Thick, golden oatmeal cookies packed with warm cinnamon, sweet raisins, and a chewy center—just the right balance of crisp edges and soft, nostalgic comfort. These cookies are a beloved classic, ideal for lunchbox treats, after-school snacks, or cozy weekend baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly chewy centers with just the right amount of crispness
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
Sweet, spiced flavor enhanced by brown sugar and cinnamon
Optional walnuts add a delicious crunch
Easy to make in large batches for sharing or storing
A timeless treat that evokes homemade warmth and comfort

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup raisins
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated.
Fold in the rolled oats, raisins, and walnuts if using.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each scoop about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers look slightly underbaked.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: 20 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Calories: 210 kcal per cookie

Variations

Nut-Free: Simply omit the walnuts.
Chocolate Twist: Replace raisins with chocolate chips for a different sweet profile.
Extra Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves for deeper warmth.
Dried Fruit Blend: Mix raisins with dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.

Storage/reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing Dough: Freeze cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven texture.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

Old-fashioned oats give a chewier texture, but quick oats can work in a pinch—they will produce a slightly softer cookie.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Don’t overbake. Pull them from the oven when the centers still look slightly underdone.

Can I chill the dough before baking?

Yes. Chilling for 30–60 minutes can enhance flavor and reduce spread.

Are these cookies very sweet?

They are moderately sweet, with brown sugar providing rich, caramel notes balanced by the oats and raisins.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter substitutes and ensure any mix-ins are dairy-free.

What kind of raisins work best?

Standard seedless raisins are perfect, but golden raisins or a mix of both add variety.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce each sugar type slightly, though texture may be affected. Avoid reducing by more than 25%.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

Ensure your butter isn’t too soft and that the dough isn’t overmixed. Chilling helps prevent overspreading.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use multiple baking sheets or bake in batches.

Can I use a stand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment works well, especially for creaming the butter and sugar.

Conclusion

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a timeless treat that bring cozy warmth and comfort to every bite. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies are perfect for both everyday indulgence and special gatherings. Keep a batch on hand for easy snacking or bake them fresh to share the irresistible scent of homemade goodness.

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

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Thick, golden oatmeal cookies packed with warm cinnamon, sweet raisins, and a chewy center—just the right balance of crisp edges and soft, nostalgic comfort.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 20 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in oats, raisins, and walnuts if using.
Scoop dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers look slightly underdone.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
For plumper raisins, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain before adding.
Swap raisins for chocolate chips or dried cranberries for variety.
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 210
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 95mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg