Easy Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe: Perfect Sweet Treat

Chewy oatmeal raisin cookies offer a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Soft and wholesome, these treats blend rustic ingredients into a mouthwatering experience that satisfies deep cravings.

Classic baking techniques reinvent simple pantry staples into something magical and memorable.

Warm spices weave through the dough, creating layers of complex flavor that dance on your palate.

Texture plays a crucial role, with each cookie promising a perfect balance between crisp edges and tender centers.

Raisins nestled throughout add bursts of natural sweetness and unexpected richness.

Baking these brings pure joy to your kitchen.

Why Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Hit the Spot

• Craft Irresistible Texture: These cookies deliver a magical chew that melts in your mouth, blending soft centers with slightly crisp edges, creating a perfect balance between tenderness and structure.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Soaking raisins in hot water before adding them transforms ordinary ingredients into a sophisticated treat, enhancing natural sweetness and preventing dry, hard fruit pieces in each bite.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: The entire recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for spontaneous baking moments or satisfying sudden cookie cravings without requiring professional pastry skills.
• Nutritional Comfort Treat: Packed with wholesome oats and walnuts, these cookies offer a delightful balance of indulgence and nutrition, providing a modest protein boost and fiber while still feeling like a delicious dessert.

What Goes Into Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

• Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cookie dough together, with all-purpose flour being the most reliable choice.
• Rolled Oats, Quick-Cooking Oats: Delivers signature chewy texture and hearty flavor, with a mix creating perfect cookie consistency.
• Baking Soda: Essential leavening agent that helps cookies rise and spread evenly during baking.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create soft, chewy cookie texture with caramel-like undertones.
• Molasses: Contributes deep, rich flavor and helps maintain moisture in the cookies.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create tender cookie structure, best used at room temperature.
• Egg, Egg Yolk: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the cookie texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.
• Raisins: Adds natural sweetness and chewy texture, best soaked in hot water to plump them up.
• Walnuts: Introduces nutty crunch and additional depth to the cookies flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste of the cookies.

How to Make Soft, Flavor-Packed Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F and set up a rack in the middle position.

Step 2: Plump the Raisins

Soak raisins in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain completely to ensure soft, juicy texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar

Beat with an electric mixer on high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Moisture Ingredients

• Egg
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla extract
• Molasses

Blend until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in Texture Boosters

• Rolled oats
• Quick-cooking oats
• Drained raisins
• Chopped walnuts

Stir until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 8: Shape Cookie Dough

Use a cookie scoop to portion dough, then roll into balls with your hands.

Place cookies evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8-12 minutes, watching for golden brown edges.

Cooking time depends on desired chewiness or crispness.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

Tips to Keep Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Moist

• Hydrate Raisins Perfectly: Soak raisins in hot water to plump them up, ensuring they're soft and juicy without being waterlogged.
• Cream Butter and Sugars Thoroughly: Beat butter and sugars for full 2 minutes to create a light, fluffy base that guarantees tender cookies.
• Avoid Overmixing Dough: Gently fold dry ingredients and mix on low speed to prevent tough, dense cookies.
• Scoop Consistently: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking, ensuring each cookie looks and tastes the same.
• Monitor Baking Time Carefully: Watch cookies closely during the 8-12 minute window, removing them when edges are golden but centers remain slightly soft for that perfect chewy texture.

Best Ways to Store and Warm Up These Cookies

• Refrigeration: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Sealed properly, these treats will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Separate soft and crispy cookies to maintain their individual textures.
• Freezing: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months to preserve their delicious flavor and chewy texture. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Reheating: Restore the just-baked warmth by placing cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heating for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, revive their softness by warming them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes.

What to Eat or Sip with Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Comfort: Serve these chewy oatmeal raisin cookies alongside a cold glass of whole milk or a warm chai latte for a perfect sweet and spicy companion.
• Complement with Nutty Notes: Enjoy these cookies with a rich espresso or dark roast coffee to balance the sweetness and enhance the walnut undertones.
• Create a Dessert Duo: Crumble the cookies over vanilla bean ice cream or use them as a base for a rustic cookie parfait with layers of whipped cream and caramel sauce.
• Weekend Brunch Buddy: Accompany these cookies with a light yogurt parfait or a fresh fruit smoothie for a delightful morning treat that combines texture and flavor.

Easy Variations of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Dream: Replace raisins with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent cookie that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Nutty Cranberry Crunch: Swap walnuts for pecans and substitute raisins with dried cranberries, creating a tangy and crunchy flavor profile.
• Coconut Almond Bliss: Mix in shredded coconut and sliced almonds, removing raisins entirely for a tropical-inspired cookie with extra texture.
• Spiced Maple Sensation: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and replace molasses with pure maple syrup for a warm, comforting winter-inspired treat.

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Chewy oatmeal raisin cookies deliver classic comfort with each delightful bite. Rich cinnamon and hearty oats create a warmly spiced treat that invites memories of grandmother’s kitchen and sweet afternoon pleasures.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 cup raisins soaked in hot water
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 cup softened unsalted butter
• 1 cup golden brown sugar

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon and a half (1.5 tablespoons) molasses
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
2. Immerse raisins in boiling water for 10 minutes to plump and soften, then thoroughly drain and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream softened unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and white granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate whole egg, additional egg yolk, pure vanilla extract, and robust molasses into the butter-sugar mixture, blending until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined to prevent overmixing.
6. Gently fold in old-fashioned rolled oats, quick-cooking oats, rehydrated raisins, and roughly chopped walnuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the cookie dough.
7. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.
8. Utilize a 2-tablespoon (30 milliliters) cookie scoop to portion the dough, rolling each portion between palms to create uniform round balls.
9. Arrange cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) apart to allow for spreading during baking.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden brown edges and slightly soft centers, which indicate optimal chewiness.
11. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Soaking raisins beforehand helps them become plump, soft, and prevents burning during baking.
• Mixing sugars and butter thoroughly creates a light, airy base that ensures maximum cookie tenderness.
• Blending eggs and vanilla smoothly distributes flavor throughout the entire cookie dough.
• Sifting dry ingredients prevents lumps and guarantees even ingredient distribution for consistent texture.
• Folding in oats and nuts gently maintains the delicate cookie structure while adding rich, complex flavor profiles.
• Monitoring baking time closely determines whether cookies emerge chewy or crisp, giving you complete textural control.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg