There’s something wonderfully comforting about a batch of homemade oatmeal raisin cookies. These classic cookies are soft, chewy, warmly spiced, and filled with plenty of sweet raisins and hearty oats. They’re the kind of old-fashioned cookie that feels right at home with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or a warm cup of tea.
This oatmeal raisin cookie recipe makes about 60 cookies, making it perfect when you need a large batch for family gatherings, holidays, bake sales, cookie exchanges, or simply to keep a homemade treat on hand.
The combination of brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, quick oats, and raisins creates a familiar flavor that’s hard to resist. You can also customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut.
Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Makes approximately 60 cookies.
- Perfect for large families and gatherings.
- Uses simple ingredients.
- Packed with hearty quick oats and sweet raisins.
- Brown sugar gives the cookies a rich, comforting flavor.
- Cinnamon adds delicious warmth.
- Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.
- Great for cookie trays, holidays, and bake sales.
- Delicious with milk, coffee, or tea.
What Makes These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Special?
A good oatmeal raisin cookie should have plenty of texture without becoming dry or hard. This recipe uses a generous amount of quick oats along with brown sugar, granulated sugar, shortening, and a little water.
The shortening helps create cookies with a tender texture, while brown sugar adds richness and chewiness. Cinnamon brings out the natural sweetness of the raisins and gives these cookies their classic homemade flavor.
Because this recipe makes such a large batch, it’s also especially useful when you’re baking for a crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Shortening
1 ½ cups Crisco shortening
Shortening provides the fat needed for tender, flavorful cookies and helps give them their characteristic texture.
Sugars
2 cups brown sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a deeper caramel-like flavor.
1 cup granulated sugar
Granulated sugar balances the brown sugar and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
Eggs
2 large eggs
Eggs help bind the ingredients together while adding richness and structure.
Water
½ cup water
The water helps bring the dough together and contributes to the final texture.
Vanilla
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the warm, sweet flavor of the cookies.
Oats
6 cups quick-cooking uncooked oats
Quick oats are ideal for this recipe because they create a tender, chewy texture while allowing the cookies to hold together nicely.
Flour
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Flour provides the structure needed to form the cookies.
Salt and Baking Soda
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
Salt balances the sweetness, while baking soda helps the cookies rise and develop their texture.
Cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cinnamon gives these oatmeal raisin cookies their classic warm and fragrant flavor.
Raisins
1 ½ cups raisins
Raisins add little bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture throughout every cookie.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them if needed.
2. Cream the Shortening and Sugars
Add the shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar to a large mixing bowl.
Beat until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
This step helps incorporate the ingredients evenly and creates the foundation for the cookie dough.
3. Add the Eggs, Water, and Vanilla
Add the eggs, water, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture.
Beat until everything is thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the quick oats, flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
Mix the dry ingredients together so the baking soda, salt, and cinnamon are distributed evenly.
5. Make the Cookie Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Mix until the ingredients are combined and a thick cookie dough forms.
Add the raisins and mix until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Be careful not to overmix once the flour has been incorporated.
6. Scoop the Cookies
Drop portions of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie for spreading.
For evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop.
Since this recipe makes approximately 60 cookies, you may need to bake several trays.
7. Bake the Cookies
Place the cookies in a 350°F (175°C) oven.
Bake for 11 minutes.
For even baking, rotate the pans from front to back and move the pan from the top rack to the bottom rack, and vice versa.
Continue baking for approximately 4 more minutes, then check the cookies for doneness.
The exact baking time can vary depending on the size of the cookies and your oven, so keep a close eye on them during the final few minutes.
8. Cool the Cookies
Once the cookies are finished baking, remove them from the oven.
Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
As they cool, the cookies will continue to firm up while maintaining their delicious chewy texture.
How Do You Know When Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Are Done?
Oatmeal cookies can be tricky because you don’t want to overbake them.
Look for cookies that are set around the edges while the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue cooking from the residual heat of the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
If you prefer softer, chewier cookies, avoid waiting until the centers look completely firm.
For crispier cookies, you can leave them in the oven slightly longer, keeping a close eye on them so they don’t become too dark.
Tips for Making the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Don’t Overbake
The easiest way to end up with dry oatmeal cookies is to bake them too long.
Start checking them after the recommended baking time and remember that they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Use Quick Oats
This recipe specifically calls for quick oats. They produce a softer, more cohesive cookie than larger old-fashioned rolled oats.
Keep the Cookie Sizes Consistent
Using a cookie scoop helps ensure all the cookies are approximately the same size.
This is especially important when baking several trays because cookies of different sizes won’t finish at the same time.
Rotate the Baking Sheets
The original method calls for rotating the pans from front to back and switching their positions between the top and bottom racks.
This can help promote more even baking when you’re working with multiple trays.
Let the Cookies Cool
Freshly baked oatmeal cookies are delicate. Giving them a few minutes to cool on the baking sheet allows them to firm up enough to transfer without breaking.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.
Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Cookies
Add chopped walnuts for a classic combination of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and crunchy nuts.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Replace some or all of the raisins with chocolate chips for a sweeter, chocolate-filled variation.
Oatmeal Raisin Coconut Cookies
Add shredded coconut for extra texture and a subtle tropical flavor.
Oatmeal Raisin Pecan Cookies
Chopped pecans make a delicious addition and pair beautifully with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Raisin Cookies
Don’t want to choose between raisins and chocolate? Use both for a loaded oatmeal cookie packed with different flavors and textures.
Can I Add Nuts to Oatmeal Raisin Cookies?
Yes. Nuts are a great addition to this recipe.
Chopped walnuts and pecans are particularly delicious. Add them along with the raisins so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
If you’re serving the cookies to a crowd, remember to let people know that the cookies contain nuts.
Can I Use Chocolate Chips Instead of Raisins?
Absolutely.
Chocolate chips can be used instead of raisins, or you can use a combination of raisins and chocolate chips.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and dark chocolate chips can all work well.
How to Store Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Once completely cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container.
Keep them at room temperature for several days.
For the best texture, make sure the container is tightly sealed so the cookies don’t dry out.
If you’re making these cookies ahead of time, you can also freeze them.
Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper if desired.
Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.
Can You Freeze Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough?
Yes.
Portion the prepared dough into individual cookie-sized balls and arrange them on a lined baking sheet.
Freeze until firm, then transfer the dough portions to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough portions onto a prepared baking sheet and bake according to the recipe, adding a little extra baking time if necessary.
Why These Cookies Are Great for Large Gatherings
This recipe makes approximately 60 oatmeal raisin cookies, which makes it especially convenient for parties, holidays, school events, bake sales, and family gatherings.
Instead of making multiple small batches, you can prepare one large batch of dough and bake several trays of cookies.
They’re also easy to customize, so you can divide the dough and make different varieties by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 60 cookies, depending on the size of each cookie.
What type of oats should I use?
Use quick-cooking oats, as specified in the recipe. They provide the intended texture and help create soft, chewy cookies.
Can I use butter instead of Crisco?
Butter can be used in many cookie recipes, but it can change the texture and spread of the finished cookies. For the original texture of this recipe, use Crisco shortening.
Why did my oatmeal cookies spread too much?
Several factors can affect cookie spread, including dough temperature, ingredient measurements, and oven temperature. Make sure your ingredients are measured accurately and that your oven is properly preheated.
Why are my oatmeal raisin cookies dry?
Overbaking is one of the most common causes of dry cookies. Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers still appear slightly soft.
Can I use old-fashioned oats?
You can, but the texture will be different. This recipe was written specifically for quick oats, which produce a softer and more cohesive cookie.
What nuts go best with oatmeal raisin cookies?
Walnuts and pecans are both excellent choices. They add a pleasant crunch that contrasts with the soft oats and chewy raisins.
What to Serve With Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These homemade cookies are perfect with:
- A cold glass of milk
- Coffee
- Hot tea
- Hot chocolate
- Vanilla ice cream
- A warm breakfast drink
For an extra-special dessert, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two oatmeal cookies.
Made Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Prep Time: About 20 minutes
Bake Time: About 15 minutes per batch
Oven Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Yield: Approximately 60 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Crisco shortening
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 6 cups uncooked quick oats
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the shortening, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, water, and vanilla until creamy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the quick oats, flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamy mixture and mix until combined.
- Stir in the raisins.
- Drop the dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between the cookies.
- Bake for 11 minutes.
- Rotate the pans from front to back and switch the top and bottom racks.
- Continue baking for approximately 4 more minutes, checking the cookies for doneness.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for several minutes on the baking sheets.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container.
Easy Ways to Change Up the Recipe
For a little variety, add your favorite mix-ins to the dough:
For crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
For chocolate lovers: Add chocolate chips.
For extra texture: Add shredded coconut.
You can even divide the dough into portions and make several varieties from the same batch.
Final Thoughts
These homemade oatmeal raisin cookies are a classic for a reason. They’re hearty, chewy, warmly spiced, and filled with sweet raisins in every bite.
With a generous yield of about 60 cookies, this recipe is ideal when you’re baking for a crowd or want plenty of cookies to share. And because the dough is so easy to customize, you can turn the same basic recipe into oatmeal raisin walnut cookies, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, coconut oatmeal cookies, or a combination of your favorites.
Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie tray, a family gathering, a bake sale, or simply because you want a homemade cookie with your afternoon coffee, these old-fashioned oatmeal raisin cookies are a delicious treat worth making.