There’s just something so nostalgic and comforting about a batch of Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. With their golden edges, soft centers, and bursts of plump, sweet raisins, these cookies strike the perfect balance between hearty and indulgent. Every bite is packed with classic cinnamon warmth and the unmistakable chewiness that makes each cookie feel like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself (no judgment here!), this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these cookies starts with a handful of simple pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a starring role in shaping the perfect chewy texture and rich flavor that define these classic treats:
- Butter: Softened unsalted butter gives these cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and depth of flavor.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar infuses every bite with a caramelly sweetness and helps ensure the cookies turn out wonderfully chewy.
- Granulated sugar: A bit of white sugar balances out the flavors and aids in spreading, so your cookies don’t turn out too dense.
- Eggs: Using two large eggs keeps the dough moist and gives the cookies a tender bite.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon brings a warmth and aroma that melds perfectly with oats and raisins.
- All-purpose flour: This gives the cookies just enough structure without making them cakey.
- Baking soda: Helps the dough rise just the right amount, so you get cookies that are fluffy, yet chewy in the middle.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds that signature warm spice that takes oatmeal raisin cookies to the next level.
- Salt: Don’t skip it—it enhances all the other flavors and keeps the cookie from being overly sweet.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The star player for chewiness and that hearty, rustic bite.
- Raisins: Sweet, chewy, and classic—raisins provide the bursts of juicy flavor in every mouthful.
How to Make Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is essential for cookie success—it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! While the oven heats, gather your ingredients and make sure your butter is fully softened to ensure an extra creamy cookie dough.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy; this is the secret to cookies that are soft and chewy rather than dense. Don’t rush this step—the fluffier your butter and sugar, the better your Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies will be!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs and vanilla provide structure and a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile of your cookies.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step disperses the leavening and spice evenly throughout the dough, ensuring every bite is just as delicious as the last.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing—stir just enough for everything to come together. Overworking the dough can create tough cookies instead of the signature chew we love in Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Step 6: Add Oats and Raisins
Stir in the oats and raisins by hand until evenly distributed. For extra plump raisins, try soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes and draining before adding. This small step makes a big difference, ensuring every bite has juicy pops of sweetness.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers still look slightly underbaked. The trick for ultra-chewy cookies is to take them out just before they look done—they’ll set up perfectly as they cool.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Resisting the fresh-from-the-oven cookies is tough, but this extra time lets them firm up and develop their best chewy texture!
How to Serve Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
If you’re feeling a little fancy, try a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or even a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt also makes the flavors pop and adds a lovely finishing touch!
Side Dishes
There’s nothing better than classic Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies paired with a cold glass of milk. For adults, try them with coffee or hot tea for an afternoon pick-me-up, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few cookies and tie them up with rustic twine for a heartfelt edible gift. Arrange them on a pretty platter for your next get-together, or make ice cream sandwiches by pressing a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. You can even crumble leftover cookies over yogurt or oatmeal for a crunchy, sweet breakfast topping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture and keep your Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies soft and fresh for days. The bread trick really works—trust me!
Freezing
To freeze, simply place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. You can also freeze scoops of raw cookie dough to bake fresh cookies on demand. Either way, they’ll keep beautifully for up to three months.
Reheating
If you like your cookies warm and gooey, heat them in a 300°F oven for just a few minutes or microwave a single cookie for 10–12 seconds. Warming gives you that fresh-from-the-oven magic even days later!
FAQs
What makes Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies so chewy?
The combination of brown sugar, lots of oats, and just the right baking time ensures these cookies stay irresistibly chewy. Pulling the cookies from the oven while the centers are still slightly underdone helps maintain that soft, pillowy bite.
Can I substitute other dried fruits for raisins?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, chopped apricots, or even diced dates work beautifully in this recipe if you want to mix things up or aren’t a raisin fan.
How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?
If the dough seems too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before baking. Cold dough bakes up thicker and chewier, which is ideal for this classic recipe.
Are Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can substitute a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats to make a version everyone can enjoy!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Definitely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips add extra flavor and texture. Mix in up to 1 cup along with the oats and raisins to create your own signature twist on Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or trying them for the first time, Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a bake-anytime classic that always hit the spot. Whip up a batch and share with your favorite people—you just might find these become your most requested sweet treat!
Print
Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a classic treat that is sure to please your taste buds with their perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. Packed with oats and plump raisins, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in oats and raisins: Stir in the oats and raisins by hand until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underdone.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra chewy cookies, do not overbake.
- You can soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes and drain before adding to make them plumper.
- Add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
