Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are soft, chewy, buttery, and filled with hearty oats and sweet raisins. This easy cookie recipe creates a warm homemade treat with crisp edges and a soft center. They are perfect for cookie jars, afternoon snacks, bake sales, and family baking days.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Rolled oats | 1½ cups |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Raisins | ¾ cup |
| Chopped walnuts | ½ cup |
| Milk | 1 tbsp |
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
1. Prepare the Dough
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Stir until combined.
Fold in the rolled oats, raisins, and chopped walnuts. Add 1 tablespoon of milk if the dough feels too thick.
3. Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough into small portions and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Leave space between each cookie.
Gently flatten the tops with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
4. Bake
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges look lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Tips for Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Use softened butter for a smooth cookie dough.
- Rolled oats give the cookies a hearty texture.
- Do not overbake the cookies if you prefer soft centers.
- Soak raisins in warm water for 5 minutes before baking for extra-soft raisins.
- Add walnuts for extra crunch.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10-12 minutes |
| Total Time | About 27 minutes |
| Servings | About 24 cookies |
| Category | Cookies |
| Cuisine | American |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep oatmeal cookies soft?
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container. This helps preserve their soft and chewy texture.
Should I use quick oats or rolled oats?
Rolled oats provide a heartier texture and more visible oat pieces. Quick oats create a softer texture.
Can I freeze oatmeal raisin cookie dough?
Shape the dough into portions and freeze them on a tray. Transfer the frozen dough portions to an airtight freezer bag for later baking.
Final Thoughts
These Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a simple homemade favorite with chewy oats, sweet raisins, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts. They are easy to prepare and perfect for anyone who loves traditional bakery-style cookies.
