Classic Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Few homemade treats are as comforting as a batch of Classic Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Packed with wholesome oats, sweet raisins and warm cinnamon, these timeless biscuits have a soft, chewy centre and lightly golden edges. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this generous recipe yields around 60 cookies, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends or keeping a homemade supply on hand throughout the week.

The combination of brown sugar, vanilla and cinnamon creates a rich, comforting flavour, while the quick oats give each cookie its signature hearty texture. Optional additions such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips or shredded coconut allow you to customise the recipe to suit your taste without changing its classic appeal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, chewy texture with hearty oats.
• Warm cinnamon and sweet raisins in every bite.
• Makes approximately 60 cookies.
• Easy to customise with your favourite add-ins.
• Perfect for lunchboxes, parties and everyday baking.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups vegetable shortening (Crisco)
• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 6 cups quick oats
• 2½ cups plain flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1½ cups raisins

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup shredded coconut

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking trays
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Wire cooling rack

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the vegetable shortening, brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and creamy.
3. Add the eggs, water and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the quick oats, plain flour, salt, bicarbonate of soda and ground cinnamon.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts, chocolate chips or shredded coconut.
8. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto lined baking trays, leaving approximately 2 inches between each cookie.
9. Bake for 11 minutes.
10. Rotate the baking trays from front to back and, if using multiple shelves, swap the trays between the upper and lower racks.
11. Continue baking for a further 4 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centres remain slightly soft.
12. Leave the cookies on the baking trays for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a glass of cold milk.
• Pack into lunchboxes.
• Arrange on a dessert platter for parties.
• Enjoy with tea or freshly brewed coffee.

Tips for Success

• Measure all ingredients carefully for consistent results.
• Allow the shortening and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing.
• Mix only until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies tender.
• Rotate the baking trays halfway through baking for even colouring.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to maintain their chewy texture.

Variations

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Mix in chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
• Add shredded coconut for additional texture.
• Experiment with spices such as nutmeg or allspice alongside the cinnamon.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.

Recipe Information

• Category: Dessert
• Yield: Approximately 60 cookies
• Baking Temperature: 350°F (175°C)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes. Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the dough for extra texture.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of raisins?

Chocolate chips can be added as a variation or combined with the raisins if desired.

How do I keep the cookies chewy?

Avoid overbaking them. The centres should still appear slightly soft when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to set while cooling.

Can these cookies be frozen?

Yes. Once completely cooled, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Classic Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a timeless favourite, combining wholesome oats, sweet raisins and warm cinnamon into a soft, satisfying treat. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, packed into lunchboxes or shared with friends and family, these homemade cookies are sure to become a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.

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