The Perfect Chewy Treat: Try This Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

The Perfect Cookie for Any Occasion: Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal raisin cookies have been a beloved treat for generations. There's something about the chewy texture, the warmth of cinnamon, and the sweet surprise of raisins that make these cookies a favorite for many. They’re not just a snack—they’re a taste of comfort, a nostalgic bite into memories of family gatherings, cozy afternoons, or simple kitchen moments with loved ones. The best part? You can make these delightful treats in no time with this easy recipe!

This easy oatmeal raisin cookies recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. It uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and it creates a batch big enough to share—or keep all to yourself! These cookies are great for casual snacking, adding to lunchboxes, or even serving at parties or bake sales.

A Simple, Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

The heart of any good oatmeal raisin cookie is the balance of flavors. The natural sweetness of the raisins pairs wonderfully with the brown sugar and cinnamon, while the oats give the cookie a hearty texture that keeps you coming back for more. This recipe has the added benefit of being easy to tweak. Want some extra texture? Add a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to make the cookies your own. Looking for a tropical twist? Throw in some coconut for an extra burst of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Crisco (or other shortening)
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 cups uncooked oats (quick oats work best)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup raisins (or more if you like your cookies extra fruity!)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the Crisco (or shortening), brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, water, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until well combined.
4. Stir in the raisins, and if desired, toss in any extras like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut for a fun twist.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about two inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 11 minutes, then rotate your pans from front to back and top to bottom in the oven. Continue baking for another 4 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
7. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

This recipe makes about 60 cookies, so there's plenty to go around—perfect for sharing with friends, family, or keeping them stocked for the week.

Why These Cookies Stand Out

What makes these oatmeal raisin cookies stand out is their soft yet chewy texture. The combination of shortening, oats, and brown sugar creates a perfectly balanced cookie that stays soft in the center but has just the right amount of crisp around the edges. And while raisins are the traditional choice, the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily swap out the raisins for other mix-ins like dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts to suit your taste.

Whether you’re a fan of the classic oatmeal raisin or you like to mix things up with your own additions, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. Serve them with a cold glass of milk, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate sweet treat.

Here are some reliable sources for the Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies recipe:

1. Simply Recipes - Offers a comprehensive oatmeal raisin cookie recipe with tips on using either rolled or quick oats to achieve different textures. This guide also provides storage suggestions for the dough and finished cookies.
2. • Simply Recipes - Oatmeal Raisin Cookies​Simply Recipes
3. Two Sisters Crafting - Provides detailed instructions on making soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies, including advice on oven settings and storage tips.
4. • Two Sisters - Oatmeal Raisin Cookies​Two Sisters
5. King Arthur Baking - Features a classic oatmeal raisin cookie recipe with specific ingredient measurements and baking tips, like chilling the dough for better texture.
6. • King Arthur Baking - Oatmeal Raisin Cookies​King Arthur Baking
7. AllRecipes - Includes a popular oatmeal raisin cookie recipe with user reviews, as well as recommendations for adjusting sweetness levels and storing the cookies.
8. • AllRecipes - Oatmeal Raisin Cookies​Allrecipes
9. The Frosted Kitchen - Specializes in Crisco-based oatmeal raisin cookies, offering variations such as adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.
10. • The Frosted Kitchen - Crisco Oatmeal Raisin Cookies​The Frosted Kitchen

These sources provide detailed instructions and tips for baking the perfect batch of oatmeal raisin cookies, from ingredient substitutions to storage techniques.