Oh boy, let me tell you about my absolute favorite classic oatmeal raisin cookie recipe! These cookies are not just easy to make; they’re a warm hug in cookie form. I love how the sweet, chewy raisins pair perfectly with the hearty oats, creating that perfect texture and flavor. Trust me, there’s something so satisfying about biting into a freshly baked cookie that’s golden brown on the edges and soft in the middle. It takes just a few simple ingredients to whip up a batch, and you’ll have the whole house smelling like a cozy bakery in no time. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just indulging in a sweet treat after dinner, these cookies will never disappoint. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for achieving those perfectly baked cookies, so don’t skip it!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I usually let my mixer do the work for about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add in the eggs—make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results—and the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined; you want that sweetness to shine through!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do it in thirds, mixing just until combined after each addition. You don’t want to overmix here; a gentle touch is key!
- Once that’s done, stir in the rolled oats and raisins. This is where the magic happens—those chewy oats and sweet raisins come together beautifully!
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They’ll spread a bit, so give them some room!
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden brown around the edges. Don’t worry if they look slightly underbaked in the middle; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
- Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting them rest helps lock in all that deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick to whip up—perfect for those last-minute cravings!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Easy to prepare, making it a great choice for beginner bakers.
- Deliciously flavorful with the perfect balance of sweet raisins and hearty oats.
- Creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen and makes your home feel cozy.
- These cookies are wonderfully chewy and soft, just the way a cookie should be!
- They make for a fantastic snack or dessert for any occasion, from family gatherings to a quiet night in.
- Versatile enough to swap in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your classic oatmeal raisin cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time! Here are my top pro tips that I’ve picked up over the years:
- Don’t overbake: For those chewy, soft cookies that you’re dreaming of, keep an eye on your baking time. Pull them out of the oven when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look a bit soft. They’ll firm up as they cool!
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures everything blends together nicely.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and gives you thicker cookies that won’t spread too much.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to switch things up! If you’re not a fan of raisins, try using chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries for a fun twist. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins around a cup!
- Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and to prevent sticking. It also helps them bake evenly.
- Measure carefully: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring your flour—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This will keep your cookies from being too dense!
- Store properly: If you have leftovers (which I doubt because they’re so good!), store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy. You can even pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up again!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a cookie-baking superstar in no time! Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit, I’ve got some fantastic variations for your classic oatmeal raisin cookie recipe! These ideas are super simple and will add a fun twist to your baking.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Swap out half of the raisins for chocolate chips. The combination of sweet chocolate and chewy oats is simply irresistible!
- Nuts for Oats: Add a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. They complement the chewy texture of the oats perfectly!
- Spiced Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ginger along with the cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
- Dried Fruit Medley: Mix in dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots instead of raisins for a fruity explosion! Your cookies will have a beautiful pop of color, too.
- Peanut Butter Bliss: Add 1/2 cup of creamy or chunky peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a rich, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the oats.
- Coconut Craze: Toss in some shredded coconut for a tropical vibe. It adds a nice texture and a hint of sweetness that makes these cookies even more special!
- Maple Oatmeal: Replace the granulated sugar with maple syrup or brown sugar for a deliciously different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the flour slightly to keep the dough consistency right!
Feel free to mix and match these variations according to your taste. The beauty of baking is that you can make it your own, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked up a delicious batch of classic oatmeal raisin cookies, it’s important to know how to store them properly to keep that fresh-from-the-oven taste! Here’s what I do:
- Airtight Container: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack, then transfer them to an airtight container. This will help keep them soft and chewy for days! I usually layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Room Temperature Storage: Store the cookies at room temperature for up to a week. Just be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight and in a cool place. They’re perfect for grabbing on the go or having with a cup of tea!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for future cravings, you can freeze them! Just place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, simply take it out and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want that freshly baked warmth, pop it in the microwave for just a few seconds. Oops! Be careful not to overdo it, or they’ll become too soft!
With these storage tips, you can keep your classic oatmeal raisin cookies fresh and delicious, ready for whenever that sweet tooth strikes! Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of my classic oatmeal raisin cookie recipe! While I believe it’s important to indulge every now and then, it’s also nice to know what you’re enjoying. Here’s a rough estimate for one cookie, just to give you an idea:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, so treat this as a helpful guideline rather than a strict rule. Enjoy those cookies guilt-free; they’re a delicious treat that’s well worth it!
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different. Rolled oats give that classic chewiness that makes oatmeal raisin cookies so delightful!
What if I don’t have raisins?
No worries! You can substitute raisins with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even chopped nuts. The beauty of this classic oatmeal raisin cookie recipe is its versatility!
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Look for golden brown edges and slightly soft centers. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit underbaked when you take them out!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can be a sign of too much butter or not enough flour. Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully. Also, chilling the dough can help prevent them from spreading too much while baking!
Wow, I can’t wait for you to try this classic oatmeal raisin cookie recipe! If you do make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Did you add any of your own twists or variations? Please leave a comment below and let me know! And if you enjoyed this recipe, consider giving it a rating. It really helps me out and lets others find this little piece of cookie heaven. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures on social media—tag me so I can see your delicious creations! Happy baking, my friend!
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Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe: 7 Comforting Tips
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic oatmeal raisin cookie recipe that is easy to make and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in the oats and raisins until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For chewier cookies, don’t overbake.
- You can substitute chocolate chips for raisins if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: classic oatmeal raisin cookie recipe