Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – The Best Old-Fashioned Treat

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I’m absolutely thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. There’s something magical about that warm, cinnamon-scented bite, filled with plump raisins and hearty oats. They remind me of the cookies my grandma kept in a tin on her kitchen counter—always just a little too irresistible to walk past without sneaking one.

If you love old-fashioned desserts that taste like home, this is your cookie. And if you’re new here, be sure to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a cozy, comforting recipe like this again!

Overview of Recipe Content

What are Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies?

They’re the ultimate comfort cookie—crispy edges, soft centers, a hint of cinnamon spice, and sweet bursts of raisins. These cookies strike the perfect balance between hearty and indulgent, making them a treat you’ll bake again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft & chewy texture – no rock-hard oatmeal cookies here.
  • Simple pantry ingredients – no fancy tricks, just good food.
  • Perfectly balanced – not too sweet, with a warm hint of spice.
  • Family-approved – kids and adults both go crazy for these.

What Do They Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a cookie that’s both hearty and sweet, with a subtle cinnamon warmth and chewy raisins that feel like little jewels tucked inside. They taste nostalgic, like something made with love in a cozy kitchen.

Health/Nutritional Benefits

While still a dessert, oatmeal cookies bring some extra goodness to the table:

  • Rolled oats add fiber and heartiness.
  • Raisins offer natural sweetness and antioxidants.
  • Cinnamon provides warmth and potential anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 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 cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup raisins

Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Substitutions & Additions

  • Butter → Use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
  • Raisins → Try dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chocolate chips.
  • Flour → Swap for gluten-free all-purpose blend.
  • Add-ins → Chopped walnuts, pecans, or shredded coconut.

How to Make Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

  1. Cream the butter and sugars. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  3. Mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Combine wet and dry. Gradually stir dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.
  5. Fold in oats and raisins. The dough will be thick and hearty—just the way we like it!
  6. Scoop and bake. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden brown at the edges.
  7. Cool and enjoy. Let cookies cool slightly before transferring to a rack (though sneaking one warm is highly recommended).

What to Serve with Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

  • Classic glass of milk – the ultimate dunking companion.
  • Cup of tea or coffee – perfect for a cozy afternoon snack.
  • Vanilla ice cream – sandwich between cookies for a nostalgic ice cream sandwich.

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding—they’ll stay extra plump.
  • Don’t overbake! Pull them out when the centers look just set. They’ll firm up as they cool.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker, bakery-style cookies.

Storage Instructions

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months; bake straight from frozen.
  • Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

General Information

Oatmeal raisin cookies are a true American classic, believed to have first appeared in early 1900s cookbooks when oats were promoted as a healthy addition to baked goods. Today, they remain a nostalgic treat, especially around the holidays and back-to-school season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes, but the texture will be slightly less chewy.

Q: Do I have to chill the dough?
A: Not required, but chilling helps prevent spreading.

Q: Can I make these cookies vegan?
A: Yes! Swap butter for vegan butter, eggs for flax eggs, and enjoy.

Q: Why are my oatmeal cookies dry?
A: Likely from overbaking or adding too much flour. Be sure to measure correctly!

Conclusion

There you have it—Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies that taste like a hug from grandma. Sweet, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying, these are bound to become a family favorite.

If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy:

Can’t wait to see what you bake!

Interactive Elements

I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below if you tried these cookies or share a photo on Pinterest at Poulef Recipes—I can’t wait to see your creations!

CaloriesCarbsProteinFatSugarFiberSodium
18028g3g7g15g2g120mg
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Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – The Best Old-Fashioned Treat


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  • Author: Poulef
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a nostalgic favorite with hearty oats, plump raisins, and a hint of cinnamon spice. Crispy at the edges, soft in the middle, they’re the perfect old-fashioned cookie for every occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

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 cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup raisins


Instructions

1. Cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.

2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.

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

4. Gradually stir dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.

5. Fold in oats and raisins.

6. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden brown.

8. Let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

For plumper raisins, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before folding into the dough.

Chill dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker, bakery-style cookies.

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze dough balls for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
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I’m Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!. Let’s be friends!