A Taste of Home: Bakery Style Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Is there anything better than a recipe for chewy, bakery style oatmeal raisin cookies fresh out of the oven? I don’t think so! These cookies are everything you love about the classic – soft, sweet, packed with oats and juicy raisins – but with that perfect chewy texture that makes them totally irresistible.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Get ready to wow your taste buds (and maybe even convert a raisin skeptic or two)!
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The Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!
If you’ve ever sunk your teeth into a perfectly chewy oatmeal raisin cookie from a bakery, you know the magic of that first bite.
The slight crunch of the oats…
the juicy raisins…
and the soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture all come together for the perfect treat.
Now, imagine recreating that experience right in your own kitchen! With this easy recipe, you can whip up bakery-style chewy oatmeal raisin cookies that are sure to impress.
These cookies are packed with not only the classic raisin goodness but also craisins for a fun twist. And if you’re like me and love adding a bit of crunch, feel free to toss in some nuts for extra texture.
Trust me—these cookies are going to be a hit with family and friends! Even those chocolate chip cookie lovers!
Why You’ll Love These Amazing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
There’s something about oatmeal raisin cookies that feels nostalgic.
Maybe it’s the combination of warm spices, hearty oats, and sweet raisins that remind us of home.
But what makes these cookies stand out? Here’s why they’re a must-bake:
- Chewy Perfection: These cookies strike the ideal balance between soft and chewy. They’re thick with just the right amount of bite, and they stay chewy for days!
- Oats & Fruit: Old-fashioned oats give the cookies a satisfying texture, while raisins and craisins provide bursts of sweetness in every bite.
- Customizable: Nuts are optional, so you can adapt the recipe based on your taste. Add pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of flavor!
- Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy ingredients—everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
Key Ingredients for Bakery-Style Perfection
To achieve that bakery-style texture, a few key ingredients make all the difference. Here’s what makes these chewy oatmeal raisin cookies so delicious.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: These are essential for giving the cookies their signature texture. Quick oats can make cookies softer, but old-fashioned oats hold up better, providing that perfect chew.
- Raisins & Craisins: The combination of raisins and craisins adds both sweetness and a slight tangy flavor. You can also use golden raisins if you like. You can even soak the raisins beforehand to keep them plump during baking.
- Butter: A generous amount of butter ensures the cookies stay moist and chewy. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps to keep the cookies soft.
- Cinnamon & Vanilla: These two add that extra depth of flavor, giving the cookies a cozy warmth you can’t resist.
Pro-Tip: Soak the fruit in water for a few minutes before you start. This way you have plump raisins and cranberries for amazing cookies!
Tips for Making the Best Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Now that we know what goes into these amazing cookies, let’s talk about how to make sure they turn out perfectly every time. These tips will help you achieve the best bakery-style results:
- Chill the Dough: This step is key to achieving thick, chewy cookies. By chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes, you allow the butter to firm up, which helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy!
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies that bake evenly, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This will ensure all your cookies come out the same size, with perfect consistency.
- Watch the Baking Time: To keep the cookies soft, take them out of the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Add Extra Raisins: If you’re a fan of fruit-filled cookies, feel free to add a handful of extra raisins or craisins to the dough for a burst of flavor in every bite!
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Here’s how to make these delicious bakery-style chewy oatmeal raisin cookies. Start with this ingredient list.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup craisins
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
To get started, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices in a bowl.
Next, in a separate bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using the paddle attachment.
Start on low speed and then switch to medium speed to combine until light and fluffy.
Then add the egg and mix in the vanilla extract. You can do all of this by hand or with a hand mixer.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl and incorporate thoroughly.
Then stir in the oats, raisins, craisins, and nuts (if using), mixing until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
I always scrape the sides of the bowl to make sure all the dry ingredients get mixed in.
This next step is important…chill the dough!
Stick the cookie dough into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape in the oven. While the cookie dough is in the fridge, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Also, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Once chilled, take an ice cream scoop and place scoops of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. I like to space mine about 2 inches apart.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft. Don’t overbake! They will continue to set as they cool.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy! This chewy cookie will have crispy edges and a soft middle that is full of flavor! And the cranberry secret ingredient? Game changer!
Bakery Style Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Equipment
- 1 medium bowl
- measuring spoons
- 1 stand mixer or hand mixer with paddle attachment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- 1 Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats (Quaker)
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup dried unsweetened cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Continue to mix and add the egg and vanilla. This step can be done by hand but it is a lot quicker with a mixer!
- Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, incorporating it bit by bit. Scrape the sides of the bowl to make sure all of the flour is mixed in.
- Add the oats, raisins, dried cranberries, (and optional nuts) and mix until full incorporated.
- Refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes.
- Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the dough onto the parchment lined baking sheet. Position the dough 2-3 inches apart and flatten each cookie with your hand.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until set around the cookie edge with the middle slightly wobbly. The middle will continue to set once out of the oven.
- Cool on a baking rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Old-fashioned oats provide a heartier texture, which is ideal for chewy cookies. Quick oats will give a softer, less chewy result.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works 1:1. Just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I use other dried fruits instead of raisins and craisins?
Absolutely! Dried cherries, apricots, or even chopped dates would work well in this recipe if you want to experiment.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies will stay fresh for about 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it—the best bakery-style chewy oatmeal raisin cookies!
These cookies are not only easy to make, but they’re also packed with flavor and texture that will keep you coming back for more.
We love to eat them warm from the oven! I’ll be you do too!
Don’t forget to share the recipe or make a batch for your next family gathering. Happy baking!
Cheers!
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hi! I’m missy. so nice to meet you!
“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness!”
I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.
I love creating mood boards, hunting down unique home décor treasures, tackling easy DIY projects, and gathering with family and friends for a delicious meal.
Homes are meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter, and shared with the people you love!
– cheers! –
Let’s Keep Baking!
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These oatmeal raisin cookies look amazing! I love how easy the recipe is. Can’t wait to bake a batch!
We love easy, don’t we! This is a family favorite…I hope it becomes one of yours!
These oatmeal raisin cookies look delicious! I can’t wait to try this easy recipe—perfect for a cozy day at home!
It’s Fall in a cookie! Thanks so much for giving it a try. Let me know how you like it!
Okay, yes! As a chocolate chip cookie lover, I was a skeptic, but these cookies are indeed very delicious and have such a satisfying texture! Thank you, Missy, for letting me try a few, in spite of my longtime resistance to raisins in my cookies!
I will still let you love chocolate chip cookies! LOL! Thanks so much for giving them a try and your kind words!
Ohh! Yum! These look and sound so good. I need to try making these.
These cookies always put me in the mood for fall!