If you’ve ever craved the perfect comfort cookie that balances chewy oats, sweet bursts of raisins, and a touch of warm cinnamon, this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is the answer to your baking prayers. Crisp around the edges yet tender inside, these cookies are packed with delightful textures and flavors that feel both nostalgic and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a cozy afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a batch of irresistible delights that will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe lies in its approachable ingredient list—each component plays a crucial role in creating those wonderfully chewy, flavorful cookies with just the right amount of sweetness and spice.
- 1 ½ cups shortening (or butter): Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb; butter will add a slight nuttiness.
- 2 cups brown sugar (packed): Adds deep caramel notes while keeping the cookies moist and chewy.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with browning for that perfect golden color.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cookie’s soft texture.
- ½ cup water: Balances the dough’s consistency, preventing dryness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth that complements the cinnamon and oats.
- 6 cups uncooked oats (quick oats): The star of the show—oats bring heartiness, texture, and wholesome flavor.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors in the dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become delightfully tender.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses each cookie with warm spice that’s classic and comforting.
- 1 ½ cups raisins: Bursts of natural sweetness and slight chewiness that balance every bite.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds crunch and a buttery flavor (optional but highly recommended).
- 1 cup chocolate chips: For a rich, melty surprise in every cookie (optional, but who can resist?).
- 1 cup shredded coconut: Adds tropical texture and a subtle sweetness (feel free to customize).
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting the temperature just right ensures your cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect golden edge with a soft center.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the shortening or butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add in the eggs, water, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition. This creates a smooth, creamy base for your cookie dough that traps air, giving your cookies a lovely texture.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the oats, all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Combining them beforehand helps with even distribution throughout the dough and ensures consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. The dough will turn thick and hearty, filled with the promise of chewy, flavorful cookies. Don’t rush this step; fold gently to keep that ideal cookie consistency.
Step 5: Add the Mix-Ins
Now is the fun part—stir in the raisins along with your chosen extras like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut. These add-ins bring exciting textures and flavors, making every cookie feel a little unique and extra special.
Step 6: Scoop Onto Baking Sheets
Drop spoonfuls of dough about 1 ½ tablespoons each onto ungreased baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie—they’ll spread a bit, but you want them cozy without sticking together.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 11 minutes, then rotate the baking sheets for even cooking before putting them back for another 4 minutes. Keep an eye out for golden edges—that’s your signal they’re done and ready to cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final touch ensures the perfect balance of chewy and crisp.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate the presentation by dusting your oatmeal raisin cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. Adding a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking heightens the sweet and savory contrast beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of fragrant tea, or even a steaming mug of coffee. For a dessert plate, consider serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn your cookies into a decadent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not arrange these cookies in a charming stack tied with rustic twine for a gift, or create a cookie platter with various add-in options labeled for guests to choose from? You can also sandwich softened cookie halves with cream cheese frosting or Nutella for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your oatmeal raisin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Placing a slice of bread inside the container helps keep them soft by maintaining moisture balance.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to that just-baked warmth, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly in 15-second intervals. This revives their soft, chewy texture and makes them taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter for shortening in this Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Butter will add a richer flavor and a tender texture but may cause the cookies to spread a little more. Shortening helps cookies hold their shape better, so choose based on your texture preference.
Are quick oats better than old-fashioned oats for these cookies?
Quick oats work well here because they blend smoothly into the dough, resulting in softer cookies with a tender chew. Old-fashioned oats will give a more rustic, chewy texture if that’s what you prefer.
Can I leave out the add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut?
Definitely! The base oatmeal raisin cookie flavor shines on its own, but these extras bring extra texture and flavor. Feel free to customize based on your taste or dietary needs.
Why do the cookies sometimes turn out dry?
Dry cookies can result from overbaking or not enough moisture in the dough. Be sure to measure ingredients accurately and keep a close eye on the baking time to keep cookies soft and chewy.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, you get the same delicious oatmeal raisin cookies without gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is a timeless classic that’s as comforting as a warm hug from the inside out. Baking these cookies at home brings a wonderful aroma and joy that fills the kitchen with love. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share these delightful treats with your friends and family—it’s truly a batch of happiness you’ll come back to time and again!
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 60 cookies (depending on size)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies packed with a delightful mix of nuts, chocolate chips, and shredded coconut. These classic cookies combine the hearty texture of oats with the sweetness of raisins and a perfect blend of warm cinnamon and vanilla flavors, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shortening (or butter)
- 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 6 cups uncooked oats (quick oats)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups raisins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat, preparing it for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening (or butter), brown sugar, sugar, eggs, water, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and ground cinnamon thoroughly to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring continuously until fully combined. The dough should be thick and hold together well.
- Add Raisins and Optional Add-ins: Stir in the raisins along with optional add-ins such as chopped walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, and shredded coconut to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1 ½ tablespoons each) onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave approximately 2 inches between cookies to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11 minutes. After 11 minutes, rotate the baking sheet to ensure even baking and bake for an additional 4 minutes or until the cookies turn golden brown around the edges.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- You can substitute shortening with butter for a richer flavor.
- If you prefer, omit nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut to customize the cookies.
- Ensure not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- Using quick oats is recommended for texture and baking consistency.
