Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for that perfect Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe, I’m thrilled to share one of my very favorites with you. What makes this recipe stand out is its perfect balance of softness and chewiness—just the kind of texture that makes you savor every bite without feeling like you’re eating a biscuit. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon snack or a homemade gift, these cookies deliver that nostalgic warmth in every mouthful.

I love making this Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe because it’s forgiving and straightforward, plus you can easily customize it. You’ll find that once you nail this, your friends and family will be asking for it again and again — trust me, mine certainly do! There’s something about those plump raisins and cinnamon-spiced oats that just feels like coming home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering that dreamy soft and chewy texture you’re craving. Using room temperature butter and eggs really helps the mixing process, while old fashioned rolled oats give that ideal hearty bite.

• Butter: Softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and rich flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
• Light Brown Sugar: Gives moisture and depth with its subtle molasses notes.
• Eggs: At room temperature to blend easily and bind ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: The secret behind the cozy, warm flavor that makes these cookies feel homemade.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie that holds everything together.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough without puffing up too much.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds that classic oatmeal raisin spice note.
• Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: Give these cookies their satisfying chew and heartiness.
• Raisins: Plump, sweet bursts that add texture and flavor.

Variations

I like to mix things up sometimes with this Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe to keep it interesting. You can easily swap out ingredients or add extras based on what you have on hand or your flavor preference.

• Dried Fruit Swap: Instead of raisins, try dried cranberries or cherries for a tart twist—my kids actually prefer cranberries sometimes!
• Nuts Addition: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the oatmeal beautifully.
• Chocolate Chips: For an indulgent touch, sprinkle in some semi-sweet or butterscotch chips—my secret for a double-treat cookie.
• Coconut: A little sweetened shredded coconut mixed in adds texture and a tropical hint I adore for special occasions.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉—always a good move to get that out of the way. In a large bowl, whisk together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. I like to use an electric mixer here to speed things up and get the perfect creamy texture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract. This mixture should be smooth and well combined without lumps.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these separately helps ensure the leavening and spice are evenly spread throughout the dough. Once combined, slowly add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Be gentle here—mix until just combined to avoid overworking the flour, which can make your cookies tough.

Step 3: Fold in Oats and Raisins

This is where the magic happens—fold in the old fashioned rolled oats and raisins until everything is evenly mixed. Make sure your raisins are soft and plump; if they look dry, soak them briefly in warm water to revive them before adding. This step gives your cookies their classic texture and that chewy burst of sweetness.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Using a spoon, scoop out dough and roll into about 1 to 1½ inch balls. I like to space mine about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet to allow for spreading. Pop them on the middle rack of your oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a little soft — this ensures a chewy finish once cooled.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling period helps the cookies set perfectly without losing their softness. Resist the urge to eat them right away, but I won’t blame you if you do!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I personally enjoy these cookies just as they are, but for a little extra flair, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar adds a lovely sparkle and subtle sweetness on top. For a special occasion, I sometimes drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate for contrast—it always impresses guests!

Side Dishes

These oatmeal raisin cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot tea, or even a slightly chilled coffee. I love serving them alongside homemade apple cider or warm chai for that perfect cozy vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, I like stacking the cookies tied up with rustic twine and a sprig of fresh rosemary for an inviting touch. Another fun idea is arranging them in a decorative tin layered with parchment paper—great for parties or potlucks where presentation counts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they usually stay soft and chewy for up to 4 or 5 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps keep the moisture in, which is a trick I discovered after some trials!

Freezing

Freezing cookie dough balls is my go-to for when I want fresh cookies on demand. Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a labeled freezer bag. They keep well for about 4 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen—just add a couple of minutes to the original bake time.

Reheating

If you have leftover baked cookies, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave revives that fresh-baked softness. Or pop them in a 300℉ oven for 5 minutes if you want to crisp up the edges just a bit while preserving a chewy inside.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about biting into a Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe that brings back memories of homemade treats from childhood. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do—the ease and the classic flavors always come through beautifully. Try this recipe next time you want to share a warm, cozy moment with friends or family. I promise once you do, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen like it is in mine!

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