Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know there’s nothing quite like a big, chewy cookie fresh from the oven. Today, I’m super excited to share my all-time favorite Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe that’s perfect for when you want that soft, comforting bite with just the right amount of sweetness. Honestly, these cookies have that magical balance between soft and chewy that makes everyone come back for more—my family goes crazy for them every single time! Stick around, I promise you’re going to love making (and eating) these as much as I do.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this chewy oatmeal raisin cookies recipe serves a purpose—from giving the dough its structure to that soft chew you crave. I always recommend picking good quality rolled oats and lovely plump raisins for the best flavor and texture.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the cookie’s saltiness perfectly.
• Light Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone that enhances chewiness.
• White Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with that slight crisp edge.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds to the cookie’s richness.
• Vanilla: Totally optional, but a teaspoon adds warm depth that I love.
• Ground Cinnamon: Also optional, but cinnamon is my secret weapon for a cozy, spiced cookie.
• Plain Flour: Provides structure—it’s just the right amount to keep things soft, not cakey.
• Rolled Oats: Essential for that classic oatmeal cookie texture and a bit of nuttiness.
• Baking Powder: Gives a gentle lift so the cookies aren’t overly dense.
• Bicarbonate of Soda: Helps the cookies spread nicely and adds a bit of tenderness.
• Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies all those other flavors.
• Raisins: Plump, juicy, and naturally sweet—the star of the show!

Variations

I love tweaking this chewy oatmeal raisin cookies recipe depending on what mood I’m in or what ingredients I have on hand. Feel free to experiment—you’ll enjoy discovering different twists to your cookie game.

• Nutty Delight: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans not only boosts the texture but also brings a satisfying crunch that’s irresistible.
• Spiced Up: Personally, I sometimes throw in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon, which adds a lovely warmth.
• Raisin Swap: If you’re not a fan of raisins, try dried cranberries or cherries—they add a tart burst that’s equally delicious.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free for a safe swap.

How to Make Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Your Butter and Sugars Until Lovely and Fluffy

Start by adding the butter, light brown sugar, and white granulated sugar to a bowl. I like to use an electric mixer here so it gets perfectly creamy—that’s important. Beat until you see the mixture lighten in color and become fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes. This step sets the stage for soft, chewy cookies you’ll love.

Step 2: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Cinnamon (If Using)

Next, crack in your egg and beat again until fully combined. Now’s the moment to add that optional vanilla and cinnamon—trust me, the cinnamon adds a gentle warmth that elevates the whole cookie!

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

Add your plain flour, rolled oats, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and sea salt. Beat everything on low speed just until you see the cookie dough come together. Don’t overmix here; you want everything incorporated but tender.

Step 4: Stir in the Raisins

Finally, add your raisins and beat or fold them in so they’re evenly spread through the dough. I always make sure the raisins look juicy and nicely distributed so every bite has some chewy sweetness.

Step 5: Shape Your Cookie Dough Balls and Chill

I weigh my dough into balls about 85 grams each—that gives a nice, substantial cookie. You can go smaller or bigger depending on your preference. Roll them loosely (don’t overwork the dough), then pop the balls into the freezer for at least 30 minutes or fridge for an hour. This chilling step is super important; it stops the cookies from spreading too much and helps develop that chewy texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 200ºc (or 180ºc if you have a fan oven). I always keep an eye on my oven because some run hotter—if so, dial it down to 160-170ºc. Arrange your cookie dough balls on a lined tray, about five per tray to give them room to spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden around the edges but still soft-looking in the center.

Step 7: Cooling Is Key

Once they’re out of the oven, resist the urge to move them right away! Let them cool on the baking tray for at least 30 minutes—they continue to firm up into that perfect chewy finish as they cool. You’ll notice the difference big time if you don’t skip this step.

How to Serve Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep these cookies simple, but a light dusting of cinnamon sugar right after baking is something I adore. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a few extra oats on top before baking for a rustic look—just for fun!

Side Dishes

Pairing these cookies with a big glass of cold milk or a cup of hot chai tea is my go-to. They also complement a chilled vanilla yogurt for a quick dessert that feels a bit fancy but is so easy.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I stack these cookies with thin layers of cream cheese frosting and refrigerate them as mini cookie sandwiches—my friends were totally impressed and kept asking for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them chewy, I pop a slice of bread in the container with them—it’s a little trick that keeps moisture in without making them soggy.

Freezing

Frozen cookie dough balls are a lifesaver! I freeze them individually on a tray, then toss them into a freezer bag. When I want fresh cookies, I bake them straight from frozen, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

If you have leftovers, warming a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or popping it in the oven for a few minutes brings back that soft, just-baked feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This chewy oatmeal raisin cookies recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. It’s that cozy, nostalgic treat anyone can pull off even on their busiest days—because the ingredients are simple, the method straightforward, and the results absolutely delightful. Give it a try, make it your own with your favorite add-ins, and trust me, you’ll have a batch of cookies that everyone will be talking about. Happy baking, friend!

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