Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Searching for an easy oatmeal raisin cookies recipe that’s also secretly healthy, look no further! Growing up, oatmeal raisin cookies were always a comfort food in my kitchen. I remember watching my grandmother carefully mix ingredients, the warm aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling the air. But as I became more health-conscious, I wanted to reimagine this classic treat—creating a version that’s not just delicious, but also nourishing.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe Overview

Why This Recipe Creates Cookie Perfection

What makes these oatmeal raisin cookies stand out from the rest? It’s all in the details:

• The perfect ratio of brown to white sugar ensures these cookies have that deep molasses flavor while maintaining the right texture
• Soaking the raisins beforehand plumps them up, preventing those dreaded dry, hard raisins that plague lesser recipes
• A touch more vanilla than most recipes brings out the warmth of the cinnamon and complements the natural sweetness of the raisins
• A brief chill time allows the flavors to meld and prevents over-spreading in the oven
• The right balance of old-fashioned rolled oats provides hearty texture without making the cookies too dense

After countless batches (and happy taste-testers), this recipe consistently produces oatmeal raisin cookies with golden brown edges and irresistibly soft, chewy centers that stay that way for days – if they last that long!

Nutritional Highlights: Good source of fiber, contains omega-3s from flaxseed, lower in sugar than traditional recipes.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Ingredients

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Key Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients

• 1½ cups rolled oats

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or flour blend)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed meal (optional)

• Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted

• ⅓ cup maple syrup

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Mix-Ins

• ¾ cup unsweetened raisins

• Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts

Tools You Will Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Silicone spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop
• Wire cooling rack

How To Make Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

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Instructions

• Prep Work
  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Dry Ingredients
  In a medium bowl, whisk together rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and flaxseed meal (if using).
• Wet Ingredients
  In a separate large bowl, mix applesauce, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Combine
  Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Fold in raisins and optional nuts.
• Scoop & Bake
  Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden brown.
• Cool
  Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes on the Ingredients for Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create those crispy edges. Make sure it’s softened but not melted.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper flavor than white sugar alone. Dark brown sugar will give an even richer molasses flavor.
• Eggs: Act as a binder and contribute to the soft texture.
• Vanilla extract: Don’t skimp here! The extra vanilla makes these cookies special.
• Cinnamon: The signature spice in oatmeal cookies. Fresh ground cinnamon will give the best flavor.
• Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are key for the perfect texture. Quick oats will work in a pinch but will create a different texture.
• Raisins: Regular or golden raisins both work beautifully. For an extra touch, try soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the dough.

Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Every Time

• Measure your flour correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level with a knife rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup, which can pack in too much flour.
• Room temperature ingredients matter: Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature for better incorporation and texture.
• Don’t skip the chill time: Even 30 minutes in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Know your oven: Every oven runs slightly differently. Keep an eye on your first batch and adjust timing as needed. An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
• For extra soft cookies: Remove them from the oven when the edges are just set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
• For uniform cookies: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are the same size and bake evenly.
• Storage secrets: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft for days.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze for up to 3 months

Delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Variations to Try

• Chocolate chip oatmeal cookies: Replace half the raisins with semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best of both worlds.
• Cranberry white chocolate: Substitute dried cranberries for raisins and add white chocolate chips for a festive twist.
• Extra spice: Add ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg and a pinch of cloves for a spiced cookie perfect for fall.
• Orange zest magic: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the raisins.
• Coconut paradise: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut for tropical flair and extra chewiness

Healthy Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk, coconut oil
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blend
• Lower Sugar: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener
• Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder
• Antioxidant Twist: Replace some raisins with dried cranberries

Serving Ideas:

• Enjoy with a glass of almond milk
• Perfect pre-workout snack
• Guilt-free dessert option

FAQs About Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture will be different. Quick oats will give you a less chewy, more uniform texture. If using quick oats, reduce the amount to 2¾ cups.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This could be due to butter that was too warm, not chilling the dough, or not enough flour. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and chill the dough if your kitchen is warm.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Form the dough into balls, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes! Try substituting each egg with either ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 15 minutes before using).

Are oatmeal raisin cookies healthy?

This recipe is designed to be a healthier version, using whole ingredients, reducing sugar, and adding nutritional boosts like flaxseed.

How can I make these completely sugar-free?

Use a sugar alternative like stevia and unsweetened dried fruit.

Ready to Bake?

I can’t wait for you to try these easy, healthy oatmeal raisin cookies! If you make them, please share your results in the comments or tag me on social media. Did you make any creative modifications? I’d love to hear about them!

Happy baking, and enjoy your delicious, nutritious cookies!

More Quick and Easy Cookie Recipes

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• Crispy Chocolate Cookies Recipe
• Sugar Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe