If you have a craving for a nostalgic treat that wraps you in warmth with every bite, this Delightfully Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins and Walnuts Recipe is an absolute treasure. Combining the hearty texture of rolled oats with the natural sweetness of plump raisins and the satisfying crunch of walnuts, these cookies have the perfect balance of chewiness and flavor. They are an easy-to-make classic that brings cozy, comforting vibes to any kitchen and effortlessly fills your home with that irresistible homemade cookie aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making these cookies truly shine. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy butter that creates rich softness to the cinnamon that adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Softened butter ensures your cookies turn out tender and provides that essential creamy richness.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel sweetness perfect for chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the sweetness and contributes to the crisp edges.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and give structure to the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the foundation providing body and stability.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise lightly and spread just right.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant, cozy spice uplifting the oats beautifully.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): The star ingredient for chewiness and hearty texture.
- Raisins (1 cup): Bring natural sweetness and a delightful chew in each bite.
- Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Add a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
How to Make Delightfully Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins and Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, get your oven heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This little setup step is a game-changer for perfect cookie bottoms and easy removal.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Aim for a light and fluffy mixture — this is where the texture magic begins. That creamy blend not only sweetens but gives your cookies their irresistible softness.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time. This slow incorporation ensures a smooth batter and helps with binding. Follow up by stirring in the vanilla extract, which infuses the dough with a warm flavor that complements every other ingredient beautifully.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This mixture keeps your spices evenly distributed and your cookies tasting perfectly spiced everywhere.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing just until everything comes together. Overmixing can toughen cookies, so stop once you no longer see flour streaks.
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts
Now for the hearty, chewy goodness – stir in the rolled oats, sweet raisins (or an alternative like chocolate chips if you prefer), and crunchy walnuts. These add the signature texture and bursts of flavor that make this Delightfully Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins and Walnuts Recipe so special.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for around five minutes. This resting time helps them set and firm up a bit before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The result? Perfectly chewy cookies that hold together but melt in your mouth.
How to Serve Delightfully Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins and Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate their appeal for a special treat. Toasted walnut halves on top before baking also make a stunning rustic finish.
Side Dishes
Pair these cozy cookies with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of chai tea, or your favorite coffee. Their hearty sweetness complements warm beverages wonderfully, making them a perfect snack or dessert any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, stack these cookies in pretty mason jars layered with wax paper, or serve them on a wooden board with small bowls of extra raisins and walnuts. You can also sandwich a dollop of vanilla or cinnamon-spiced cream cheese between two cookies for an indulgent twist everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to one week, making it easy to satisfy your cookie cravings whenever they strike.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag. When properly stored, they can last for up to three months without losing their delightful texture.
Reheating
To enjoy a freshly baked feel after storage, warm the cookies in a low oven for a few minutes or pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This little trick revives the chewiness and softens the walnuts just as if they were just baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with something else?
Absolutely! You can swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips for a twist. Each alternative brings a unique flavor but keeps the chewy texture intact.
How do I make these cookies extra chewy?
To achieve maximum chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies by removing them from the oven just as the centers set but before the edges get too firm. The residual heat continues baking them gently after removing from the oven.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as is. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
Can I omit the walnuts?
Yes! The walnuts are optional. If you have a nut allergy or prefer a nut-free cookie, simply skip them. You’ll still have wonderfully textured oatmeal cookies bursting with flavor from the oats and raisins.
What is the best way to store these cookies to keep them fresh?
The best way is in an airtight container at room temperature. Add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain moisture and keep your cookies soft for several days.
Final Thoughts
There is something genuinely comforting about baking and sharing this Delightfully Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins and Walnuts Recipe. It’s an effortless way to bring friends and family together over a timeless fall-inspired treat that feels homemade in every sense. So go ahead and whisk up a batch — your heart and kitchen will thank you.
Print
Delightfully Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins and Walnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Deliciously Irresistible Oatmeal Cookies are a classic American dessert loved for their chewy texture and rich flavor. Made with a perfect blend of oats, cinnamon, and your choice of raisins or chocolate chips, these cookies are easy to bake and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Main Mix-Ins
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins or chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they are well incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can toughen the cookies.
- Stir in Oats and Mix-Ins: Fold in the rolled oats, raisins or chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts if using, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
- Portion Dough: Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they stay crisp on the outside and chewy inside.
Notes
- You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips to vary the flavor.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them by reducing the baking time by 1–2 minutes.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
