Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These oatmeal raisin cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy. They're easy to make with pantry staples, offering a quick solution for unexpected guests or weeknight treats. The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring a comforting depth of flavor, while the raisins add bursts of sweetness in every bite. Whether you serve them fresh from the oven or thawed from the freezer, these cookies never disappoint.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• all-purpose flour

• baking powder

• salt

• cinnamon

• nutmeg

• butter, softened

• sugar

• brown sugar

• vanilla extract

• large eggs

• Old Fashioned Oats

• raisins

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

6. Stir in the oats until the dough becomes thick and cohesive.

7. Fold in the raisins.

8. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

9. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

10. Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 40 cookies.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

• Chocolate twist: Swap the raisins for chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

• Spiced up: Increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of cloves for a bolder spice blend.

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.

• Coconut flakes: Mix in shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

How do I keep oatmeal raisin cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture and softness.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

You can, but the texture will be slightly different—quick oats make the cookies softer and less chewy.

Why are my oatmeal cookies dry?

Overbaking or adding too much flour can cause dryness. Measure carefully and bake just until edges are golden.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

Can I make these cookies without raisins?

Absolutely. You can omit the raisins or replace them with another mix-in like chocolate chips or dried cranberries.

What type of cinnamon is best?

Ground Ceylon cinnamon has a milder flavor, but regular ground cinnamon (Cassia) works perfectly for classic taste.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

Use plant-based butter and egg substitutes like flax eggs to make a vegan version.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Yes, but it may slightly affect the texture and spread. Try reducing each sugar by ¼ cup.

Do I need to soak the raisins?

Soaking raisins in warm water for 10 minutes can plump them and make them juicier in the final cookie.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

Too-soft butter or warm dough can cause spreading. Chill the dough if needed before baking.

Conclusion

These oatmeal raisin cookies are a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat that's both simple and satisfying. With their chewy centers, buttery flavor, and bursts of sweet raisins, they’re sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation. Whether enjoyed fresh or frozen, they’re always a comforting classic.