The Best Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: A Beloved Family Recipe
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. For me, that magic has always been synonymous with my Mom’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. This treasured recipe has garnered rave reviews for decades, and for good reason. It consistently produces perfectly chewy cookies, rich with the wholesome texture of old-fashioned oats and the delightful sweetness of plump raisins. These cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a comforting embrace, a nostalgic journey back to childhood, and I have no doubt they will capture your heart, just as they have mine.
I can still vividly recall the joy of walking home from school. As I neared our front door, a single sniff was all it took for me to know what awaited inside: my Mom’s warm, chewy oatmeal raisin cookies, a special after-school reward. That grin would only widen, knowing that a few of those very same cookies would make their way into my lunchbox the following day, a sweet surprise to brighten my midday break. These simple moments, filled with the aroma and taste of homemade goodness, are etched into my memory forever.
My mom wasn’t a passionate baker in the traditional sense, but she mastered a handful of truly exceptional recipes that became staples in our home. These weren’t just “her favorites”; they became “our favorites,” eagerly anticipated throughout the year, especially during holiday seasons. I feel incredibly fortunate to have grown up with a stay-at-home mom. When asked as a child what I wanted to be, my answer was always unequivocal: “A Mom.” Years later, I found myself blessed to fulfill that dream, choosing to stay home with my own children. It was a privilege I cherished, allowing me to create those same heartwarming moments for them.
Being able to bake for my kids, surprising them with delicious treats after school, meticulously packing their lunches, and even slipping in a little note to let them know they were always in my thoughts – these were some of the greatest joys of my parenting journey. These small gestures, often centered around the comforting presence of a homemade cookie, built a foundation of love and security that I hope they carry with them always.
Classic Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: A Timeless Treat
While some people might cringe at the mention of raisins, I am definitely not one of them! I adore raisins and can happily snack on them straight from the box. However, their true potential shines brightest when baked into these delightfully chewy oatmeal raisin cookies. The sweet, slightly tangy bursts of flavor they provide perfectly complement the hearty texture of the oats, creating a harmonious bite that’s simply irresistible.
For all my fellow raisin enthusiasts out there, you know the magic these dried gems can bring to a baked good. If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate them into your baking, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes: Carrot Bundt Cake, Irish Soda Bread, Carrot Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze, and Raisin Spice Bars. Each of these recipes showcases the versatility and deliciousness that raisins add to a variety of sweet and savory dishes.
Why This is the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe
Every baker claims their oatmeal cookie recipe is “the best,” and today, I’m proudly joining that chorus! This isn’t just any recipe; it’s my Mom’s time-honored formula for truly exceptional chewy oatmeal raisin cookies. What sets it apart? It’s incredibly quick and easy to make, relying on simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have stocked in your pantry. These are more than just cookies; they are a go-to comfort food, a delightful pick-me-up on a challenging day, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. My own children adore these cookies just as much as my brother and I did when we were growing up, proving their timeless appeal across generations. The secret lies in their perfect balance of chewiness, subtle spice, and sweet, tender raisins, making them an unbeatable classic.
Essential Ingredients for Grandma Jane’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Crafting these perfect homemade oatmeal raisin cookies begins with selecting the right ingredients. The magic often lies in the quality and type of each component, contributing to the distinct flavor and chewy texture that makes this recipe so special. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need to bring Grandma Jane’s legacy to your kitchen. The precise measurements and step-by-step instructions for these delightful cookies can be found in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post.
- Shortening: Whether you opt for regular Crisco or butter-flavored Crisco, shortening plays a crucial role in achieving the cookies’ tender crumb and chewy consistency. It helps prevent them from spreading too much and ensures a soft interior.
- Butter: For the best results, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This allows it to cream properly with the shortening and sugars, creating an emulsified base that traps air, leading to a lighter texture in the final cookie.
- Brown Sugar: Packed firmly into the measuring cup, brown sugar contributes significantly to the cookies’ characteristic chewiness and rich, molasses-like flavor. Both light and dark brown sugar work wonderfully, so choose according to your preference for a milder or deeper caramel note.
- Sugar: White granulated sugar is used alongside brown sugar to provide the perfect balance of sweetness and help with the overall structure and browning of the cookies.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, adding structure, moisture, and richness to the cookie dough. They also help in leavening, giving the cookies a slight lift.
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract is highly recommended for its warm, aromatic depth that enhances all the other flavors in the cookie. A good quality vanilla can truly elevate the taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of most baked goods, all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure. Ensure it’s measured correctly to avoid dry or overly dense cookies.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and bring out the full flavor profile of the cookies. It also plays a role in the dough’s structure.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent reacts with the acidic brown sugar to create carbon dioxide bubbles, which gives the cookies their tender texture and helps them spread slightly during baking.
- Cinnamon: A touch of ground cinnamon adds a delightful warmth and aromatic spice that beautifully complements the earthy flavor of the oats and the sweetness of the raisins. It’s a classic pairing that provides an extra layer of comfort.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for the ideal texture. Choose old-fashioned rolled oats over instant or quick oats. The larger, thicker flakes of old-fashioned oats provide a substantial, satisfying chewiness that quick oats simply cannot replicate.
- Raisins: The star of the show! Both classic dark raisins and golden raisins will work perfectly. Look for plump, moist raisins that are fresh, as dry or hardened raisins can affect the cookie’s texture and flavor.
How to Make These Easy Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Baking these delightful oatmeal raisin cookies is a straightforward process, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps to recreate this cherished family recipe and fill your home with an irresistible aroma:
First, begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the moment your cookies enter.
In the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand-held electric mixer, combine the softened butter and shortening. Beat them together on medium speed until they are light, fluffy, and thoroughly combined. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ light texture. Next, gradually add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Continue to beat the mixture until it becomes even fluffier and pale in color, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
Now, it’s time to introduce the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and baking soda. Once thoroughly mixed, gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until they are incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Finally, gently fold in the star ingredients: the old-fashioned rolled oats and plump raisins. Use a spatula to mix until they are just evenly distributed throughout the dough. Overmixing at this stage can break down the oats and affect the final texture.
Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of the oatmeal raisin cookie dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. For easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, you can also line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake for approximately 9 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. The centers should still appear slightly soft. This is crucial: Do not overbake! Overbaking is the enemy of chewiness and will result in dry, hard cookies. Pull them out of the oven just as they start to set around the edges.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up slightly before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and ensures they retain their perfect chewy texture. Once cooled, you can finally fill up your cookie jar with these irresistible treats!
To maintain that coveted chewy texture and freshness, store any uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. These cookies, along with the raw cookie dough, also freeze exceptionally well. For freezing baked cookies, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying. For freezing dough, scoop portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Love this Recipe? Pin It!
Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away! If you’re eager to bake a batch of these classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, make sure you can easily find it later. Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you navigate away! Sharing is caring, and your friends on Pinterest might be looking for their next favorite cookie recipe too!
Expert Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions for Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Achieving consistently perfect from-scratch oatmeal raisin cookies every time requires a few key insights. Beyond the basic steps, understanding the nuances of ingredients and baking techniques can elevate your cookies from good to truly extraordinary. Here are some essential tips to guide you:
- **Embrace Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats:** This is perhaps the most critical tip for texture. Always use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant oats or quick oats. The larger, thicker flakes of rolled oats retain their shape and provide that desirable hearty, chewy texture that is characteristic of a great oatmeal cookie. Instant oats, on the other hand, are cut finer and precooked, leading to a softer, sometimes mushy, cookie.
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**Select Plump, Juicy Raisins:** The quality of your raisins makes a noticeable difference. Opt for raisins that are soft, plump, and moist. Raisins, despite their dried nature, do have a shelf life. If they’ve been sitting in your cupboard for an extended period, they can become hard and dry, which will result in tough, less flavorful bites in your cookies. If your raisins are a bit dry, you can rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water or rum for 10-15 minutes, then draining them thoroughly before adding to the dough.
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**Master the Art of Not Overbaking:** This is perhaps the golden rule for chewy cookies. Pull your cookies from the oven just before you think they are fully done. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should still look slightly soft and underbaked. Cookies continue to cook for a few minutes after being removed from the hot oven (this is called carryover cooking). If you wait until they look perfectly golden all over, they will likely be overbaked and lose their coveted chewiness as they cool.
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**Customization for Every Palate:** While this recipe celebrates the classic oatmeal raisin, not everyone in your household might be a raisin fanatic. If someone prefers Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, simply make a double batch of the dough. In one half, use the raisins as directed, and in the other half, substitute an equal amount of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) for the raisins. This way, everyone gets their favorite cookie, and you only have to make one batch of dough! You could also experiment with other mix-ins like dried cranberries, chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are great), or even a combination of these for added texture and flavor.
Explore More Homemade Cookie Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed baking Grandma Jane’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, you’re in for a treat with my other family-favorite cookie recipes. My mom’s repertoire included a few other undeniable classics that were equally loved, such as her amazing Peanut Butter Cookies and her perfect Sugar Cookies. I highly recommend giving those recipes a try! And if your cookie craving knows no bounds, here are some more irresistible homemade cookie recipes that are sure to delight:
- Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies
- Cranberry Apricot Oatmeal Cookies
- Brown Sugar Cookies
- Glazed Lemon Cookies
- Cornflake Cookies
- Cowboy Cookies
- Mom’s Yum Yum Cookies (pictured above, a truly unique and delicious treat!)
So, what do you say? Are you ready to create some delicious memories of your own? Baking a batch of these classic oatmeal raisin cookies is more than just making a dessert; it’s about sharing warmth, comfort, and a little piece of home. Your kids, no matter their age, are sure to be overjoyed to find these delightful treats waiting for them after school, or packed lovingly in their lunch boxes. Get baking, and start a new tradition!
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Print Recipe
Grandma Jane’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Equipment
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Hiware 2-Pack Cooling Racks for Baking
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Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
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Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop
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15 x 10 x 1-Inch Cookie/Jelly Roll Pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 cups Old Fashioned Oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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Cream together butter and shortening. Add in sugar, vanilla and eggs and beat until fluffy.
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Mix in flour, cinnamon and baking soda, mixing until incorporated.
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Fold in oatmeal and raisins.
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Scoop onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for about 9 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Don’t over bake, as the cookies will not be chewy.
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Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on August 30, 2016, in partnership with Bob’s Red Mill Oats. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on January 17, 2024.
