Go Back
Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Best Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe for Ultimate Comfort

Enjoy the warm, chewy goodness of classic oatmeal raisin cookies – a nostalgic treat made with simple ingredients that everyone loves.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 3 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats The heart of classic oatmeal raisin cookies, providing that perfect chewy texture.
  • 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour Balances moisture and structure for cookies that hold their shape yet stay tender.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adds warm spice that complements the sweetness of raisins beautifully.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda Helps the cookies rise just right and develop a light crumb.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt Enhances all the flavors, preventing the sweetness from becoming flat.
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Softens dough and adds richness; room temperature is best for easy mixing.
  • 0.75 cup Brown Sugar Gives depth with its molasses notes and keeps cookies moist and chewy.
  • 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar Adds brightness; balances out the richer brown sugar without heaviness.
  • 2 large Eggs Bind ingredients while lending a soft texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Brings warmth and aroma that elevate the cookie’s classic flavor.
  • 1 cup Raisins Sweet and plump, the star of the show, adding bursts of fruity goodness throughout.
For Optional Variations
  • 1 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans For a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the softness.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg A pinch enhances the warm spice profile without overpowering.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Spatula
  • Whisk
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • Refrigerator

Method
 

For the Cookie Dough
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup room-temperature unsalted butter with ¾ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  3. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and aromatic.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt until perfectly blended.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring with a spatula until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep cookies soft.
  6. Gently stir in 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats and 1 cup plump raisins until every spoonful promises that signature chewy texture.
  7. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  8. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop dough balls about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets for even heat circulation.
  9. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. Look for golden-brown edges and centers that are set but still soft.
  10. Let cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

Optional: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over warm cookies for a delightful sweet-savory contrast.