These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are everything you want in a classic homemade treat—soft, chewy, and full of warm, comforting flavor. With a hint of cinnamon, rich buttery dough, and sweet raisins in every bite, they strike the perfect balance between hearty and sweet. Not a fan of raisins? Check out our classic Oatmeal Cookies for another variation that everyone will love!
What Makes These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies So Good
- Oats: Rolled oats give these cookies their signature chewy texture and hearty bite. They hold up well during baking and create the best structure. Quick oats can be used if needed, but the texture will be softer and less defined.
- Raisins: Soaking raisins in warm water before mixing them into the dough keeps them soft and juicy.
- Butter: Two sticks of unsalted butter add richness and moisture. If you use salted butter, consider reducing the added salt in the recipe.
- Sugar: A blend of brown sugar and granulated sugar helps achieve a chewy middle and crisp edges. Brown sugar also deepens the flavor with a touch of molasses.
- Cinnamon: A generous dose of ground cinnamon adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- Mix-ins: Customize your batch by tossing in chopped walnuts, pecans, or any type of chocolate chips—semi-sweet, milk, dark, or even white chocolate all work well.
Why Chilling the Dough Matters
Chilling the cookie dough isn’t just a suggestion—it’s the secret to perfectly chewy cookies that don’t spread too much. A quick chill firms up the butter, helping the cookies maintain their shape while enhancing their soft texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but expect slightly flatter cookies and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Make Ahead & Freeze for Later
This dough is perfect for freezing! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When a cookie craving hits, bake straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to the oven time.
Storing Your Baked Cookies
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. This way, you’ll always have a batch ready when you need a quick homemade treat.
Whether you stick to the classic oatmeal raisin combo or customize your batch with chocolate chips or nuts, this recipe is a keeper.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Place the raisins in a medium bowl. Pour warm water over them and set aside to soak.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture is fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Turn off the mixer. Add the oats, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Turn the mixer to low speed and mix until just combined.
- Drain the raisins and add them to the dough. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 11 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a little wet, but they will finish baking as they cool.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
This recipe is adapted from Iambaker’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe.
More Comforting Cookie Recipes
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies, a timeless favorite loved by all.
Buttermilk Cookies
Soft and fluffy buttermilk cookies with a sweet glaze, perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and simply irresistible!
Snickerdoodles
Soft, chewy Snickerdoodles with a tangy touch and a cinnamon-sugar coating—perfect for any occasion and irresistibly delicious!