Oatmeal raisin cookies are a timeless classic — soft, chewy, and filled with the comforting flavors of oats, raisins, and cinnamon. They strike the perfect balance between sweetness and warmth, making them a favorite for all ages.
The Essence of the Recipe
These cookies combine the hearty texture of rolled oats with the natural sweetness of raisins and the cozy aroma of cinnamon. The result is a cookie that’s both wholesome and indulgent, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Why Choose This Recipe?
This recipe is simple, reliable, and delivers bakery-quality cookies every time. The dough can be made ahead, and the cookies stay soft for days. They’re also easy to customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
Essential Ingredients
- Rolled oats: For texture and chewiness.
- Raisins: For natural sweetness.
- Butter: For richness and flavor.
- Brown sugar: For moisture and caramel notes.
- Eggs: For structure and softness.
- Flour: To bind the ingredients.
- Cinnamon: For warmth and aroma.
- Baking soda and salt: For balance and lift.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients (makes about 20 cookies)
- 120 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 115 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 100 g (1/2 cup) brown sugar
- 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 150 g (1 1/2 cups) rolled oats
- 100 g (2/3 cup) raisins
Preparation
- Preheat the oven: Set to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream butter and sugars: In another bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in oats and raisins.
- Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers are still soft.
- Cool: Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Don’t overbake: They’ll continue to set as they cool.
- Soak raisins: Briefly soak in warm water or rum for extra plumpness.
- Chill the dough: For thicker, chewier cookies.
- Use old-fashioned oats: Instant oats make cookies too soft.
Variations
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Replace raisins with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Use dried cranberries and add orange zest for a tangy flavor.
Oatmeal Walnut Cookies
Add chopped walnuts for crunch and depth.
Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
Replace butter with coconut oil and egg with a flaxseed mixture.
Serving Suggestions
- With milk or coffee: A comforting classic pairing.
- As an ice cream sandwich: Two cookies with vanilla ice cream in between.
- Crumble over yogurt: For a quick breakfast treat.
Nutrition (per cookie)
- Calories: 130–150 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
Chef’s Tips
- For extra chewiness: Add a tablespoon of honey or molasses.
- For crisp edges: Flatten the dough slightly before baking.
- For a bakery look: Press a few extra raisins on top before baking.
Origin and Inspiration
Oatmeal raisin cookies originated in the early 1900s as a wholesome snack inspired by Scottish oatcakes. Over time, they became a beloved American classic, known for their comforting texture and nostalgic flavor.
Presentation and Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough balls and bake fresh when needed.
Conclusion
Oatmeal raisin cookies are the perfect blend of comfort and simplicity — chewy, fragrant, and full of flavor. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or packed for later, they bring a touch of homemade warmth to every bite.
