Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe because it hits that perfect balance of tender chewiness and just the right amount of sweetness. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create something so satisfying and nostalgic. You’ll find that these cookies are wonderful any time you need a comforting treat—whether it’s for an afternoon snack or a lunchbox surprise.

What makes this Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe truly special is its versatility and ease. The rolled oats add a lovely texture while the cinnamon lends a gentle warmth that pairs beautifully with the plump raisins. I love knowing I can whip these up quickly and share them with my family, who always go crazy for that chewy, soft bite that feels like a warm hug from the oven.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe works harmoniously to create that classic taste and texture. Plus, I’ll share little tips on picking the best ingredients to get you an irresistible batch every time.

• Butter: Use softened, room temperature butter for easy mixing and the richest flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie spread.
• Light Brown Sugar: Packed with molasses, it keeps the cookies moist and enhances the chew.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better into the batter and help bind everything together.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla brings out all the warm flavors beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that supports structure but doesn’t make the cookies tough when handled right.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice note that pairs perfectly with oats and raisins.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Provides that chewy texture you want—steer clear of instant or steel-cut oats.
• Raisins: Plump and sweet, they give bursts of natural sweetness and moisture.

Variations

I love how easy it is to customize this Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood. Feel free to experiment—you might find a new favorite twist.

• Fruit Swaps: I’ve swapped raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates before, and they brought a fun different sweetness.
• Nutty Version: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives a nice crunch contrast that my family adores.
• Chocolate Chip Treat: Replacing raisins with chocolate chips or butterscotch chips turns these into a dessert that everyone swoons over.
• Coconut Addition: Sprinkling shredded sweetened coconut into the dough makes for a tropical twist that’s surprisingly addictive.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Start by softening your butter to room temperature—it’s key for smooth mixing. In a large bowl, whisk together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture feels light and creamy. This can take a couple of minutes by hand or less with a mixer. I discovered this trick helps the cookies rise just right and keeps them soft inside.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is just combined. Using room temperature eggs helps the batter mix evenly without curdling.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures the baking soda is evenly spread and the cinnamon is consistent throughout your cookies, which I’ve found makes every bite just right.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Components

Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and fold gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this is a crucial step! Overmixing activates gluten, which leads to tougher cookies, and you want these to stay soft and chewy.

Step 5: Stir in Oats and Raisins

Finally, fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats and raisins. They add that chewy texture and delightful sweetness. Be sure they’re evenly distributed so every cookie has just the right amount—I always take an extra minute here, and it’s worth it.

Step 6: Portion and Bake

Scoop out the cookie dough with a spoon and roll it into 1 to 1½-inch balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving some room for spreading. Bake on the middle rack at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll want to pull them out when the edges are set but centers still look a bit soft—that’s how you get that perfect chewy texture. Let them cool on a rack for a few minutes before digging in.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually skip fancy garnishes because these cookies speak for themselves, but if I want to dress them up, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds a nice touch that friends love. Sometimes a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking amps up the flavor in an unexpected way.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for snack time or dessert. I’ve even served them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat on warm days.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love wrapping these cookies in parchment paper tied with twine or placing them in festive tins lined with a colorful napkin. They make excellent gifts, and showing them off stacked on a pretty plate always draws compliments at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When stored in an airtight container on the counter, these Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies stay fresh and soft for several days. I’ve found that layering them with parchment paper helps keep individual cookies from sticking together, preserving their texture.

Freezing

I always portion leftover cookie dough into balls and freeze them on a tray before moving to a freezer bag. This method lets me bake just a few fresh cookies whenever I want, without waiting—just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time when baking from frozen.

Reheating

To reheat leftover cookies, I pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them for a few minutes in a low oven (around 300°F). This softens them back up nicely without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so reliable and satisfying. I love the way the oats and raisins come together for that soft chew, and how easily you can make a big batch for sharing or freezing for later. If you haven’t tried making oatmeal raisin cookies from scratch before, trust me—you’ll want to start right here with this recipe. It’s like a cozy kitchen hug in every cookie!

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