These classic oatmeal raisin cookies are chewy, hearty, and packed with comforting flavors. Perfect for snacking or sharing, this recipe includes creative variations and tips to make your cookies extra special!

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 cups (240g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup (150g) raisins

Optional Add-ins and Variations

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
• ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist
• ½ cup chocolate chips for a sweet addition
• 1 tsp nutmeg for extra warmth

Preparation

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour (optional for thicker cookies)
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Yield: About 36 cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Soak the Raisins (Optional):
   For plumper raisins, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in Oats and Raisins:
   Stir in the rolled oats and raisins (and any optional add-ins) until evenly distributed.
7. Chill the Dough (Optional):
   Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour for thicker cookies and a more pronounced flavor.
8. Shape and Bake:
   Scoop the dough into balls using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• For Extra Chewiness: Use a higher ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar.
• Don’t Skip the Soak: Soaking raisins enhances their flavor and texture.
• Measure Oats Accurately: Too many oats can make the cookies dry.

Fun Twists

• Trail Mix Cookies: Add chopped nuts, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds for a wholesome twist.
• Spiced Delight: Mix in a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a spiced flavor profile.
• Maple Glaze: Drizzle a light maple glaze over the cookies for extra sweetness.

Final Touch

These oatmeal raisin cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee and make for a cozy, nostalgic treat. Package them in a mason jar with a ribbon for a delightful gift!

Happy baking! Let me know how you make these cookies your own. 😊