Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies recipe – perfect texture, soft, full of oats, raisins, and nuts. These are the best oatmeal raisin cookies and will surely be your new tried and true oatmeal cookie recipe. It’s a great recipe for old-fashioned oatmeal-raisin cookies with a little cinnamon and raisins.
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OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES RECIPE
I’ve been searching for the perfect chewy oatmeal raisin cookie recipe but every one I tried was either too flat or too cakey. I wanted a soft, a little chewy oatmeal cookies.
After trying probably four recipes I started thinking of my tried and true favorite chewy chocolate chip cookie and thinking about how perfectly chewy it was because of the melted butter in the dough.
So I started with the base of that dough and after several adjustments on raisins, cinnamon, and oatmeal I came up with this. This is a keeper!
INGREDIENTS IN OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES
- Butter – real butter makes these delicious.
- Sugar – we use both brown sugar and white sugar here.
- Oats – believe it or not you want to use less oats rather than more oats in a cookie. This yields a chewier cookie. We use old-fashioned rolled oats here not quick oats or instant oats.
- Nuts – you can use pecans or walnuts in these or leave them out completely.
- Raisins – add that sweetness. See tips below on soaking raisins.
- Large Eggs – we use one egg and one egg yolk. This yields a chewy cookie.
- Cinnamon – adds some spice.
- Baking Soda – helps the cookies rise.
- Flour – helps hold the cookie together.
- Vanilla – always use pure vanilla extract.
- Salt – brings out all of the flavors.
HOW TO MAKE OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and let cool slightly.
- Mix flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until well blended with an electric mixer. Beat in the ground cinnamon, vanilla, egg, and egg yolk for 2-3 minutes until light and creamy. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just blended. Add the oats, nuts, and raisins. Mix on medium speed until just blended.
- Scoop 1/4 cup balls of cookie dough using a cookie scoop onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 14-16 minutes. Do not overbake. The edges should look brown and the centers still slightly soft. Let the cookies rest on the cookie sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
TIPS FOR THIS RECIPE
- Make sure you are measuring your flour correctly. Don’t scoop your measuring cup directly into the four as this compacts the flour adding too much flour. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup.
- Melted butter gives the cookies their chewy texture.
- Use parchment paper. It makes your cookies turn out so much better!
- Do not overbake! Cookies will continue to bake as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Each cookie is 1/4 cup. It’s a big cookie and it’s delicious. If you want to make a smaller version, feel free. Just make sure to bake it for less time.
SHOULD I SOAK MY RAISINS?
Although this is not necessary, some bakers believe that you should always soak your raisins in warm water before using them in a recipe so that you have plump raisins. Raisins are dried and will pull moisture from your cookies when baking. If you soak them your cookies will be more moist. Make sure you dry them well after soaking.
OTHER CLASSIC COOKIE RECIPES:
- Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
- The Best Snickerdoodle
- Oatmeal Cream Pies
- Almond Cookies
- Monster Cookies
- No-Bake Cookies
- Classic Sugar Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
- S’mores Cookies
- Salty Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Soft Sugar Cookies
- Sprinkle Cookies
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
This Oatmeal Raisin Cookies recipe will surely be your new tried and true oatmeal cookie recipe. It's a good thick old-fashioned cookie with a little cinnamon and raisins.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted (1½ sticks)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 heaping cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Your cookies turn out so much better with parchment paper. Believe me! Buy some!
- Melt butter and let cool slightly.
- Mix flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. (See Note on the proper way to measure flour)
- In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended. Beat in the cinnamon, vanilla, egg, and egg yolk for 2-3 minutes until light and creamy. Mix in the flour mixture until just blended. Add the oats, nuts, and raisins. Mix until just blended.
- Place 1/4 cup balls of dough onto parchment lined cookie sheet and bake for 14-16 minutes. Do not overbake. You can also do smaller cookies just bake for less time. Remember I'm at sea level so if you aren't you may need longer. The edges should look brown and the centers still slightly soft. Let the cookies rest on the cookie sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Video
Notes
Source: The Girl Who Ate Everything
Make sure when you measure your flour that you do NOT pack it into the measuring cups. The proper way is to spoon the flour into your measuring cup. This can make the difference between a fluffy and chewy cookie.
Serving: 1grams
Oatmeal raisin cookies are my absolute favorite, I’m extremely picky when it comes to my cookies😋
I made this recipe today, I just added an extra dash of cinnamon, tablespoon of molasses and a heaping half cup of chopped freshly toasted walnuts. THESE COOKIES WILL MAKE YOU DROP YOUR BABY!! I swapped out my paddle on my mixer with a dough hook when I added in my oats, raisins and nuts. Scooped out about a good tablespoon of dough and pressed them down lightly, baked for 11 minutes. Perfection😘 Thanks for the recipe, definitely saving this one for my goodies book
Thank you!
Hi there m, just wondering if I could add molasses to this recipe???
Yes of course!
I just made these after reading the recipe & reviews … I followed the recipe except I had salted butter so I used 1/2 the amount of salt added …. I added 1 cup of choc chips as I don’t like raisins & didn’t use parchment paper as I was out ! I took them out when they brown around the edges & let them rest after to finish cooking … I’ve eaten 2 so far very yummy
Thank you!
These are without a doubt the most delicious oatmeal raisin cookies I have ever tasted! The melted butter must have something to do with it, as well as the added cinnamon. I did not have unsalted butter on hand so I just used salted butter and less salt. Perfection! I will be making these again!
Thank you!
These are without a doubt the most delicious oatmeal raisin cookies I have ever tasted! The melted butter must have something to do with it, as well as the added cinnamon. I did not have unsalted butter on hand so I just used salted butter and less salt. Perfection! I will be making these again!
I love this recipe! I’ve been making them all fall. I make them with gluten free flour and gluten free oats (1:1) and they come out perfectly. Thanks so much!
You are welcome!
Do you need to or can you refrigerate prior to baking or does that defeat the melting of the butter for texture?
Yes you can refrigerate. It doesn’t affect the texture.
This is an excellent recipe. This recipe, like my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, starts with melted butter (as opposed to softened) and it seems that mixing the sugars in forms a caramel like base. Thanks for adding this oatmeal raisin cookie to my short list!
You’re welcome!
They ARE the best! Not too sweet but chewy. I made them small but what’s the point? I just eat two instead of one! Next time I’ll try doubling the recipe so I have some for the freezer too. Thanks for the great recipe!
Glad you liked them.
What about high altitude? Do I need to make any changes since you said you’re at sea level?
Yes. Here’s a whole list of high altitude adjustments.
https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/learn/resources/high-altitude-baking
Could you use this recipe to make oatmeal cookie bars instead of the traditional cookie shape.
Of course! I love that idea
my mom loved this resipe ty for shareing it all my friends Love this resipe my thanks so much
You’re welcome!
I made these…thank you great recipe… they are the perfect oatmeal raisin cookie..I have been looking for… will be using this recipe from now on..😍😍
AW thanks!
I halved the recipe and they are amazing!
Hi,
If you make smaller cookies, how many minutes in the oven? I’m excited to try!
I have made these twice and they are so good! I make them smaller and bake them for about 10 minutes because we like them soft. Probably 11-12 would be perfect or most others. Great recipe!!
Can this dough be frozen and saved for a later date? If so, how long can I freeze it for?
Yes,I’ve found it’s best to freeze up to three months.
Do you need to put the batter in the fridge after mixing?
If you want the cookies extra thick yes but the recipe does not call for it.
THIS RECIPE IS AMAZING! SOFT AND CHEWY, TRUE OATMEAL COOKIE HEAVEN!
Thank you!
Not quite the recipe I wanted, but it was the recipe I needed. 😁 These were delicious. Thank you. I didn’t need to change a thing.
FINALLY! I have been looking for the perfect oatmeal raisin cookie.. FOUND!
Wonderful!
Should you cool the the cookie dough first?
You can. I’ve not waited though before and it was fine.
Hi, can I put chocolate chips in it instead of raisins? Thanks 😊
Sure!
I made this recipe and I must say that they were delicious. I will be making these for my grandchildren
Thanks, Carolyn
Aww thanks!
SHould I chill the dough over night?
You don’t have to but you can
Making these as I type… super good! Have been making Oatmeal Raisin cookies for my 94 year old Mother twice a month. Have used a number of recipes, this one is by far the best! I made them w/ a medium cookie scoop, baked them for 10 minutes. Perfect cookie! Many thanks foe such a delicious recipe. She keeps them in the freezer.
I’m making this today in hopes that my husband forgives me for clogging the drain with oil 😬😂
Update: Holy moly these cookies are by far the best most soft, chewy oatmeal cookies I’ve ever made! Even after 2 days they stay soft and chewy, not dry at all like most recipes. Thanks a bunch ☺️
Awww thanks!
That makes me so happy!!
Wow–the chewy oatmeal raisin cookie recipe I’ve been wanting for years! Turned out just the way I wanted. Superb!
Thank you!
Used black walnuts which added a nice flavor. Took a little longer to bake but turned out delicious. Will definitely make again.
Thank you!
I made this recipe almost as directed—no parchment, and a tad more walnuts as I was nearing the end of the bag. Nice texture and flavors, I will make them again.
Thanks Brandy!
I wanted so much to love this recipe. It had all the ingredients I love. The dough was easily formed into balls. I flattened somewhat to decrease the height on later batches.
I was however disappointed in the lack of moisture. These were a bit dry. Not certain how to create more moisture in this recipe.
It’s important to make sure to not pack the flour when measuring. Use a spoon to fill the measuring cup and level off.
When I find a recipe I want to try, I always read the comments and appreciate what others have experienced and will try to add what others might not/and my experience. I am in my 60’s, bake cookies weekly and Oatmeal Raisin are my favorite. I thought this recipe was delicious and will switch to this one. I too was a little surprised that it used 1/2 of the oatmeal I was used to using…but it works. I used a one and 1/2 inch scoop, cooked them for 12 minutes, took them out of the oven, used my spatula to gently flatten them a little on the pan, and continued to let them cool about 4 minutes in total. I got about 46 cookies. (3 doz + 10).
They were not dry and I had no trouble with them staying together. Family woofed them down, and let me say for a 10 year old grandson with autism and VERY selective, that means a lot to me. Thank you for posting. HTH.
AWw thanks Nancy!
I have been making oatmeal cookies for years and this recipe is now my #1 oatmeal cookie recipe! I used salted butter (that’s all I had) and they were fine. For variety I will sub cranberries and walnuts. I also use a 1 1/2 tbs scoop for smaller cookies. Soooo good. I don’t know if they will get dry because once baked they disappear quickly.
So happy to hear that.
I am not an experienced or talented baker and have had many failures. However, these cookies are delicious and always turn out great. I follow the recipe exactly (I use golden raisins and chopped pecans) and chill the dough in the fridge for an hour in the mixing bowl before I make the cookies. They have become a family favorite. After the cookies have cooled, I wrap 3-4 at a time in plastic wrap and put the packets in a freezer bag in the freezer to enjoy later, a few cookies at a time.. Defrost at room temp for about an hour or overnight. Don’t know how long they’ll last in the freezer because we always finish them within a couple of weeks.
Thank you!
This is our all time favorite oatmeal raisin cookie recipe. Chewy and soft with slightly crisp edges. They are perfection.
We make the recipe as is usually, but will make them as oatmeal craisin cookies for the holidays. Just substitute dried cranberries instead of raisins, add finely chopped orange zest (about 1/2 Tbsp) and a small pinch of nutmeg (less than 1/8 tsp). Delicious!
So glad you like them!
The last cookies just finished and FINALLY an oatmeal cookie that does NOT spread!!! Used half light half dark brown sugar (hubs bought dark by mistake so am using it up in cookies that DONT require a lot of brown sugar). Used golden raisins rather than regular-less bitter IMO AND pressed the dough as recommended in another review then dipped in golden sprinkles to dress up the appearance. They SPARKLE and are delicious.
Yay!! So happy!
Really my fave recipe for this cookie. Can it be frozen and thawed for later?
Yes of course!
These cookies are delicious! Can I make them and freeze them for later?
I didn’t melt the butter all the way and did a heaping soon of vanilla plus a teensy bit more cinnamon. Hubby says they were my best cookies to date and he LOVED how chock full of raisins they were.
Happy to hear that!
I’m wondering if these cookies can be baked in advance and frozen?
Yes!
My 1st attempt at making oatmeal raisin cookies. While i don’t consider these to be a Christmas cookie, i made them because they are my daughter’s favorite and she won’t be able to come home from college. I rolled mine into golf ball size balls then slightly flattened. baked for approx. 10 minutes.. came out nice. I will use this recipe if she requests them again.
So happy you liked them!
Making these cookies was a huge mistake. I want to eat them ALL in one sitting! LOL! Absolutely delicious! I used baking spice instead of just cinnamon, and I added a cup of chocolate chips! My husband and daughter LOVED them’
So happy you liked them!
Haven’t tried it yet, but why the reduction in oats to flour ratio compared to most other recipes? What does it do for the cookies taste or texture?
I made them over the weekend. My new favorites. I have been using the Cook’s Illustrated recipe for a while and really thought they overdid it trying to be the “ultimate” cookie. Really overpowering. These are great. Enough oats but not so much to dry my mouth out, no vegetable oil, lots of raisins and cinnamon, and the perfect soft chewy texture.
Just made these. They are awesome!@
Thank you!
I just made a batch and I think they are the best oatmeal cookie I’ve ever made. I put dried cranberries in them instead of raisins and I put it walnuts. I only have a toaster oven but it cooked them great. Ninerlaw
Good to hear!
The best I ever had
Best oatmeal raisin cookie recipe ever! Try it your mouth will love you for it. I’m making a second batch today.
Thank you!
OMG… these are amazing!!! I did 1/2 batch ( smaller cookie) as is and added chocolate chips to the second. What a great recipe! Thank you!!
You’re welcome!
Am going to try recipe and wonder if I can use quick oats instead of old fashioned?
Quick oats yields a thicker cookie. If you want it chewy use old fashioned.
The cookies came out PERFECT!!! Can’t wait to try another recipe : ). Hope there’s a chocolate chip cookie one to use. Thank you so much.
So happy to hear that!
Hi,
Would it still work if I just use 1 cup brown sugar and not the white at all?
Yes! It would work.
Great receipe. My whole family enjoyed it.
Any idea if it will work with whole wheat flour
Haven’t tried it but seems like it should work.
I am a cottage foods baker and this is my go to oatmeal cookie. They are absolutely perfect. Thank you.
I am not a cookie fan but if I had to choose one or would be chewy oatmeal raisin so for the first time in my life I baked cookies. They are fabulous but I have to ask – how many calories in a batch? Not that I won’t still make them!
I’ll have to calculate it.
WOW. Just wow. The comment here that these are the best cookie she ever had sounded a little exaggerated when I read it but seriously, they really and truly are THE best oatmeal cookie I’ve ever had no less made myself! Thank you so much for this recipe.
Aww thanks!
I have tried every single cookie recipe known to man and always feel like they leave something to be desired – either flat or thin or too fluffy but not just right. This recipe has 100% exceeded my expectations and I feel like this recipe is literally the best cookie I have ever had. Just the right consistency and texture that I want in a cookie – holds its shape well but isn’t like eating cake. Perfectly chewy and absolutely deliciously flavorful. I substituted chocolate chips instead of raisins and chilled the dough after I scooped it but before baking them. Thank you for this recipe!!!!! I will never use another. My search for the perfect cookie recipe is finally over and I’m so thankful to you for that!
That makes me happy!
These were a massive hit with my friends, family, and co-workers! The weird guy in the office (there is always one) told me, with a mouthful cookie, that he hated oatmeal and hated raisins. The beard crumbs indicated otherwise.
Haha that made me laugh.
Oh Boy, these are the Best! The only thing I found strange is when I put on Parchment they where Thick, but when I ran out of Parchment and buttered the sheet, they came out thin, which is what I prefer!
Interestin!
I made these for my hubby, but I have never been a fan of oatmeal raisin cookies UNTIL now! They are delicious and have the perfect chewy consistency.
I will be making these often 🙂
Thanks for sharing this recipe!
You’re welcome!
My grandpa is a connoisseur of oatmeal raisin cookies, and these are his all-time favorite. I’ve replaced the raisins with chocolate chips and have scrapped the toppings altogether, and they never disappoint. The dough is moist, rich, fluffy, and delicious, and sometimes I can’t help but to eat a few spoonfuls raw. Thank you for sharing this with the world.
Thank you!
Made these with sweet dried cranberries substituted for the raisins and mistakenly used almond extract not vanilla resulting in a subtle amaretto flavor. One of the best cookies I’ve ever made. Thanks for the recipe.
Ha happy mistake! Glad it worked out.
I followed your recipe to the letter…these are the best oatmeal raisin cookies EVER…Thank You…
That makes me want to cry happy tears!
Do you flatten the cookie balls before baking?
Nope but you can.
so good
Thank you!
These cookies are wonderful..followed recipe as written…perfect!
Yay! Happy to hear that.
Great recipe!
This time I changed it up a little and put dried cherries in it rather than raisins. It is a delicious chewy cookie! They were moist and disappeared FAST!
Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome!
Great cookies, the only thing I did different was add 1/3 cup of 1/2 & 1/2 because the batter was too dry.
My husband loves Oatmeal Raisin Cookies! I usually over bake them; and really, I make the WORST cookies! We affectionately call my attempts, hockey pucks. They can withstand any shot on goal! However, in looking up a good cookies recipe, your notes for melting the butter and scooping your flour into the cup was really a great help to cookie killers.
With this COVID stay in place there are a number of group homes where the staff are pretty tired and over worked. School will not be in session for the rest of the school year, so I decided to make a big tray of great cookies. You really helped me with this task, have a great day enjoying your family.
Thank you!
So happy to have helped in a tiny way. Glad they turned out!
Thanks for the recipe! Made this with my 3 years old today (4/26/2020). It took a little over 45 min to prep and I think I over-melted the butter (placed in fridge for 5 min). Cookies are delicious!
Shoot!
Modification for chocolate lovers…
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, very soft (1 stick)
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup white sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 egg
¾ cup old-fashioned oats
⅛ cup cacao
¼ cup craisins
¼ cup seni-sweet chocolate chips
¼ cup chopped almonds (optional)
Easy directions to follow. Cookie exactly as described.
Thank you!
What a great recipe! The cookies were superb and they reminded me of my mother’s kitchen on a Saturday afternoon.
Aww what a great compliment.
I found it needed a splash of cooking oil to be able to stay together and make the texture better.
Are you sure you are measuring your flour properly.
Oh my god these are the best oatmeal raisin cookies I’ve ever had!
Thank you! So glad you liked them!
Could I replace The raisins with butterscotch chips and turn these into scotches??
I’ve done that before! It’s great.
Wonderful! The best oatmeal cookies ever. And so easy. I found they needed a little more baking time but that’s easy. Will make again. Thank you!
Thank you Lenise!
Can the dough be frozen? Can the cooked cookies be frozen?
Yes, both can be frozen. You can thaw the dough in the fridge then bake as normal. You can also freeze cooked cookies which I favor slightly.
1/4 cup seems like a lot for one cookie. Can I do smaller.
Absolutely! Just bake for less time.
The only oatmeal cookie recipe that I will use. Always come out great
Thank you Carol.
I made these last night and HUGE family hit! Turned out GREAT! So chewy, and decadent! I added pecans like you said and they were levelled up! Thank you also for the tips, each one really helped! Also opened my eyes as to why maybe some of my other recipes didn’t turn out! Thanks again! ❤️
Haha glad I could help. We are all learning here. 🙂
All I have is quick oats- I grabbed the wrong container 😭 Do I need to alter the recipe to use quick oats? Ideas?
No you do not quick oats work too. That’s all I had and they turned out amazing 🙂
Yes, quick oats are a lot finer so it will result in a different texture.
I am going to make this tomorrow but I’m wondering, when creating the butter and sugars, if the butter should be at room temp (not melted)?
It should be melted and slightly cooled. Good luck!
This is the best oatmeal raisin cookies I have ever made! Outstanding recipe.
Thank you Donna!!!
I have been waiting all my life for a great Oatmeal. Raisin cookie recipe and I finally found it !!!! I didn’t change a thing . Loved the substantial size of the cookie and the taste is
PERFECT!!
Thank you so, so much ❤️
You are welcome!
Love the cookies
Thank you!
Today was my second attempt at this recipe during the Coronavirus madness. The first time (2 weeks ago) they were fabulous except they spread like crazy. Today, once I had the batter all mixed up, I put the bowl in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. Then rolled up the balls and baked. Oh how wonderful they look. And the taste is THE BEST! This is now my only oatmeal raisin cookie I will use. Thank you so much! Please keep the recipes coming.
Awesome to hear! That’s all I do is bake these days.