Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.
Oatmeal raisin cookies are a timeless treat that many people love for their chewy texture and delicious flavor.
Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, oats, and raisins, these cookies are easy to bake and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that making these classic cookies is a fun and rewarding experience.
What’s great about oatmeal raisin cookies is their versatility. You can adjust the sweetness, add extra spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, or even throw in some nuts for a little extra crunch. The key ingredient, oats, not only gives the cookies their unique texture but also adds a hearty, wholesome touch that makes them stand out.
If you’re looking to whip up a batch of these cookies, you’re in the right place. This post will guide you through a tried-and-true recipe to ensure your cookies come out perfect every time. Get ready to enjoy a warm, homemade treat that will make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds dance with joy.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
To make delicious oatmeal raisin cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- Butter: 1 cup, softened. Substitute: Coconut oil or margarine.
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed. Substitute: Coconut sugar.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup. Substitute: Cane sugar or maple syrup.
- Eggs: 2 large. Substitute: Flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons water).
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
- Molasses: 1 tablespoon. Optional, but adds richness.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 and 1/2 cups. Substitute: Whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 and 1/2 teaspoons.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: 3 cups. Substitute: Quick oats (for a different texture).
- Raisins: 1 cup. Substitute: Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots.
Additional Ingredients
- Nuts: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans. Optional, but adds crunch.
- Chocolate Chips: 1/2 cup. Optional, for a sweeter taste.
Mixing Instructions
Creaming Butter and Sugars: Use a hand or stand mixer to cream butter and sugars until smooth, about 2 minutes on medium speed.
Adding Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, vanilla, and molasses. Mix on high for about 1 minute until incorporated.
Combining Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
Incorporating Oats and Raisins: Stir in oats and raisins (and any optional ingredients) until combined.
These ingredients and tips will ensure your oatmeal raisin cookies are soft and chewy. Enjoy!
Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup raisins
Steps
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and molasses. Mix until well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in the oats and raisins until well combined.
Form Cookies: Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Tips
Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy; this helps the cookies become chewy.
Tricks
Soak the Raisins: Soak raisins in hot water for 10-15 minutes to make them plump and juicy.
Add Nuts: Toasting nuts like walnuts for 3-5 minutes can add an extra crunch and flavor.
Cookie Scoop: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
Storing
Refrigerate Dough: After mixing, refrigerate dough within 30 minutes to preserve freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
Freeze for Later: You can freeze the dough. Scoop it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag.
Airtight Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them chewy and fresh.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
There are many ways you can change up your oatmeal raisin cookie recipe to suit your taste.
Add-Ins:
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in some milk or dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Dried Fruit: Substitute or add dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity boost.
Flavor Enhancements:
- Spices: Include a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice with the cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Zest: Add a bit of orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Healthier Alternatives:
- Sweeteners: Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
- Flour: Swap out some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat or almond flour.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ways to enjoy your oatmeal raisin cookies:
With Ice Cream:
Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a delicious treat.
As a Snack:
Pair your cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea.
Gifting:
Wrap a batch in a nice box or bag for a homemade gift.
With these variations and serving ideas, you can make every batch of cookies a little different and special!
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.
