Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Name: Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 3 cups old-fashioned oats; 1 cup raisins; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Isabella

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Soft and chewy Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies packed with hearty oats, sweet raisins, and warm spices, these treats are perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, filled with comforting flavors, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies combine the rich, buttery goodness of traditional cookies with the hearty texture of oats and the natural sweetness of raisins. The hint of cinnamon adds warmth, while optional walnuts provide a delightful crunch. They’re great for a quick snack, dessert, or even as a little breakfast indulgence.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

3 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup raisins

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Incorporate Oats and Raisins:

Stir in oats, raisins, and walnuts (if using). Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Shape and Bake:

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Each cookie is approximately 140 kcal.

Variations

Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts for a nut-free version.

Chocolate Twist: Substitute half the raisins with chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warm spice.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats.

Cranberry Swap: Replace raisins with dried cranberries for a tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Related Recipes:

Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly less chewy since quick oats are more processed.

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if spreading is an issue.

Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots work well as substitutes.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Yes, both the dough and baked cookies freeze well. Scoop and freeze the dough portions on a tray before transferring to a bag for easy baking later.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can use plant-based butter, flaxseed meal as an egg substitute, and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

These oatmeal raisin cookies are a timeless classic that I love for their perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a simple treat, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Give them a try—you won’t regret it.