These soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies are definitely a keeper recipe! Crisp on the outside and perfectly soft and chewy inside with lots of tender raisins and oats.
Allow me to introduce you to the oatmeal raisin cookie of your dreams. Yep, even if you’ve never dreamed about oatmeal raisin cookies you’re about to after one taste of these.
While this classic cookie usually gets a bad rep (which I’ve literally never understood) I promise you will have a different outlook after trying these.
From the crispy edges to the soft and chewy centers to all those sweet raisins and just a hint of vanilla + spice flavors, these cookies really do just tick every single box.
Hands-down, my favorite part about these cookies is that the dough doesn’t require any chilling! It will only take a few minutes to mix up the dough and real talk, you’re about to be in the cookie business in under 30 minutes.
If I may be so bold: this is the only oatmeal raisin cookie recipe you’ll ever need and that’s just a fact.
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies feature…
- A picture-perfect soft and chewy texture
- Tender oats and raisins
- A quick dough that comes together in minutes
Making the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)
Ingredients You Will Need
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
- Raisins
Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Cream butter and sugar together – make sure your butter is softened to room-temperature and cream well with the sugar several minutes until completely smooth.
- Use room temperature egg – just like the butter, allow the egg to come to room temperature or submerge in hot water for about 2 minutes to quickly warm it. A room temperature egg will incorporate much easier into the dough.
- Measure flour correctly – I use the spoon-and-level technique for measuring flour as this will prevent over-measuring your flour. Use a spoon to scoop flour into the measuring cup, then level with the back of a knife.
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats – we found that rolled oats give a much better cookie texture than quick-cooking.
- Use stand mixer or mix dough by hand – this recipe is both mixer-friendly and old-fashioned-bowl-and-spoon friendly.
- Flatten cookie balls before baking – use the palm of your hand to gently flatten cookies before baking so they spread evenly while baking.
Recipe Variations
Try these ideas for a different twist on these cookies.
- Use another dried fruit – try golden raisins or dried cranberries in place of the raisins.
- Add nuts – fold 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the dough.
- Make it chocolatey – add 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or white chocolate chips.
- Top cookies with a glaze – allow cookies to cool completely then top with a powdered sugar glaze.
Storing and Freezing Cookies
Allow cookies to cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days. They’re delicious at room temperature, but also incredible reheated in the microwave 10-15 seconds on high.
To freeze cookies, allow to cool completely, then wrap well and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw cookies completely at room temperature and store up to 4 days.
Do yourself a favor and enjoy one of these bad boys straight off the sheet pan while they’re still warm! And by one of course I mean 4.
Oatmeal raisin cookies can and will be a top-tier cookie!
Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on with #wholeandheavenlyoven.
Try these other oatmeal cookie favorites next!
Chewiest Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1-1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Place butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a large stand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment OR in a large mixing bowl with a wooden spoon. Mix on medium speed or by hand until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add maple syrup, egg, and vanilla to bowl and mix until smooth.
- Combine oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a separate medium bowl. Add to butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Fold in raisins.
- Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop dough out into 1-in balls. Place balls 1-2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets and gently flatten balls slightly.
- Bake cookies at 350F 10-12 minutes until cookies are a light golden brown. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on baking sheet 10 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was updated with new recipe adjustments and photos on 9/24/25.
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen says
I love a good chewy oatmeal cookie. Though I’m not going to lie……I prefer mine with chocolate. 😉 But because YOU made these, I will give it a go with the raisins…..just this once…. 🙂
Sarah says
Don’t worry—we can still be friends even though you like chocolate better! LOL. I’ve tested these cookies with chocolate before, and it’s still amazing! 🙂
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
This cookie sounds to die for. It’s chewy, full of flavor, and contains raisins. What more could anyone want. Pinned!
Sarah says
Right?! It’s everything you could ask for in a cookie. 😉 Thanks for the pin Jen!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
These cookies look wonderful Sarah and 1 whole tbsp of vanilla (awesomeeee!!!). Oatmeal raisin cookies are one of the most comforting cookies ever and I love how simple the ingredient list is! Pinned onto my cookies board!
Sarah says
The extra vanilla does SOOO much for flavor in these cookies, you won’t believe it. 😉 Thanks for pinning, Ceara!
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
Chewy oatmeal cookies are the best! These are perfect for fall with some nice hot cider!
Sarah says
Ooh yum! I’ve gotta try these cookies with hot apple cider next time. 🙂
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
I love oatmeal raisin cookies! These look absolutely divine!!!
Sarah says
Thanks Liz!
Cheryl says
Uh, YES! Oatmeal raising cookies *always*. I’ll reach for those over pretty much any other cookie. We’re so old 😀 These look awesome!
Sarah says
Hahaha YES. This is why we’re friends, Cheryl! Oatmeal raisin cookies FOREVER. 😀
Manali @ CookWithManali says
I love how thick and chewy these cookies look! Pinned!
Sarah says
Thick and chewy cookies = An absolute must. 😉 Thanks for pinning, Manali!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
These look like the most delicious and chewiest cookies, Sarah! I never used to like oatmeal cookies, but now I love them. Love the plump raisins in here, too!
Sarah says
Thanks Gayle! If you love oatmeal cookies, then you’re in for a real treat with these! 😉
Karen - 2Teaspoons says
I totally agree raisins all the way! There is a time and place for chocolate chips in cookies but raisins are so much better for nutty oatmeal cookies 🙂 Also, these totally look just like the ones my mom makes, which are definitely made with taste enhancing lurve too 🙂
Sarah says
YES. That is SO true, Karen! Raisins in my cookies ALL the way. 😉
Danielle says
I love oatmeal cookies with raisins or chocolate! I’m not picky when it comes to either. Josh is a major oatmeal raisin cookie fan too, he’d love these. Pinning!
Sarah says
I’m perfectly happy with either too, Danielle! You should definitely make your hubby some of these cookies—he’ll love ’em! 😉 Thanks for the pin, girl!
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
I am down with the vanilla extract! These look amazing! I always forget about oatmeal raisin cookies but I love them so much! Pinned for the near future!!! Yuuum
Sarah says
Haha! Thanks so much Lindsey! Vanilla flavor aaaall the way in these cookies fo’ sure! 😉
Ashley says
I love me a good oatmeal raisin cookie!! And it must must must be chewy! These look absolutely fantastic! I don’t know if I could pick between oatmeal raisin and oatmeal chocolate – I kinda love them both!
Sarah says
Totally YES to chewy cookies. It’s a must. 😉 And I love both kinds too, Ashley! So hard to choose a favorite. 😀
Ella says
I have to say my mouth is watering just looking at those pictures!!!! Oatmeal raisin is my absolute favorite can’t wait to try these! Pinned!
Sarah says
Thank you for pinning, Ella! If you love oatmeal raisin cookies, you will most definitely enjoy these. 🙂
Kelly says
Chewy oatmeal cookies are totally my absolute faaaavoooorite cookie too – no lies! I am totally with you on the piling on the vanilla and cinnamon – these sound perfect and I want that whole batch please 🙂
Sarah says
Yay! Glad I’m not the only one with a ‘thang for oatmeal cookies! The chewier the better! 🙂
MEAl5 says
These look awesome! Pinned!