozen, just place the dough balls on a baking sheet and add a few minutes to the usual bake time—no need to thaw first.

  4. What type of oats should I use for this cookie recipe?

    Old fashioned rolled oats are best—they provide the perfect chewiness without being too coarse or fine. Instant oats tend to make the cookies too firm, and steel-cut oats are too rough in texture for soft cookies.

Final Thoughts

This Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe truly has a special place in my heart and my kitchen. It’s comforting, family-friendly, and surprisingly simple to nail. I love how the cookies come out perfectly every single time, and I think you’ll enjoy making them as much as I enjoy eating them! So, next time you want a sweet, nostalgic treat that’s both soft and chewy, you know what to do—grab your mixing bowl and dive right in.

Print
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Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 52 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total Time: 20-22 minutes
  • Yield: 48 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness, packed with wholesome rolled oats and plump raisins. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a classic treat with a cozy cinnamon hint.


Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Additional Ingredients

  • 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup raisins


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your dough is ready.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spice.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently mix them together, taking care not to overmix to prevent the cookies from becoming tough.
  5. Add Oats and Raisins: Fold in the old fashioned rolled oats and raisins until they are evenly incorporated throughout the dough.
  6. Shape Cookies: Using a spoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into 1 to 1½ inch balls. Place these balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, spacing them evenly.
  7. Bake: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake the cookies at 350℉ for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
  8. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool for a few minutes before enjoying to allow them to set perfectly.

Notes

  • Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for several days to maintain softness and freshness.
  • Add-Ins: Customize your cookies by swapping raisins with other dried fruits like currants, cranberries, cherries, dates, prunes, or dehydrated strawberries. You can also add chopped walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or a sprinkle of sweetened dried coconut for variation.
  • Cookie Texture Tip: Avoid overmixing the dough to keep your cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing develops gluten and results in tougher cookies.
  • Oat Types: Use old fashioned rolled oats for the best chewy texture. Instant oats yield firmer cookies, and steel-cut oats are too coarse.
  • Freezing Dough: Portion dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet for several hours. Then transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 4 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.
  • Enjoy More: If you enjoyed these oatmeal raisin cookies, try making classic chocolate chip cookies for another crowd-pleasing treat.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 72 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 43 mg
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

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