The Best Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Looking for the ultimate oatmeal cookie that’s soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate and raisins? This recipe brings together the best of both worlds, creating cookies that will impress even the pickiest of dessert lovers.
Whether you’re hosting friends, prepping treats for school, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this guide will walk you through every step to bake the perfect oatmeal raisin chocolate chip cookies.
The Best of Both Worlds
Everyone loves a great cookie, but the battle between chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin lovers is real. Why choose one when you can have both? This recipe combines the nutty sweetness of oatmeal, the chewy goodness of raisins, and the richness of chocolate chips, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Baking these cookies isn’t just a rewarding experience in the kitchen; it’s also an opportunity to bring together cookie lovers of all kinds. Let’s explore the recipe essentials and how you can perfect them.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These oatmeal raisin chocolate chip cookies go beyond the basics. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:
- Soft and Chewy Texture: A perfect combination of oats, raisins, and chocolate ensures every bite is moist and chewy.
- Easy to Make: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for dessert, lunchboxes, or pairing with your favorite coffee or tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before starting, gather these simple ingredients (you likely have most of them in your pantry!):
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- The Mix-Ins:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Preparing ahead will save you time and ensure smooth baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- Using an electric mixer (or a sturdy whisk), cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a separate large bowl. Mix until the texture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2–3 minutes. This step ensures the cookies stay soft and rich.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. These will provide structure and enhance the flavor of your cookies.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on a low speed. Avoid overmixing; stop as soon as the dough begins to come together.
Step 6: Fold in the Oats, Raisins, and Chocolate Chips
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the oats, raisins, and chocolate chips to finish your cookie dough. This creates pockets of chewy raisins and melty chocolate in every bite.
Step 7: Scoop, Bake, and Cool
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. (Tip: The centers may look slightly underdone, but they’ll firm up while cooling.)
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room-temperature eggs ensure smoother mixing and better texture.
- Choose the Right Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for chewy cookies. Avoid using instant oats, which can make the cookies dense.
- Avoid Overbaking: Take the cookies out of the oven as soon as the edges are golden to keep them soft and chewy.
Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are a few customization ideas for your oatmeal raisin chocolate chip cookies:
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cardamom for a warming flavor.
- Sweet and Tart: Swap raisins for dried cranberries or add a mix of both.
Storing Your Cookies
Your delicious cookies will keep perfectly at room temperature for up to a week if stored in an airtight container. To enjoy them fresh for longer, freeze them! Place cookies in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to three months. When ready to savor, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature for 15 minutes or warm them slightly in the microwave.
Share the Love of Baking
There’s something magical about baking cookies, especially when they’re a mix of the best flavors like oatmeal, raisin, and chocolate. Try these out and share them with family and friends for instant smiles!
Feeling inspired but too short on time to bake today? Bookmark this recipe and come back to it whenever you’re ready to indulge in some homemade bakery-style perfection.