Irresistibly Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – Soft, Chewy, and Perfect for Home Baking

These Irresistibly Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are the ultimate comfort treat, combining chewy oats with plump, sweet raisins in every bite. Perfect for home bakers seeking a nostalgic dessert, these cookies are soft, tender, and packed with flavor, making them ideal for family gatherings, holiday treats, or a cozy snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Each cookie is perfectly balanced with warm apple pie spice, just enough sweetness from brown and granulated sugar, and a buttery richness that melts in your mouth. With a soft and chewy texture that contrasts lightly golden edges, these cookies deliver that classic oatmeal raisin experience everyone loves. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients like oats, butter, eggs, and raisins, this recipe yields 24 cookies, giving you plenty to share or enjoy over the week. Home bakers will appreciate how approachable and foolproof these cookies are while still feeling indulgent and homemade.

Introduction

Few cookies evoke nostalgia and warmth like a soft oatmeal raisin cookie. This recipe, Irresistibly Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, captures that timeless charm with chewy oats, plump raisins, and a buttery, subtly spiced dough. The cookies are tender yet slightly golden on the edges, delivering a satisfying texture in every bite.

Perfect for a quick weekday baking session, holiday cookie swaps, or a cozy weekend treat, these cookies combine simplicity with indulgence. Using everyday ingredients from your pantry, you can create a batch of 24 cookies that will delight kids and adults alike. Their chewy texture, warm flavors, and comforting aroma make them a must-have recipe for any home baker’s repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft & Chewy: Achieve the perfect texture that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Bake: Simple steps with common ingredients make it beginner-friendly.
• Nostalgic Flavor: Oats, raisins, and warm spices evoke classic memories.
• Perfect Portions: Makes 24 cookies, ideal for sharing or storing.
• Versatile: Great for snack time, dessert, or gifting.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Cookies can be stored or frozen for later enjoyment.

Ingredients Breakdown

Yield: 24 cookies

For the Dough

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour mix)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons apple pie spice (or ¾ teaspoon cinnamon + ¼ teaspoon nutmeg)
• 0.75 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 0.75 cups granulated sugar
• 0.75 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats (do not substitute with quick oats)
• 1 cup raisins (consider soaking in boiling water to soften)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Oven
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Wire rack for cooling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

2. In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons apple pie spice. Whisk to mix evenly.

Cream Butter & Sugars

3. In a separate large bowl, cream 0.75 cups unsalted butter, 0.75 cups granulated sugar, and 0.75 cups light brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Combine Wet Ingredients

4. Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until fully incorporated.

Combine Wet & Dry

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

Fold in Oats & Raisins

6. Gently fold in 2 cups old-fashioned oats and 1 cup raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Portion & Bake

7. Using a cookie scoop, portion dough onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12–14 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden.

Cool

9. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack.

Tips & Variations

• Soften Raisins: Soak raisins in boiling water for 5 minutes for extra plumpness.
• Spice Adjustments: Increase cinnamon or nutmeg to taste for a warmer spice profile.
• Add Mix-Ins: Chopped nuts or chocolate chips can be folded in for extra texture.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 6 months.
• Chewy Edges: Slightly underbake cookies for chewier centers.

Flavor Profile

These cookies deliver a soft, chewy texture with slightly crisp edges. The oats provide hearty bite, while the raisins add natural sweetness and chewiness. Apple pie spice brings warm, aromatic notes, making each bite nostalgic and comforting. Sweetness is balanced with buttery richness, creating a classic oatmeal raisin cookie flavor that satisfies cravings without being overpowering.

Nutritional Overview (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Potassium: 90 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Vitamin A: 300 IU
• Calcium: 20 mg
• Iron: 0.5 mg

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy and eggs; can be adapted to gluten-free with flour substitution.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked cookies for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven before serving.
• Batch Baking: Dough can be portioned and frozen for baking fresh cookies on demand.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
   No, quick oats will alter texture; old-fashioned oats provide the best chew.
2. Do I need to soak raisins?
   Optional, but soaking in hot water makes them plumper and juicier.
3. Can I reduce sugar?
   Yes, adjust granulated or brown sugar slightly, but texture may be slightly drier.
4. How do I keep cookies soft?
   Avoid overmixing the dough and slightly underbake for softer centers.
5. Can I make this vegan?
   Substitute butter with vegan margarine and use egg replacer; raisins and oats are already vegan-friendly.

Cooking Timeline

Step	Time
Prep Dough	10 min
Preheat Oven	5 min
Bake Cookies	12–14 min
Cool	5 min
Total	34 min
Yield	24 cookies

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
• Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
• Pack in a cookie tin for gifting or lunchboxes.

Recipe Variations

1. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Replace raisins with chocolate chips.
2. Nutty Oatmeal Raisin: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
3. Spiced Citrus: Add 1 tsp orange zest for a fresh twist.
4. Mini Cookies: Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats or portion control.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Old-Fashioned Oats: Provide structure and chewy texture; do not substitute with instant oats.
• Raisins: Add natural sweetness and plump texture; soaking enhances juiciness.
• Apple Pie Spice: Combines cinnamon and nutmeg to bring warmth and depth to each cookie.

Pro Baking Tips

• Use room-temperature butter and eggs for even mixing.
• Cream butter and sugars until fluffy for lighter cookies.
• Fold ingredients gently to avoid tough cookies.
• Allow cookies to cool slightly on sheets before transferring to wire racks to maintain shape.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Airtight Container: Keeps cookies fresh for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Wrap baked or unbaked cookies tightly; freeze up to 6 months.
• Reheating: Warm frozen cookies in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore softness.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbs	22 g
Fat	6 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	10 g

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy and eggs; can be adapted for gluten-free.

Expanded Conclusion

These Irresistibly Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a nostalgic treat with a soft, chewy texture and a comforting flavor that everyone loves. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they are perfect for families, gatherings, or cozy solo baking sessions. Save this recipe for your next baking day, share with friends, or keep a batch on hand for a sweet snack anytime. With buttery, spiced dough, hearty oats, and plump raisins, these cookies are a timeless favorite that never disappoints.

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