Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

If you are a fan of cookies that melt in your mouth with the perfect balance of softness and chewiness, this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is sure to become your new favorite. Each bite bursts with warm cinnamon, sweet raisins, and hearty rolled oats, making these cookies not only delicious but comforting and satisfying. Whether you bake them for a cozy afternoon treat or to share with friends and family, this recipe is incredibly rewarding and easy to master.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s fantastic about this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is how straightforward and wholesome the ingredients list is. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect texture and flavor combo—simple staples that come together beautifully.

• Raisins (1 1/2 cups): Soaking them briefly makes the raisins plumper and juicier, which adds bursts of natural sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure, keeping the cookies tender yet chewy.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft texture.
• Cinnamon powder (1 tsp): Gives that warm, cozy spice that’s classic in oatmeal raisin cookies.
• Unsalted butter (250g / 8 oz, room temperature): Contributes richness and moisture for the ultimate soft bite.
• Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep molasses flavor and chewy moisture.
• White sugar (1 cup): Brings sweetness and helps with a slight crispness around the edges.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind everything together and add tenderness.
• Rolled oats (3 cups): Give hearty chewiness and that unmistakable oatmeal texture.

How to Make Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Trays

Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (or 160°C fan). This is the ideal temperature to get the cookies baked just right. Position your oven racks so there’s enough room for two trays with at least 4 inches/10 centimeters between them, and line the trays with parchment to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Optional Raisin Soak

This little extra step can make a big difference. Soak your raisins in boiled water for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat them dry. This trick makes the raisins juicy and plump, giving your cookies those delicious pockets of sweetness.

Step 3: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. This not only combines them well but ensures there are no lumps and the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter until it’s creamy. Gradually add both the brown and white sugars, beating until the mixture is fluffy and pale—this process traps air to give your cookies a lighter texture.

Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the dough emulsify and stay smooth, which is key for soft, chewy cookies.

Step 6: Mix in the Flour Blend

Using a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula, gently fold in the sifted flour mixture. You want to combine it well but avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough.

Step 7: Add Oats and Raisins

Stir in the rolled oats and raisins thoroughly. The dough will thicken at this point, so be patient—it’s worth the effort for those perfect chewy bites filled with texture and sweetness.

Step 8: Shape Your Cookies

Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, portion out 4 cm (about 1.6 inch) balls of dough onto your prepared trays. Leave about 4 inches between each so they have room to spread. Press each ball down gently to form thick discs, which helps them bake evenly and maintain a soft center.

Step 9: Bake with Care

Bake the cookies for 11 minutes, then switch the trays between the oven racks and rotate them 180 degrees for even cooking. Bake for an additional 11 to 14 minutes until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain a light golden shade.

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

Let the cookies cool on the trays for 5 minutes—they’ll firm up slightly making them easier to transfer without breaking. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes, before serving.

How to Serve Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Though these cookies are delightful all on their own, you can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top right before baking for a sophisticated sweet-salty kick. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar also elevates their cozy spice profile.

Side Dishes

A classic pairing is a cold glass of milk, but you could also serve these alongside a warm cup of chai tea or coffee to complement the cinnamon and oats beautifully. For a more indulgent treat, a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a fantastic companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the cookie jar by creating sandwich cookies with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter filling. You can also crumble these cookies over yogurt parfaits or ice cream sundaes for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies keep wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps maintain their soft texture, so they stay irresistible.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe in advance, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and bake from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well and can be thawed overnight at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, pop the cookie in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This revives the softness and enhances their flavors.

FAQs

Can I substitute raisins with another dried fruit?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried cherries all work wonderfully and bring their unique sweetness and texture to the cookies.

What type of oats should I use?

Rolled oats are preferred for their texture, giving the cookies that classic oatmeal chew. Avoid instant oats as they might make the cookies too soft or mushy.

How do I make the cookies extra soft?

Using room temperature butter and eggs is key for softness, plus not overbaking them ensures a tender center. Also, packing your dough balls slightly helps keep that chewy texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensuring your oats are certified gluten-free, you can enjoy these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

Why do some cookies spread too much?

Cookies can spread too much if your butter is too soft or melted, or if the dough is too warm when baking. Chill dough briefly before baking, and use room temperature but not overly soft butter for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is a true winner when it comes to delivering homemade comfort food that everyone will adore. Once you bake a batch and experience the tender chewiness and warm flavors, you’ll be hooked. So, grab your apron and baking tools, and make these cookies a staple in your kitchen—you won’t regret it!

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