Name: Best Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (80g) raisins; ¾ cup + 1½ tablespoons (102g) all-purpose flour (measured properly); ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; ½ cup (100g) firmly packed light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons (30mL) unsulphured molasses (do not use black strap); 1½ cups (120g) old fashioned oats (do not use quick oats)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

“`html

If you’ve ever found yourself longing for a cookie that perfectly balances soft, chewy texture with rich, cozy flavors, then you are in for a treat with the Best Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the wholesome goodness of old-fashioned oats, the sweet chewiness of plump raisins, and warm hints of cinnamon and molasses, creating a comforting bite that feels like a hug in cookie form. Whether you’re a longtime oatmeal raisin fan or just curious to rediscover this classic cookie with a fresh twist, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for satisfying cravings with that ideal chewy texture we all adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large clear glass bowl sitting on a white marbled surface filled with thick, chunky cookie dough mixed with dark raisins and oats. Inside the bowl, there is a white mixer paddle coated with dough and a white spatula standing upright, also covered in dough. The dough looks rough in texture with visible oats and raisins scattered throughout, clinging to the utensils and sides of the bowl. The background is softly blurred, focusing on the mixture inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple yet essential, these ingredients come together to create the magic behind the Best Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe. Each plays a unique role, from adding moisture and depth to enhancing texture and that signature chewy bite.

½ cup (80g) raisins: Soaked beforehand to plump up and deliver bursts of juicy sweetness.
¾ cup + 1 and ½ Tablespoons (102g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookie tender when measured accurately.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Acts as the leavening agent for a light, airy crumb.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to complement the oats and raisins beautifully.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and perfectly balances the sweetness.
6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and helps achieve that coveted chewy texture.
½ cup (100g) firmly packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like depth.
2 Tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with slight crisp edges.
1 large egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients and adds to the softness of the cookie.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a sweet, fragrant note that lifts all the flavors.
2 Tablespoons (30mL) unsulphured molasses: Key to that signature chew and rich, complex sweetness; do not use black strap.
1 and ½ cups (120g) old fashioned oats: The heart of the cookie, providing chewy texture—you want old fashioned, not quick oats.

How to Make Best Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Raisins and Oven

Start by soaking the raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes. This simple step plumps them up so they stay juicy and soft inside the cookies, preventing any dryness. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep your cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed, which means every cookie will have a consistent lift and warm spice flavor that dances in every bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter with both light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes and is essential for that light texture and caramelized sweetness in the final cookie.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg on high speed until fully incorporated, then add vanilla extract and unsulphured molasses. Molasses adds that signature depth and chewiness, making it a must-have for this Best Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe. Keep mixing until the batter is smooth and uniform, scraping down the sides of your bowl if necessary so nothing gets left behind.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—you want the dough to come together without overworking it, which helps maintain tenderness instead of turning the cookies tough.

Step 6: Fold in Oats and Raisins

Still mixing on low, add the old-fashioned oats and soaked raisins. These ingredients should be evenly dispersed throughout the dough, so you get that perfect chew and sweet burst in every bite. The oats are the cookie’s star, giving it its beloved hearty texture.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop (I love a #50 scoop), drop TWO scoops of dough, one on top of the other, onto your prepared baking sheets for extra-thick, chewy cookies. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are just set but the center looks slightly underdone. This is exactly how you want them since the cookies will firm up as they cool, locking in that incredible chewiness.

How to Serve Best Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

A close-up image shows a stack of two oatmeal raisin cookies with a rough, textured surface made of oats and dark raisins. The cookies are golden brown with a slightly crispy edge and a soft, chunky center. A woman's hand is gently holding the top cookie between thumb and fingers from the right side. The cookies rest on a white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with uncooked oats and a blurred glass container partially visible. Tiny cookie crumbs and oats are scattered around the cookies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a bit of flair, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking—this contrast sharpens the sweetness and enhances the deep molasses flavor. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar also brings cozy warmth, perfect for autumnal vibes.

Side Dishes

These chewy oatmeal raisin cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot tea, or even a creamy latte. The comforting flavors in the cookie deepen the enjoyment of your favorite warm or cold beverages, making snack time feel like a little celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these cookies stacked and tied with twine as a thoughtful homemade gift. Alternatively, for a fun twist, slice them horizontally to make mini cookie sandwiches with vanilla or cinnamon-flavored cream cheese frosting—this turns a simple cookie into a delightful treat everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover cookies (and who doesn’t?), store them tightly covered at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep that chewy texture intact. Using an airtight container helps preserve their freshness without drying out the oats or raisins.

Freezing

This Best Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe freezes incredibly well. You can freeze baked cookies wrapped individually or in airtight containers for up to 2 months without losing their signature chew. Unbaked dough balls can also be frozen so you have fresh cookies ready to bake whenever the craving hits—just add a minute or two to the baking time if baking from frozen.

Reheating

To revive a cookie that’s lost a bit of its fresh-baked softness, pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds or warm it briefly in a low-temperature oven. This gentle heating restores the chewiness and releases the lovely aromas, making it feel like just-out-of-the-oven magic again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates make fantastic alternatives, each bringing their own unique sweetness and texture. Just be sure to soak them briefly if they are particularly dry.

Why is molasses important in this recipe?

Molasses provides a rich, deep sweetness with a slightly tangy edge that enhances the flavor complexity and chewy texture. It’s a key ingredient that sets these cookies apart from regular oatmeal cookies.

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

Old-fashioned oats are preferred for their sturdy texture, which holds up well during baking. Quick oats tend to make the cookies softer and can alter the chewiness you’re aiming for, so stick with old-fashioned for best results.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone and puffy. They may have some bubbles on top from the baking soda and molasses reaction. This underbaked state lets them set perfectly as they cool into chewy delights.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can try swapping the butter for a vegan butter alternative and using a flax egg instead of a chicken egg. Just keep in mind that the texture might differ slightly, but they’ll still be delicious with those classic chewy oats and raisin flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Best Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is truly a winner for anyone who cherishes the perfect balance of soft, chewy textures and deep, comforting flavors. From the first bite, you’ll notice why these cookies hold such a special place in so many hearts. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and bake a batch—you deserve the joy and warmth these cookies bring to every moment.

“`