Who doesn’t love a warm, gooey cookie fresh out of the oven? Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe for chewy oatmeal cookies that are soft, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make! These cookies are perfect for those who crave something comforting yet simple enough to whip up anytime. Whether you’re baking for family movie night or packing them in lunchboxes, these cookies will quickly become a household favorite.
Did you know that oatmeal cookies date back over a century? They were first popularized by Fanny Farmer, a renowned culinary figure from Boston. While her original recipe included milk and cream, today’s version is even easier to prepare and just as delicious. If you enjoyed our previous post on classic chocolate chip cookies, you’ll adore this twist with oats and raisins. Let’s get started!
What Are Chewy Oatmeal Cookies?
Have you ever wondered why these delightful treats are called “chewy” oatmeal cookies? It’s not just about texture-it’s also about nostalgia. Imagine biting into a cookie so soft and satisfying that it feels like hugging your taste buds. Isn’t that what they say? “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Well, these cookies might just steal yours too!
So, why not give them a try? With their irresistible combination of sweetness, spice, and chewiness, these cookies promise to be a hit at any gathering. Who knows? You may never go back to store-bought snacks again!
Why You’ll Love This Chewy Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
Main Highlight: Unmatched Chewiness
What sets these cookies apart is their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Thanks to the perfect balance of butter, brown sugar, and rolled oats, each bite delivers pure bliss.
Cost-Saving Benefits: Budget-Friendly Delight
Making these cookies at home costs significantly less than buying prepackaged ones. Plus, most ingredients are pantry staples, meaning no last-minute trips to the grocery store.
Flavorful Ingredients: Elevate Your Baking Game
Raisins add natural sweetness and a hint of tartness, while cinnamon brings warmth to every bite. Feeling adventurous? Swap raisins for M&Ms, nuts, or dried cranberries to create your own signature flavor profile.
Compared to other recipes, this one stands out because it emphasizes chilling the dough-a step that enhances both flavor and texture. Ready to take your baking skills to the next level? Keep reading!
How to Make Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
Quick Overview
This recipe couldn’t be simpler! In under 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll have cookie dough ready to chill. Afterward, pop them in the oven, and voila-soft, chewy perfection awaits. Best of all, the process requires only basic kitchen tools and minimal effort.
Key Ingredients for Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
Here’s everything you need to make these delicious cookies:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour: For structure.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda & 1/2 tsp salt: To enhance rise and balance flavors.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature: Essential for creaminess.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (65g): Provides moisture and caramel notes.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (66g): Controls spread and adds sweetness.
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (7mL): Infuses rich aroma.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder.
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) rolled oats: The star ingredient!
- 1 cup raisins: Optional but highly recommended.
Ingredient Alternatives:
Don’t feel tied down to raisins! Try substituting them with chopped walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, or dried fruits like cranberries or cherries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients\
Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugars\
Using a stand mixer or hand-held beaters, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). - Add Wet Ingredients\
Reduce speed to low. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until fully incorporated. - Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures\
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until almost combined, leaving some streaks of flour visible. - Fold in Oats and Raisins\
Stir in the rolled oats and raisins using a spatula. Be gentle to avoid overmixing. - Chill the Dough\
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 72 hours. Chilling ensures chewier cookies with concentrated flavors. - Preheat Oven and Scoop Dough\
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use a cookie scoop to portion out two-tablespoon-sized balls onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. - Bake to Perfection\
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Rotate the pans halfway through for even baking. - Cool and Enjoy\
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1–2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or store for later enjoyment.
What to Serve Chewy Oatmeal Cookies With
These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee. For dessert lovers, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Want to keep things light? Pair them with herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Top Tips for Perfecting Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
- Measure Flour Accurately: Too much flour can lead to dense cookies. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is soft but not melted. Microwaving in short bursts helps achieve the right consistency.
- Soak Raisins: Plump up raisins by soaking them in warm water or rum for extra juiciness.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling prevents excessive spreading and enhances texture.
- Store Properly: Keep baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or marshmallows to retain moisture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a few extra minutes to account for frozen dough.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
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Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Indulge in soft, chewy oatmeal cookies bursting with flavor and nostalgia. Perfect for snacking, sharing, or gifting!
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
1/2 tsp baking soda (3g)
1/2 tsp salt (5g)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar (65g)
1/3 cup granulated sugar (66g)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (7mL)
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (150g)
1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients in a bowl; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla, and salt; mix well.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients.
- Fold in oats and raisins.
- Chill dough for 1+ hours.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert/Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Sodium: 79mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 17mg
