Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

If you’re anything like me, there’s something incredibly comforting about a warm cookie fresh from the oven, especially when it’s the perfect balance of soft and chewy. This Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe hits that sweet spot every time – with a tender texture that’s not too cakey and just enough chewiness from those classic rolled oats. You’ll find that these cookies bring together wholesome ingredients with a nostalgic flavor that feels like a cozy hug in cookie form.

I absolutely love how this recipe works for any occasion – whether it’s a quick after-school snack, a bake sale favorite, or just a little treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. Plus, it’s really straightforward, so you don’t have to be a baking pro to nail it. Trust me, once you discover this Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe, you’ll want to keep a batch on hand all the time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe plays a part in creating that perfectly balanced texture and rich flavor. I like to use good-quality butter and fresh spices to really make everything pop.

• Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing and creamy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crunch on the edge.
• Light Brown Sugar: Packed for that deep, caramel-like flavor and extra moisture.
• Eggs: At room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and help bind everything together.
• Vanilla Extract: A must-have for that warm, inviting aroma and subtle sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure without overpowering softness.
• Baking Soda: Provides gentle leavening for a soft rise.
• Ground Cinnamon: Just a touch adds delicious warmth and depth.
• Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: Crucial for that chewy texture—avoid instant or steel cut oats.
• Raisins: Classic, plump, and naturally sweet to complement the oats.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Feel free to swap out ingredients or add your own twist to make these cookies uniquely yours.

• Swap Raisins: I’ve tried dried cranberries and chopped dates, which give a bright, fruity note that’s just delightful.
• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and extra flavor my family adores.
• Chocolate Chip Twist: Sometimes I sneak in some dark chocolate chips for a decadent surprise.
• Coconut Flair: A little shredded sweetened coconut mixed into the batter adds a tropical touch and extra chewiness.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

First off, make sure your butter is soft but not melted—that’s key for the perfect texture. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is important because creaming really incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender bite. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, followed by the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

While the wet ingredients come together, whisk the flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon in another bowl. The cinnamon might seem subtle, but it adds warmth that ties beautifully with the oats and raisins. Having the dry ingredients mixed before adding them to the wet mixture helps avoid overworking the dough later on.

Step 3: Combine and Add Oats and Raisins

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently fold them together. Be careful not to overmix here because that’s when cookies can turn tough. Once combined, stir in the rolled oats and raisins evenly. This is the stage where you can add any optional mix-ins if you want to get creative.

Step 4: Portion and Bake

Scoop out the dough by spoonfuls, then roll into 1 to 1½-inch balls. I find using a cookie scoop makes this super easy and keeps the cookies uniform. Place them on a lined baking sheet, spacing them properly since they will spread a bit. Bake on the middle rack at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes—watch closely so the edges turn golden but the centers stay soft. Let them cool on a rack for a few minutes before digging in.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

My favorite way to serve these cookies is just as they are—warm, slightly soft centers with chewy oats and sweet raisins. That said, if you want to dress them up, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for special occasions. Sometimes, I’ll serve them alongside a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.

Side Dishes

They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or a glass of cold milk—something simple that balances out the sweet spices and textures. I’ve also enjoyed them with warm apple cider on crisp fall days for an extra cozy vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, arrange these cookies on a pretty platter with some fresh fruit and nuts sprinkled around. I’ve even assembled cookie stacks tied with pretty ribbon as little gifts, and they’re always a hit at holiday parties or bake sales.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, I let the cookies cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve found they stay soft and chewy for several days this way—perfect if you want to bake once and snack all week.

Freezing

If you’re not planning to bake all the dough at once, freezing is a fantastic option. I portion the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer into freezer bags for up to 4 months. When you want fresh-baked cookies, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To refresh day-old cookies, pop them in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings back that soft, just-baked texture that’s so hard to resist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it hits all those cravings for something wholesome, flavorful, and comforting without any fuss. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you really can’t go wrong with these cookies. Whether you enjoy them warm right out of the oven or packed for a snack later, they always bring a little smile. Happy baking, friend!

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