Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a beloved classic in the world of baked goods. These cookies are not only soft and chewy but also pack a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The sweet taste of brown sugar, the hearty oats, and the plump raisins come together to create a satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to bake Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from scratch! First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make and require ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. They are perfect for snack time, dessert, or to share with friends and family. Plus, the smell that fills your home while these cookies bake is simply irresistible!
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Making Oatmeal Raisin Cookies is a simple process. With just a few steps, you can have warm, delicious cookies ready to enjoy. Follow the directions carefully to achieve that perfect soft and chewy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raisins (Note 1)
- 1 1/2 cups flour (all-purpose/plain)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 250g / 8 oz (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature (Note 2)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup white sugar (granulated, superfine/caster also okay)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature (Note 3)
- 3 cups rolled oats (Note 4)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan). Adjust your oven racks to the middle and low position, ensuring a 4″/10cm space between each rack. Line 2 trays with parchment or baking paper.
Optional: To enhance the raisins, soak them in boiled water for 10 minutes. Drain and pat them dry; this makes them plumper.
Sift the dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
Cream the butter and sugar: Using a stand mixer or an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy. Then, beat in the sugars until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
Mix in the flour: Use a wooden spoon to gently stir in the flour mixture.
Stir in oats and raisins: Mix in the oats and raisins, which requires a bit of effort since the dough will get firm!
Roll and flatten balls: Form 4cm / 1.6″ balls (about 18) and place them on the baking trays, spaced 4″/10cm apart. An ice cream scoop works great here. Press down slightly to flatten them into a thick disc shape.
Bake for 11 minutes. Then swap the trays between the shelves and turn the trays around. Bake for an additional 11-14 minutes or until the cookies turn golden on the edges and light golden on the surface.
Cool on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring the cookies to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool for 30 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Serve your fresh Oatmeal Raisin Cookies warm, alongside a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage. They can be enjoyed as a delightful snack or dessert and are great to share with family and friends during gatherings or parties.
How to Store Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag, and they can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Tips to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Be sure to use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing.
- Don’t overbake; check them a minute or two before the time is up to avoid hard cookies.
- Consider adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch.
Variation
For a twist on the classic recipe, try substituting chocolate chips for raisins or adding shredded coconut to the dough. These variations add a new level of flavor that can make each batch unique!
FAQs
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats give the cookies a chewier consistency.
Q: Is it necessary to soak the raisins?
A: Soaking the raisins is optional, but it helps rehydrate them, making them plumper and juicier in the cookies.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before baking.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 1.5 cups raisins Note: Soaking them in boiled water for 10 minutes may enhance their plumpness.
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 250 g unsalted butter, at room temperature Note: This is approximately 2 sticks.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup white sugar, granulated Superfine or caster sugar is also acceptable.
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 cups rolled oats
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan). Adjust your oven racks to the middle and low position, ensuring a 4″/10cm space between each rack.
- Line 2 trays with parchment or baking paper.
- Optional: To enhance the raisins, soak them in boiled water for 10 minutes. Drain and pat them dry.
Mixing
- Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- In a stand mixer or electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy. Then, beat in the brown and white sugars until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Gently stir in the flour mixture using a wooden spoon.
- Gradually mix in the oats and raisins until fully combined.
Baking
- Form 4cm / 1.6″ balls (about 18) and place them on the baking trays, spaced 4″/10cm apart. Press down slightly to flatten them into thick discs.
- Bake for 11 minutes, then swap the trays between the shelves and turn the trays around.
- Bake for an additional 11-14 minutes until the cookies are golden on the edges and light golden on the surface.
- Cool on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring the cookies to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool for 30 minutes before serving.
