If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the natural sweetness of raisins, you’ve come to the right place. The soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookie has been a beloved classic for generations. These cookies bring comforting nostalgia and can fill your home with a captivating aroma while they bake. Perfect for cookie lovers of all ages, they offer a chewy texture, a hint of spice, and a delicious contrast from the plump raisins.
Why We Love This Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
This oatmeal raisin cookie recipe stands out not just for its flavor but for its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complex techniques to whip up a batch of these treats. Each bite is filled with wholesome oats and juicy raisins, making them feel like a warm hug on a plate. The balance of brown sugar and butter adds to the cookie’s rich flavor, while the soft center accompanied by a slightly crispy edge creates the perfect texture. Enjoying fresh-baked oatmeal raisin cookies feels almost like home, reminding you of cozy gatherings and afternoon snacks shared with loved ones.
Ingredients about Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Here’s a straightforward list of what you’ll need to create these tasty cookies:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 large egg
How to Make Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Directions
Making soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies is quite simple! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
Next, take a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to combine them until you achieve a smooth consistency. This should only take a few moments, so don’t overdo it. Once you’ve created the smooth mixture, it’s time to add the large egg and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture together until everything is well combined, which should take about a minute.
Now, move on to another bowl where you’ll mix the dry ingredients. Combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mix them until everything is evenly distributed. It’s important to mix your dry ingredients separately to ensure the baking soda is well incorporated.
Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until all is combined. You don’t need to over-mix; a few lumps are fine. The final step is to fold in the raisins. This ensures every cookie has a delightful burst of sweetness.
To shape your cookies, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each dollop of dough. As the cookies bake, they’ll spread out, and you don’t want them to merge. Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until you see that the edges are starting to turn a lovely golden brown.
Once they’re baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now, look forward to enjoying your delicious, homemade soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies!
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
When it comes to serving your fresh cookies, you have several delightful options. A simple presentation can make all the difference. Place your cookies on a charming plate or in a rustic basket lined with a cloth. This adds a cozy feel, perfect for a tea or coffee gathering.
Pair your soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies with a glass of milk for a classic combination that never goes out of style. The creaminess of the milk complements the chewiness of the cookies beautifully. If you are feeling adventurous, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warm cookie coupled with cold ice cream creates an indulgent dessert that will impress your guests.
You may also consider packaging them as gifts. Wrap your cookies in a clear plastic bag and tie it with a ribbon, making it a thoughtful present for friends or family. They are perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or as a sweet surprise after dinner.
Expert Tips: Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
To ensure you achieve the best results, keep these expert tips in mind. First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter will help create a texture that is chewy rather than crumby. If you forget to take your butter out ahead of time, you can cut it into small pieces to speed up the softening process.
Using old-fashioned rolled oats adds a heartiness to the cookies that instant oats just can’t match. They also provide that lovely chewiness your cookies are known for. You can also adjust the amount of cinnamon to suit your taste if you really love that warm flavor.
When folding in the raisins, consider soaking them in warm water or even your favorite juice for about 10 minutes. This helps plump them up and gives you even more juicy bites with each cookie.
Lastly, keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Every oven behaves differently, and depending on how chewy or crispy you like your cookies, you may want to adjust the baking time slightly.
How to Store Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Storing your soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies properly will keep them fresh for a longer time. Once the cookies are completely cool, you can place them in an airtight container. This is essential; it prevents them from drying out or becoming stale.
For short-term storage, your cookies can last for about 5-7 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them for a more extended period, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and they can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in a microwave for just a few seconds. You’ll have that fresh cookie taste all over again!
Variation of Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
There are plenty of ways to switch up your soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookie recipe, letting you personalize the flavors to your liking! Consider adding some chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor. They introduce a delightful texture that many people enjoy.
For a fun twist, you can throw in some chocolate chips along with your raisins. This addition combines the rich taste of chocolate with the wholesome flavors of oats and raisins, making for a delightful treat.
If you prefer a different fruit, swap out the raisins for dried cranberries, cherries, or even chopped apricots. Each fruit brings its unique flavor and texture, ensuring that your cookies remain interesting with every batch.
You could also try adding a little coconut for an exotic flair. Just be cautious with the amounts; a half-cup of shredded coconut can elevate your cookies while maintaining their soft and chewy nature.
FAQ
What makes oatmeal raisin cookies chewy?
The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a chewy texture in oatmeal raisin cookies. The moisture from the butter and eggs keeps the cookies soft, while the oats provide that classic chewiness.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can use quick oats, they will lead to a different texture in your cookies. For the best results, stick with rolled oats for that perfect chewiness.
How can I make my cookies more flavorful?
Experiment with different spices! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can complement the cinnamon and elevate your cookie’s flavor profile.
Can I freeze oatmeal raisin cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze it until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. You can bake them directly from the freezer, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
The edges of the cookies should be golden brown, while the center may look a little soft. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet, providing you with that perfect soft and chewy texture.
Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 1 cup brown sugar Packed
- 1 cup rolled oats Old-fashioned rolled oats recommended
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened Not melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Adjust based on taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raisins Consider soaking in warm water for extra juiciness
- 1 large egg
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the large egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until combined. Fold in the raisins last.
Baking
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!