Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Craving a warm, comforting treat? These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and slightly crisp on the edges.

Packed with hearty oats, sweet raisins, and a hint of cinnamon, this classic cookie is a must-try for anyone who loves homemade baked goods.

Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or with a glass of milk, this recipe will bring back nostalgic flavors of home-baked goodness.

Ingredients List

To achieve the perfect balance of chewy texture and rich flavor, let’s break down the key ingredients for this delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookie recipe.

Cookie Dough Ingredients

• ½ cup salted butter, softened – Provides richness and a tender texture.
• 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed – Adds moisture and enhances the chewiness.
• 1 large egg – Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base that gives structure to the cookies.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Assists in leavening for a soft texture.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and enhances the flavor.
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats – The star ingredient that gives the cookies their signature chewy texture.
• 1 cup raisins – Provides natural sweetness and a burst of flavor in every bite.

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools on hand can make a significant difference when preparing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Here’s a list of the essential kitchen tools you’ll need to get started:

1. Stand Mixer (with paddle attachment) – Using a stand mixer makes the creaming process easy and helps achieve the perfect consistency for the dough. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer or mix by hand, though it may take a bit longer.
2. Medium Mixing Bowl – For whisking the dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Silicone Mats or Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheets and prevent the cookies from sticking.
4. Spring-Loaded Scoop (4-teaspoon) – Ensures even portioning of the dough for uniform cookies every time.
5. Baking Sheets – The surface for placing your cookie dough before baking.
6. Cooling Racks – These are essential for cooling the cookies evenly and ensuring they don’t become soggy on the bottom.

Dough Preparation

Creating the perfect oatmeal raisin cookie dough involves mixing the ingredients properly to achieve the ideal texture and flavor. Follow these steps to ensure your dough is perfectly prepared:

Mixing the Ingredients

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   Start by creaming the softened butter and brown sugar together in the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat them at medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla:
   Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well incorporated.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps prevent clumps in your cookie dough.
4. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:
   With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the dough, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.
5. Fold in the Oats and Raisins:
   Once the dough comes together, turn off the mixer and fold in the old-fashioned oats and raisins using a spatula. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dough without over-mixing.
6. Chill the Dough:
   Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 1-2 hours. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

Baking the Cookies

Now that your dough is chilled and ready, it’s time to bake these delicious oatmeal raisin cookies! Follow these steps for perfectly baked cookies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the correct temperature before baking. This step is crucial for even cooking and achieving that perfect golden-brown color.

Prepare the Baking Sheets

Line your baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the surface and ensure an easy cleanup.

Portion the Dough

Using a 4-teaspoon spring-loaded scoop, drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the dough about 2 inches apart, as the cookies will spread slightly during baking.

Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned, but the centers are still soft. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool, so you don’t want to overbake them.

Cool the Cookies

Once the cookies are baked, let them cool on the baking sheets for about 3 minutes. This will allow them to set before transferring them to a wire rack. Afterward, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now your cookies are ready to be enjoyed!

Serving and Decoration

When it comes to serving your oatmeal raisin cookies, there’s no need for fancy decorations, as these cookies are delightful as-is. However, here are a few ideas to elevate the presentation:

Suggested Toppings and Pairings

• Milk – Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the perfect pairing.
• Ice Cream Sandwich – For an indulgent treat, use the cookies to make ice cream sandwiches with your favorite flavor.
• Powdered Sugar – A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance if you’re serving these cookies for a special occasion.

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Fresh

To store your oatmeal raisin cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will keep them soft and chewy.

Freezing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

If you want to keep your cookies fresh for a longer period, you can freeze them. Simply place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy again, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Conclusion

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion, offering a blend of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and warm cinnamon flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can bake a batch of cookies that will quickly become a family favorite.

Remember to refrigerate the dough for the best texture and to bake them to golden perfection. Whether you serve them fresh from the oven or store them for later, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy every bite!