There is a quiet magic in the kitchen when the scent of cinnamon and warm molasses fills the air. It reminds me of rainy afternoons at the farmhouse, where the simplest ingredients from the pantry transformed into something comforting and grounding. These oatmeal raisin cookies celebrate that natural abundance, turning humble oats and sweet raisins into a treasure.
Soft, chewy, and undeniably wholesome, this recipe balances the deep flavor of molasses with the rustic texture of old-fashioned oats. We load them with plump, soaked raisins for a burst of natural sweetness in every bite. It is a timeless classic that feels fresh, vibrant, and full of heart.
A Wholesome Treat for the Soul
You will love how these cookies prioritize natural texture and deep flavor over sugary sweetness. The combination of brown sugar and a hint of molasses creates a soft, chewy center that stays moist for days.
We use whole rolled oats for a hearty bite that feels truly nourishing. It is the perfect balance of wholesome loaded ingredients and indulgent comfort, making it a keeper for any season.
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Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 34 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Experience the cozy charm of these soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies, featuring a deep molasses flavor and a hint of warm cinnamon. Packed with heart-healthy oats and juicy, soaked raisins, they offer a rustic sweetness that feels like a comforting embrace in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon dark molasses
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups raisins, soaked in warm water and blotted dry
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on high, then stir in the vanilla and molasses until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the rolled oats, soaked and blotted raisins, and optional walnuts using a spatula.
- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes to prevent the cookies from spreading too thin.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes until the edges are lightly browned but the centers still appear soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
To ensure the softest cookies, avoid over-baking even if the centers look slightly pale, as they will firm up while cooling on the sheet. If you prefer a more complex flavor profile, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg alongside the cinnamon. Always ensure your raisins are thoroughly blotted after soaking so they don’t introduce unwanted moisture into the cookie dough.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 14 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Natural Ingredients for Rustic Flavor
Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature to cream perfectly with the sugars, creating a rich base.
Sugars: A mix of light or dark brown sugar for moisture and granulated sugar for crisp edges. The brown sugar adds that essential caramel note.
Molasses: The secret to that earthy, old-fashioned depth. Use unsulphured or dark, but avoid blackstrap as it is too bitter.
Old-Fashioned Whole Rolled Oats: These provide the natural beauty and chewy texture we love. Quick oats just won’t give the same rustic feel.
Raisins: Soaked in warm water to ensure they are plump and juicy, bursting with natural fruit flavor in the oven.
Spices: A generous amount of cinnamon brings warmth, while vanilla extract rounds out the sweetness.
The Natural Baking Process
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed. Beat for about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on high, then stir in the vanilla and molasses until combined.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed for a consistent flavor in every cookie. Add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
Step 3: Add the Texture
Fold in the oats, soaked raisins (blotted dry), and walnuts if you are using them. The dough will be thick and sticky, full of natural abundance. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too thin.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–14 minutes until the sides are lightly browned but the centers still look soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before moving to a wire rack.
Christine’s Secrets for Freshness
Soak Your Raisins: This is my favorite trick for natural abundance. Soaking raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them ensures they stay plump and don’t dry out the dough. Just be sure to blot them very well.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough allows the oats to absorb the moisture, leading to a thicker, chewier cookie. For more easy baking hacks to save time, check our Quick Cookie Solutions category.
Measure Correctly: Spoon and level your flour to keep these cookies soft, not heavy. Too much flour masks the beautiful oat texture.
Comparison: If you enjoy comparing techniques, Sally’s Baking Addiction also emphasizes how room temperature ingredients are vital for that perfect soft chew.
Seasonal Swaps and Natural Twists
Berry Burst: Swap the raisins for dried cranberries or cherries for a pop of tart natural color. This is wonderful during the holiday season.
Nutty Crunch: Add toasted walnuts or pecans for an earthy crunch that complements the oats perfectly. Toasting the nuts first brings out their natural oils.
Chocolate Lover: For a decadent twist, replace half the raisins with dark chocolate chips. If you love creative and beautiful bakes, explore our Showstopper Cookie Designs for more inspiration.
Simple Ways to Enjoy
Serve these warm with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee to bring out the cinnamon notes. They are perfect for packing into a picnic basket for a touch of outdoor sweetness.
For a summer treat, sandwich a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream between two cookies. You can find more wholesome dessert ideas in our Clean Cookie Living section.
Baking with Natural Abundance
These oatmeal raisin cookies prove that wild, simple ingredients can be beautiful and delicious. Whether you share them with family or enjoy a quiet moment with a cookie and tea, they bring a sense of home and comfort.
Add this recipe to your Ultimate Cookie Favorites and enjoy the wholesome goodness. We would love to see your rustic creations—share them with us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!
