Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (video)

These chewy oatmeal raisin cookies are THE BEST oatmeal raisin cookies in our opinion, and I will proudly say we are self-proclaimed cookie experts (meaning we’ve eaten lots of cookies).

This classic oatmeal raisin cookie recipe is simple and homestyle comfort baking, basically what you’d envision when you hear the phrase “my grandma’s oatmeal cookie recipe.” It’s that good. Chewy and soft with the perfect ratio of oatmeal to raisins and a hint of warm spices in every bite. Let’s bake some!

Soft and chewy! Buttery flavor! Dense with raisins! And lightly crisp around the edges. This is one cookie recipe you will bake again and again!

If you love oatmeal cookies, try our cowboy cookies as well.

why we love these cookies

What’s not to love when it comes to this classic oatmeal cookie recipe? They are:

• Soft
• Chewy, but still melt-in-your-mouth good
• Packed with oatmeal
• Flavorful (hello, butter)
• Not too sweet
• Easy
• Versatile- swap in chocolate chips (or other add-ins) for raisins if you prefer!

let’s make them!

Baking from scratch is easy. If you have some “distractibaking” on the agenda soon, please try these. They’re quick and delicious and best of all, this all-purpose cookie can be a sweet snack or breakfast or really, any meal of choice. We’re A-OK with that and won’t judge because, hey, they’re oatmeal.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Softened butter. You can use salted or unsalted butter, I prefer salted butter which does not add too much salt to the recipe.
• Sugar. Use both brown sugar and white granulated sugar.
• Eggs. The batter will blend much better if the eggs are at room temperature.
• Vanilla extract. Vanilla will enhance the flavors and it makes these oatmeal raisin cookies so much better.
• Flour. All-purpose flour works best for this recipe.
• Salt. Enhances the flavors.
• Baking powder. We took a tip from Cook’s Illustrated and used a small amount of baking powder and eliminated baking soda. This is one of the tips for chewy oatmeal cookies.
• Spices: cinnamon and nutmeg. If you don’t like the spice, you can leave them out but I love how the cinnamon and nutmeg complement the oatmeal and raisins.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats. For thick, chewy cookies make sure you do not use instant oats.
• Raisins. If you like your raisins extra soft, you can soak them in hot water for a few minutes.

How To Make Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies:

After you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’ll have these soft and thick oatmeal raisin cookies ready to enjoy in no time! The cookie dough comes together easily. Make sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card for detailed instructions:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
2. Add the butter and sugars to a mixing bowl and cream them together until they’re light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla.
4. Sift the flour, salt, baking powder and spices into the cookie dough and combine.
5. Stir in the raisins and oatmeal, then scoop out cookie dough balls and place onto the baking sheet.
6. Bake, and then transfer the cookies to a cooling rack.

It’s an easy recipe and the oatmeal raisin cookie dough takes only a few minutes to make!

Tips For Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Here are a few cookie-making tips you’ll want to follow to get the best oatmeal raisin cookies that stay thick and chewy:

• Use a cookie dough scoop or ice cream scoop to get the same size of dough balls. If they’re uneven, some will end up either under-baked or over-baked and not soft and tender.
• You’ll know the cookies are done baking when the edges are lightly browned. Remove them from the oven at that time, they’ll continue baking a few minutes on the cookie sheet before you transfer them (the trick for getting CHEWY oatmeal raisin cookies!).
• If you want to make large, thick oatmeal raisin cookies, scoop 3-1/2 to 4 tablespoons of dough for each dough ball. Larger cookies will have to bake a tad longer.
• Cookies are always crumbly when they’re hot, so make sure to allow enough cooling time for these. They’ll firm up and have that perfect, chewy consistency.
• Use old-fashioned oats instead of instant oats. The old fashioned oats will make the cookies thicker and chewier than the instant oats.

Can I Use Self-Rising Flour?

If you want big, thick, soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies then do not use self-rising flour. Self-rising flour uses a lower protein flour than all-purpose flour and that will affect the spread, chewiness, and browning of the cookies. You will also have too much baking powder in the flour if you use self rising flour.

You will still have some tasty cookies but they wont be as thick and chewy as the oatmeal cookies in this recipe.

How Long Do Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Last?

These cookies will be good for 7-10 days stored in an air-tight container at room temperature. Alternatively, you can keep the oatmeal raisin cookie dough in an air-tight storage bag in the freezer for up to two months.

I know you’ll love these oatmeal raisin cookies, and if you try the recipe, let us know! There’s nothing quite like a warm, soft cookie, right? Just make sure you have plenty of milk ready because oatmeal raisin cookie dunking is a must.

While you have the box of old-fashioned oatmeal out, make some chocolate chip oatmeal cookies while you’re at it. And if you like baking with spelt flour, our oatmeal raisin spelt cookies are fabulous.

Some Other Recipes You Will Love:

• Potatoes Au Gratin are a traditional, French-inspired recipe that we can’t get enough of. Layers of potatoes, cream, and extra cheese make this dish, but the crunchy breadcrumb topping makes it extra special!
• Our Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream is the best and only chocolate cake recipe you’ll need! And, it only takes less than 10 minutes to get the cake batter in the oven. So there’s really no excuse for not making it, if you ask me. 😉
• This Lemongrass Chicken Satay is a light and simple appetizer or main course! The Thai flavors and tender, grilled chicken will be a hit. Pair it with this Instant Pot Basil Lime Rice for an easy, complete meal.