How to Make the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies at Home
When it comes to classic cookie recipes, nothing beats Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. They’ve got that perfect balance of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and a touch of cinnamon to give them a warm, comforting flavor. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together, a cookie exchange, or just craving something sweet, these oatmeal raisin cookies are the answer.
Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Chewy Texture
The combination of brown sugar and butter ensures these cookies stay soft and chewy on the inside, while the oats give them a bit of heartiness.
2. Warm Flavors
The cinnamon and vanilla add a cozy, warm flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the raisins. These cookies taste like a hug in dessert form!
3. Quick and Easy
This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any chilling time, meaning you can whip up a batch of cookies in no time.
Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup raisins
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Set the dry ingredients aside while we move on to the wet mixture.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, mix the ¾ cup of melted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the sugars are fully dissolved into the butter, and the mixture looks smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add 1 egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 tbsp of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. The extra egg yolk helps to make the cookies even softer and chewier.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 6: Stir in the Oats and Raisins
Now for the stars of the show—1 ½ cups of old-fashioned oats and 1 cup of raisins. Fold these into the dough until they’re evenly distributed.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread while baking.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers still look slightly underdone. This ensures a chewy texture once the cookies cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important because the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Pro Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
1. Melted Butter for Chewiness
Using melted butter instead of softened butter makes a big difference in texture, resulting in chewier cookies that stay soft even after they cool.
2. Extra Egg Yolk
Adding an extra egg yolk helps make the cookies richer and softer. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can omit the extra yolk, but trust me—it’s worth it for that perfect chewy bite.
3. Soak the Raisins
For an extra plump and juicy raisin, try soaking them in warm water or even a bit of rum for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough. This will prevent them from drying out during baking.
4. Don’t Overbake
The cookies should still look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool, and this method guarantees a soft, chewy texture.
Variations to Try
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delicious crunch to the cookies.
- Swap Raisins for Chocolate Chips: If you’re more of a chocolate fan, go ahead and swap out the raisins for chocolate chips or even dried cranberries.
- Make Them Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a more complex flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough before baking. Just scoop out the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
How Long Do These Cookies Stay Fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these oatmeal raisin cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. To keep them even longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The cookies will still come out soft, chewy, and delicious.
Serving Suggestions
- With Coffee or Tea: These cookies are the perfect companion to your afternoon cup of coffee or tea.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two oatmeal raisin cookies for a seriously delicious treat.
- Holiday Cookie Tray: These cookies are a classic addition to any holiday cookie tray, especially if you jazz them up with some nuts or chocolate chips.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Oatmeal Raisin Cookies have stood the test of time. They’re simple, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. With their chewy texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and sweet bursts of raisins, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your household.
So, grab your ingredients and whip up a batch of these classic oatmeal raisin cookies. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them with friends and family, they’re sure to bring smiles all around!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Set the dry ingredients aside while we move on to the wet mixture.
- In a large bowl, mix the ¾ cup of melted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the sugars are fully dissolved into the butter, and the mixture looks smooth and creamy.
- Next, add 1 egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 tbsp of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold the oats and raisins into the dough until they’re evenly distributed.
- Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread while baking.
- Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers still look slightly underdone
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.