Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe – Soft, Chewy & Irresistible

Thank you so much for stopping by my kitchen today! I’m beyond excited to share with you one of the most comforting and nostalgic recipes of all time: Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. There’s just something magical about the smell of cinnamon, butter, and oats filling the house—it instantly reminds me of childhood afternoons when my nonna would pull a tray of warm cookies from the oven and sneak me one before dinner.

These cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with plump raisins, making them a wholesome yet indulgent treat. If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that balances comfort with classic flavor, you’ve found it!

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Overview of Recipe Content

What are Oatmeal Raisin Cookies?

Oatmeal raisin cookies are an American classic—chewy, hearty cookies made with oats, brown sugar, and sweet raisins. They’re the perfect blend of wholesome and indulgent, a cookie that feels a little bit like breakfast but tastes like dessert.

Why You’ll Love Them

• Soft and chewy texture with crisp edges.
• Perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
• Great for lunch boxes, snacks, or dessert.
• Easy to make with pantry staples.

What They Taste Like

Imagine a warm, buttery cookie with nutty oats, hints of cinnamon, and sweet bursts of raisins in every bite. These are chewy at the center with golden, slightly crisp edges—a texture lovers’ dream!

Ingredients You’ll Need

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup raisins (plumped in warm water, optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Substitutions and Additions

• Swap raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates.
• Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Use chocolate chips if you’re a raisin skeptic.

How to Make Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

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1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. This gives your cookies that soft, chewy texture.
3. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth.
4. Whisk dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt—in a separate bowl.
5. Combine wet and dry by gradually adding the flour mixture into the creamed butter.
6. Stir in oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
7. Scoop dough onto baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
8. Bake 10–12 minutes until golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
9. Cool slightly on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

The result? Chewy, fragrant cookies that you’ll want to enjoy warm with a glass of milk.

What to Serve with Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

• A tall glass of cold milk (classic combo).
• Pair with coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert hack.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before baking—they’ll be plumper and juicier.
• Don’t overbake—cookies continue to set as they cool.
• For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze Dough: Scoop balls onto a tray, freeze, then transfer to a bag—bake straight from frozen.
• Freeze Cookies: Once baked, wrap individually and freeze up to 3 months.

General Information

Oatmeal raisin cookies first appeared in early American cookbooks as a wholesome treat, often promoted as “health food” because of the oats. Today, they’re still beloved for their balance of flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified GF oats.

2. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the cookies will be less chewy and slightly softer.

3. Do I need to chill the dough?
Not required, but chilling creates thicker cookies.

4. Can I substitute raisins with chocolate chips?
Absolutely, for a sweeter variation.

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Conclusion

These Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are everything a cookie should be—soft, chewy, sweet, and nostalgic. Whether you’re baking for family, a bake sale, or just yourself, they’re bound to bring smiles.

If you loved this recipe, check out some of my other cozy bakes:

• Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
• Pumpkin Spice Muffins
• Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
• Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Interactive Elements

I’d love to see your cookies! Leave a review in the comments below or snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest.

Nutritional Information (per cookie)

Calories	Carbs	Sugar	Fat	Protein	Fiber
180	26g	12g	8g	3g	2g

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