Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe: Homemade Joy in Every Bite

Warm, gooey chewy oatmeal raisin cookies bring comfort straight from the oven, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Generations of bakers have perfected this classic treat that marries sweet raisins with hearty oats.

Soft centers and slightly crisp edges make these cookies a delightful indulgence for any occasion.

The delicate balance of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a nostalgic flavor that transports you to childhood memories.

Perfectly golden and packed with wholesome ingredients, these cookies offer a delicious blend of texture and taste.

Simple to prepare and impossible to resist, they’re the ultimate homemade dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s bake a batch of pure happiness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 202 kcal

Servings: 25

Must-Have Ingredients for Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

• Golden Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Caramel-like sweetness with deep molasses undertones that enhance cookie richness and create soft texture.
• Molasses: Adds complex sweetness, deeper color, and helps retain moisture for chewier cookies.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor, helps cookies spread evenly, and creates tender crumb.
• Egg, Egg Yolk: Bind ingredients, add richness, and contribute to cookie's soft and chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Elevates overall flavor profile with warm, comforting aroma.

• Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, Quick-Cooking Rolled Oats: Create hearty, satisfying texture with nutty undertones and chewy consistency.
• Raisins: Add natural sweetness, bursts of fruity flavor, and pleasant chewiness.
• Walnuts: Introduce crunchy contrast, nutty depth, and provide extra protein.

• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread, creating light and airy structure.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

Tools for the Best Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Batch

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugars to create a smooth, fluffy base.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients and mixing the cookie dough.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: Helps create uniform cookie sizes and easy portioning.
• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without becoming soggy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for perfect cookies.
• Sifter or fine-mesh strainer: Helps blend dry ingredients smoothly and remove lumps.

How to Bake Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Perfectly

• Raisin Revival Preparation

Warm up the kitchen by heating the oven to a toasty 350°F, creating the perfect environment for cookie magic.

• Raisin Transformation

Give raisins a quick spa treatment by soaking them in hot water, helping them plump up and become extra juicy.

• Sweet Cream Fusion

Blend softened butter with a dance of brown and white sugars until the mixture becomes smooth and dreamy.

• Flavor Harmony

Introduce egg, vanilla, and a whisper of molasses to create a rich and aromatic base that will make taste buds sing.

• Dry Ingredient Symphony

Gently fold in flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt, mixing just until everything comes together in delicious unity.

• Texture Paradise

Fold in hearty oats and those plump raisins, along with crunchy walnuts for an irresistible cookie experience.

• Cookie Canvas

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a perfect stage for your cookie performance.

• Dough Crafting

Shape small rounds of dough, placing them with care and space on the prepared baking sheet.

• Golden Moment

Bake until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown, typically around 10 minutes, watching closely for that perfect texture.

• Cooling Serenity

Allow cookies to rest momentarily on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack, letting them settle into chewy perfection.

Cookie Tips and Texture Tweaks You’ll Love

• Plump up those raisins by soaking them in hot water or even warm apple juice for extra flavor depth before adding to the cookie dough.
• Skip the walnuts and replace with toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas for a delightful crunch without nuts.
• Keep cookies fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing a slice of bread inside to maintain perfect moisture levels.
• For extra chewy cookies, reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning while keeping that soft, tender center.
• Experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom mixed into the dry ingredients to add warm, unexpected notes to your classic oatmeal raisin cookies.

How to Serve Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Warm

• Sweet Milk Companion: Pair these chewy oatmeal raisin cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic, comforting treat that enhances the cookie's rich, nutty flavor.
• Dessert Platter Delight: Create a beautiful cookie platter by arranging these cookies alongside other classic treats like chocolate chip or snickerdoodle cookies, perfect for gatherings or afternoon tea.
• Ice Cream Sandwich Magic: Transform these cookies into decadent ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies, creating a delightful summer dessert that combines warm and cold textures.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack these cookies in a cute mason jar or decorative tin with a ribbon, making them a heartwarming homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors who appreciate freshly baked treats.

Storage Advice for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their delightful chewy texture.
• Freezing Fresh Batch: Wrap individual cookie dough balls in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for convenient baking within 3 months – simply add 2-3 extra minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen state.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare entire dough batch ahead of time and refrigerate for 24-48 hours, allowing flavors to develop deeper, richer taste before baking.
• Quick Moisture Control: Place a small piece of bread inside storage container to help cookies retain softness and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly during storage.

Irresistible Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Delightful homemade chewy oatmeal raisin cookies blend classic comfort with irresistible sweetness. Warm spices and hearty oats create a nostalgic treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup softened unsalted butter
• 1 cup golden brown sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 1.5 tbsps molasses
• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 cup raisins (soaked in hot water)
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Hydrate Raisins: Submerge raisins in boiling water for 10 minutes, drain, and pat dry to enhance moisture and texture.
2. Cream Base: Whip softened butter with dark brown and white sugars using an electric mixer until light and airy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Blend whole egg, extra egg yolk, vanilla extract, and molasses into the butter-sugar mixture until smooth and uniform.
4. Combine Dry Components: Sift flour, baking soda, and kosher salt, then gently fold into wet ingredients on low speed to maintain dough integrity.
5. Prepare Dough: Integrate old-fashioned and quick-cooking oats, rehydrated raisins, and chopped walnuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
6. Preheat and Prepare: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack centered, and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
7. Form Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to portion dough, rolling each into uniform balls and spacing them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet.
8. Bake to Perfection: Cook for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown and centers remain slightly soft, indicating ideal chewy texture.
9. Cool and Set: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up.

Notes

• Plump Raisins Perfectly: Soaking raisins in boiling water for 10 minutes rehydrates them, creating juicier, softer cookies with enhanced flavor and texture.
• Prevent Overmixing: Mix dry ingredients at low speed just until combined to maintain cookie tenderness and avoid developing tough gluten strands.
• Strategic Spacing Matters: Leave 2 inches between cookie dough balls to allow proper spreading and ensure even, uniform baking with crisp edges.
• Cooling is Crucial: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, which helps them set and prevents breaking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg