Looking for the perfect Ultimate Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies that stay tender for days? This tried-and-true recipe delivers bakery-quality cookies with the ideal balance of chewy texture, warm spices, and plump raisins in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Ultimate Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are everything you want in a homemade cookie. The combination of brown and granulated sugars creates the perfect chewy texture, while the generous amount of cinnamon adds warmth and depth. Unlike cookies that turn hard after a day, these stay incredibly soft thanks to the ideal ratio of ingredients. The old-fashioned oats provide a satisfying texture contrast, and the plump raisins add natural sweetness throughout. Whether you’re baking for your family or bringing treats to share, these cookies deliver consistent results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1 ½ – 2 cups Raisins
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Softened Butter (Sweet Cream, Unsalted)
- 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
- 2 cups Quaker Oats Old Fashioned Oatmeal
How to Make Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
Step 4: Bring It Together Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Add Oats and Raisins Fold in the old-fashioned oats and raisins using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape and Bake Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked.
Step 7: Cool Properly Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking while still achieving the perfect texture.
Helpful Tips
For Extra Soft Cookies: Slightly underbake your Ultimate Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. They’ll continue cooking on the hot pan after removal from the oven.
Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is properly softened (room temperature) but not melted. It should give slightly when pressed but still hold its shape.
Don’t Skip the Brown Sugar: The molasses in dark brown sugar contributes significantly to the chewy texture and rich flavor.
Raisin Preparation: For extra plump raisins, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the dough, then pat dry.
Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Approximately 36 cookies
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Notes
This recipe works best with old-fashioned oats rather than quick oats, as they provide better texture and don’t break down during baking. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If baking from chilled dough, add an extra minute to the baking time.
For variations, try substituting half the raisins with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts. The key to maintaining the soft, chewy texture is not overbaking and proper storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are my oatmeal raisin cookies hard instead of chewy? A: Overbaking is the most common cause. Remove cookies when edges are set but centers still look slightly underdone. Also ensure you’re using the correct ratio of brown to granulated sugar.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free? A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Q: How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much? A: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, and make sure your baking sheets aren’t too warm when you place the dough on them.
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned? A: While possible, old-fashioned oats provide better texture and appearance in these Ultimate Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Q: My cookies came out too sweet. How can I adjust this? A: Reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup, or increase the salt slightly to balance the sweetness.
Storage Instructions
Store your Ultimate Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain maximum softness, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them tender.
For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Cookie dough can also be portioned and frozen on baking sheets, then transferred to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
These Ultimate Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies prove that homemade treats are worth the effort. With their perfect texture, warm spices, and comforting flavor, they’re sure to become a household favorite. The recipe is foolproof enough for beginning bakers yet delivers the quality that experienced bakers appreciate. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies bring joy to any kitchen. Save this recipe, share it with friends, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something truly delicious from scratch.