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    Home » Cookies

    The Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

    Published: Sep 28, 2021 · by Natalie · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our privacy policy. · 65 Comments

    RECIPE PRINT PIN

    The Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with crispy edges, chewy center and delicious flavor. Bar none, simply the best.

    A closeup of an oatmeal raisin cookie on a baking sheet.I always smile when I see a recipe with 'The Best" in the title because how can you say something is the best? Isn’t it subjective? Well let me tell you something, these oatmeal raisin cookies are the best.

    The method to making these cookies may surprise you as it’s not conventional. After testing and making so many batches of cookies, I found it took an unconventional method to deliver the very best cookie that was delicious and somewhat addictive.

    My goal for the perfect oatmeal raisin cookie...

    • Crispy and crunchy on the edges
    • Not so crunchy that it crumbles all over the place
    • A chewy center to counter the crispy edge
    • Lots of raisins for that chew
    • Easy to make not requiring a mixer
    • Flavor

    Did I accomplish them? Yes. Yes, I did.

    Here's the how to...

    Mixing oats and raisins in a pan.In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the raisins and oatmeal. Set aside to cool while you gather your remaining ingredients.

    In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients and set aside.

    In a mixing bowl, add the eggs, sugars, and  vanilla. Whisk until thoroughly combined. It starts out thick but don't worry, it all comes together.

    Add the oat mixture along with the flour mixture and mix with a wooden spoon until everything is combined.

    Oatmeal raisin cookies on a baking sheet.Scoop the dough and place onto a baking sheet that is lined with parchment. The scoop I use measures 2 tablespoons and creates golf ball sized rounds. Space about 2 inches apart.

    Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12 - 15 minutes.

    An angles view of an oatmeal raisin cookie on a baking sheet.Let cool on rack. I bet that will only be a few minutes because you will be tempted to dive in right away. Who could blame you?

    The dough can be scooped and placed in a freezer bag for later use. Want just a few to satisfy your sweet tooth? Set the toaster oven to 350 degrees and bake! You may need to add a minute or two to the baking time.

    Tools you'll need to make these delicious oatmeal cookies:

    Baking sheet

    Parchment paper

    Scoop

    Bowl

    Spatula

    Whisk

    Cooling rack

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    Oatmeal raisin cookies on a baking sheet.

    The Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE SAVE RECIPESaved!
    These cookies are crispy around the edges and chewy towards the center. Simply the best oatmeal raisin cookies.
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Author: Natalie Gregory

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups raisins
    • 2 sticks unsalted butter
    • 2 cups quick oats* See Notes
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 cup dark brown sugar**
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla
    • 1 ¾ cups flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°.
    • Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
    • In a medium saucepan (4 quarts works), melt the butter then stir in the raisins and oats. Set aside to cool.
    • Whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs with the sugars and vanilla.
    • Add the flour and the oats to the sugar mixture and stir together with a spatula or wooden spoon.
    • Scoop up golf ball size rounds (2 tablespoons) spacing about 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheet.
    • Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until cookies are light golden. Repeat with remaining dough.
    • Cool on rack.

    Notes

    *If using whole oats, add an extra cup.
    **Using dark brown sugar gives a wonderful flavor and extra chew.
    If you freeze some for later use, add a minute or two to the baking time. 
    Did You Love This Recipe?Buy Me A Cup Of Coffee Thank You!

    Nutritional Information

    I don't post the nutritional value because I don't trust the accuracy of the nutritional apps. I’m not a nutritionist and don't want to post misinformation.

    Did you make this recipe?Tag @thegeneticchef and use #thegeneticchef and tell me about it!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Victoria

      June 22, 2025 at 5:41 pm

      What should the dough look like? Mine is very dry and crumbly and the cookies don’t really bake together.

      Reply
      • Natalie

        June 24, 2025 at 5:13 pm

        The dough should not be dry at all. Did you make any substitutions?

        Reply
    2. Susan

      June 19, 2025 at 2:39 pm

      5 stars
      Seriously delicious cookie !! Thanks so much !!

      Reply
      • Natalie

        June 20, 2025 at 8:01 am

        I agree! Thank you for the comment and rating! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Peyton

      May 14, 2025 at 7:26 pm

      5 stars
      LOVE the recipe!!! What is the best way to store them?

      Reply
      • Natalie

        May 14, 2025 at 7:33 pm

        Thank you. I store them in an airtight container. Just know that they may soften when stored. These usually go by so fast that I don't have many to store. I also sometimes store them in a zip-top bag. I'm glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    4. Jeanette Shafer

      May 11, 2025 at 11:00 am

      5 stars
      I love your recipe!! I was wondering if I could add chocolate chips instead of the rasins???

      Reply
      • Natalie

        May 11, 2025 at 5:52 pm

        Yes, you can. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jeanette Shafer

      May 10, 2025 at 7:44 pm

      5 stars
      The recipe is AMAZING!!! I love the flavor, consistency.. everything!! I am curious about adding chocolate chips in place of rasins. Thoughts??

      Reply
      • Natalie

        May 11, 2025 at 5:46 pm

        I haven't done it but I'm sure it would be fine. 🙂 And thank you for the complimentary review and rating! -xo

        Reply
    6. Donna

      May 09, 2025 at 1:46 pm

      Can light brown sugar be used in place of dark?

      Reply
      • Natalie

        May 09, 2025 at 7:01 pm

        Yes, it can. Dark brown sugar has more molasses flavor, but light is fine. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Clara

      April 13, 2025 at 12:51 pm

      I’m also trying to make 18 but I don’t know how much of each ingredient I would need to add

      Reply
    8. Clara

      April 13, 2025 at 12:50 pm

      How many cookies does this recipe make?

      Reply
      • Natalie

        April 14, 2025 at 7:07 am

        About two dozen. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Chris

      April 12, 2025 at 5:47 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely the BEST!!!

      Reply
      • Natalie

        April 12, 2025 at 6:00 pm

        Thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Sheila Sheer

      April 08, 2025 at 6:47 pm

      5 stars
      I've gotten so many recipes from Pinterest and have never posted a comment, but these cookies are so good!! Thank you for your trial and error. Followed recipe but subbed einkorn flour. Cookies disappeared so fast with family asking for another batch.

      Reply
      • Natalie

        April 08, 2025 at 8:24 pm

        That's awesome! Thank you for commenting. 🙂

        Reply
    11. Wendy

      March 30, 2025 at 9:05 pm

      5 stars
      Made these today. Used a mix of cranberries and raisins. These cookies are perfect. They are chewy with a touch of crisp on the outside. So Good.

      Reply
      • Natalie

        March 31, 2025 at 9:21 am

        Thank you for the lovely comment and for rating the recipe! 🙂

        Reply
        • Karen Malone

          April 01, 2025 at 7:48 pm

          Can this sugar be cut back. Way too sweet for my liking

        • Natalie

          April 02, 2025 at 7:43 am

          Yes, you can cut back on the sugar.

    12. Julie Brown

      March 24, 2025 at 8:10 pm

      Can I cut this down to one cup of raisins ?

      Reply
      • Natalie

        March 24, 2025 at 9:22 pm

        Of course!

        Reply
    13. Heidi

      February 21, 2025 at 3:10 pm

      5 stars
      Best oatmeal cookie. I did put the dough in the fridge for a bit and it kept them from spreading out.

      Reply
    14. Cathy

      February 15, 2025 at 2:33 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best oatmeal raise cookie I have ever tasted. My husband loved them too. In fact, I just asked him what kind of cookie he wanted me to bake this time and he requested this recipe again.

      Reply
      • Natalie

        February 15, 2025 at 7:25 pm

        What a compliment! 🙂

        Reply
    15. Sarah

      February 01, 2025 at 2:55 pm

      5 stars
      My goodness, these are a winner. I used cranberries because, I think that raisins are Satan’s droppings, and added cinnamon chips. Despite my creative liberties, the base of this recipe makes for an incredible cookie. Well done!

      Reply
      • Domenica Douglas

        March 03, 2025 at 10:33 pm

        Hi may I ask what cinnamon chips are? Love cinnamon!

        Reply
        • Natalie

          March 04, 2025 at 8:12 am

          Artificially flavored chips with cinnamon flavor. I don't use them in the cookies. I love cinnamon too. You can add more to your liking.

    16. cheryl

      January 31, 2025 at 2:20 pm

      5 stars
      I just made these and they are really good. The raisins shine through and the oatmeal is a little crunchy but even with the 2 sugars, they are not sweet! Love the thicker cookie that doesn't crumble! I only made 6 of the 2 Tablespoon size and the rest half for 11 mins...we have smaller eaters and leave the big ones for grownups!! Good recipe

      Reply
    17. Rob

      January 13, 2025 at 9:02 am

      How would I incorporate peanut butter into this recipe? What changes would be needed?

      Reply
      • Natalie

        January 13, 2025 at 9:09 am

        That's a whole other recipe. If I were to test it, I would substitute 1/2 cup of the butter with 1/2 cup of the peanut butter and add it with the sugar and eggs.

        Reply
        • Lorraine

          March 03, 2025 at 4:55 pm

          5 stars
          What if I were adding PB2?

        • Natalie

          March 04, 2025 at 8:11 am

          I would try adding a few tablespoons, but if you're adding more than that, it's a different recipe. You could remove equal amounts of flour, but I can't say how it will turn out.

    18. Wendi

      December 29, 2024 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      I've never made Oatmeal Raisin Cookies as my family aren't fans of raisins. I had a request, and did a Pinterest search. I went straight to the comments because the instructions aren't your usual cookie recipe techniques. So glad I did, and went with me gut to try it. They turned out amazing! I had to add time to the bake, probably just because of a different oven. Thanks for the solid recipe!

      Reply
      • Natalie

        December 30, 2024 at 9:21 am

        You are very welcome! I'm so happy you found it and gave it a try. 🙂

        Reply
    19. Karen

      December 17, 2024 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      I was skeptical at first, but your recipe and methods are fabulous. Truly loves this cookie!

      Reply
      • Natalie

        December 17, 2024 at 4:57 pm

        Thank you very much. I told you it was the best oatmeal raisin cookie! 🙂 Enjoy.

        Reply
        • Lisa

          December 19, 2024 at 3:04 am

          5 stars
          Hi
          Loved your recipe. I made it with almond flour for my gluten free friend. Turned out 😊 sooo good 👍
          Thank You
          Lisa

        • Natalie

          December 19, 2024 at 9:20 am

          You are very welcome. I'm happy you enjoyed it. Good to know it turned out well using almond flour too. 🙂

    20. Satsuki

      December 01, 2024 at 10:59 pm

      This is the best oatmeal cookie recipe.

      Reply
      • Natalie

        December 02, 2024 at 4:43 pm

        Thank you so much. 🙂

        Reply
    21. Vicki

      December 01, 2024 at 1:26 pm

      5 stars
      These cookies are delicious! I followed the recipe exactly (adding the walnuts). I used whole oats, and used the extra cup, as requested, although I was a little nervous with the extra amount. But it turned out great. This seems to me like a fantastic update on the Quaker Oats recipe, which I’ve used for years. Thank you

      Reply
    22. Mary

      November 23, 2024 at 4:09 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best oatmeal cookie recipe I have ever found! I used cranberries instead of raisins but taste the same. Thank you for sharing this recipe

      Reply
      • Natalie

        November 24, 2024 at 11:43 am

        Awesome! 🙂

        Reply
    23. Tasha

      October 19, 2024 at 5:42 pm

      Anyone try these with walnuts? Would love to add but not sure how it might impact the recipe…

      Reply
      • Natalie

        October 20, 2024 at 7:43 am

        I don't see any issues by adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. 🙂

        Reply
    24. Julia

      October 08, 2024 at 12:07 pm

      Your photo does not look like quick oats.
      It looks like whole. Can you advise please. 😊

      Reply
      • Natalie

        October 08, 2024 at 4:48 pm

        You are correct! 🙂 The photos show whole oats. In the notes section of the recipe, I state that if using whole oats use an extra cup. I used it as I was out of quick oats but felt it was good to test them both. I found out the hard way that the whole oats needed to be increased. They were still delicious but flat. I prefer using quick oats but both are delicious.

        Reply
    25. Dita

      October 06, 2024 at 7:07 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best oatmeal cookie I've ever had in my entire life! I'm seriously going to delete any other oatmeal cookie recipes I have. It truly is the perfect combination of crispy and chewy. Tha k you!!

      Reply
      • Natalie

        October 07, 2024 at 7:35 am

        Thank you so much for the wonderful comment! What a compliment! I agree, it is the best! 🙂

        Reply
    26. Tibisay Mercera

      September 02, 2024 at 5:15 am

      By far the absolutely best! Thank you for this recipe!

      Reply
      • Natalie

        September 05, 2024 at 11:08 am

        Thank you for the compliment and for commenting. 🙂

        Reply
    27. Emily Peters

      August 30, 2024 at 5:21 pm

      5 stars
      These cookies are so YUM! Probably my favorite I’ve ever tried!! Such good flavor, chewy, soft and moist! The whole family loved em, and they were gone within a week lol. Only thing I would say is the dough came out a bit sticky, so I had to add a bit more flour than called for; but overall great cookies and great recipe!

      Reply
      • Natalie

        September 05, 2024 at 11:07 am

        I'm happy you enjoyed them! 🙂

        Reply
    28. Kendra Bleak

      August 24, 2024 at 1:10 pm

      5 stars
      All the men in my life (dad, brother and husband) love oatmeal raisin cookies, so I'm always trying to find a good flavorful recipe....These my friend are IT. Amazing flavor and texture. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Natalie

        August 25, 2024 at 4:07 pm

        What a compliment! Thank you and I'm glad they love them. 🙂

        Reply
    29. Sara

      August 22, 2024 at 7:37 pm

      5 stars
      You will probably laugh, but I read your comment about everyone proclaiming to have the best oatmeal raisin cookie or any cookie for that matter and I seriously view things the same way. 🙂 I did make some tweaks to this recipe since I have been researching how to make them since it's my husbands favorite. I only had salted butter so I completely omitted the salt and only use Kerrygold Butter when baking. 🙂 I also only used organic sprouted quick oats because they are easier to digest. I always add a bit more cinnamon in recipes so I think I added more like a tablespoon lol. The only other addition I added was golden raisins because I was reading in an Amish recipe they use golden raisins because they are "fruitier" and they are these dehydrated raisins we get at the store. We all know the Amish know how to cook also so I gave it a go. These cookies are BY FAR the best and the omission of salt was not noticeable since I did use salted butter. 10/10 will make again.

      Reply
      • Natalie

        August 23, 2024 at 7:24 am

        Yes, if you use salted butter then it's fine to omit the salt. I like to control the salt so I use unsalted but when that isn't available, I just use salted butter. I also use organic glyphosate-free oats so the recipe wasn't altered much at all! I'm happy you liked them!

        Reply
    30. Jill

      July 08, 2024 at 6:08 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing comfort food cookies!!! Thanks for a fantastic recipe!

      Reply
      • Natalie

        July 10, 2024 at 8:49 pm

        You are very welcome! Thank you for stopping by! 🙂

        Reply
    31. Debbie Brelia

      June 29, 2024 at 9:24 pm

      5 stars
      These are my go to cookies now. They are so soft moist chewy and delicious. I added a little more vanilla than it called for, but they are so good. I recommend trying them.

      Reply
      • Natalie

        June 30, 2024 at 6:27 pm

        Awesome! Thank you for commenting! 🙂

        Reply
    4.61 from 119 votes (96 ratings without comment)

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    I'm Natalie a.k.a The Genetic Chef. Here you will find from scratch family recipes coupled with humor, helpful tips, and product recommendations.

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