Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

If you’re hunting for a cozy, nostalgic treat that perfectly balances sweet and spice, look no further than this Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out—soft and chewy in the middle with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar crunch on the outside. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving something to pair with your afternoon tea, this recipe is a total winner. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to cookie for every cozy occasion.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe plays a key role, from the yogurt that keeps the cookies tender to the cream of tartar that adds a subtle tang and helps with crumbly texture. I find grabbing the best-quality raisins really makes a difference—plump and sweet beats dry any day.

• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter whips up smoothly with sugar to create that perfect fluffy base.
• Light brown sugar: Adds rich molasses flavor and moisture to keep the cookies soft.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with that gorgeous cinnamon sugar crust.
• Plain yogurt: I discovered this trick when I wanted chewier cookies—yogurt adds moisture and tenderness without heaviness.
• Large egg: Provides structure and richness; make sure it’s at room temperature for even mixing.
• Vanilla extract: Always use pure vanilla if you can—its warmth brings everything to life.
• All-purpose flour: The perfect neutral canvas for these cookies to hold together just right.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise softly and spread appropriately.
• Cream of tartar: One of those secret ingredients I learned about that adds subtle tang and tender texture.
• Old-fashioned oats: The star that adds hearty, chewy bite and lovely texture contrast.
• Raisins: Sweet bursts that soak up the cinnamon flavors—always soak them for a few minutes if they seem too dry.
• Cinnamon: Spices everything up beautifully and combines with sugar to give the cookies their signature coating.

Variations

I like to tweak this Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe depending on the season or mood. Feel free to swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or cherries for a tart twist. And if you’re looking to up the nutrition, adding chopped nuts gives a great crunch and buttery note.

• Nutty Upgrade: Adding toasted walnuts or pecans brings richness and makes these cookies perfect for gifting during the holidays.
• Gluten-Free: I tried using a gluten-free flour blend once and it worked well—just be sure to check your oats are certified gluten-free.
• Spice Variations: Cinnamon is the star, but a pinch of nutmeg or ginger adds depth if you want extra warmth.
• Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax egg; it’s a little different but still delicious!

How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a cookie sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper. You want your oven nice and ready so the cookies bake evenly right from the start. I like greasing because I find it helps the bottoms get a bit crisp without sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Next, in a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a handheld electric mixer), beat your room temperature butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about one minute. This step is crucial because it incorporates air and sets the tone for those soft, chewy cookies.

Step 3: Add Yogurt, Egg, and Vanilla

Once your butter-sugar mixture is beautiful and fluffy, blend in the plain yogurt, egg, and vanilla extract. I always crack the egg into a separate bowl first to check for freshness – a little tip that saves a baking disaster!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Then add these dry ingredients into your wet mixture and mix on high speed for about 30 seconds. When it all starts coming together, remove the bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the oats and raisins by hand — this helps keep the raisins plump and the oats intact.

Step 5: Coat the Dough Balls in Cinnamon Sugar

This is the fun part. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon. Scoop your cookie dough into roughly 1/4 cup balls—that’s about 2.5 inches diameter if you want to be precise. Then coat each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture before placing them on your cookie sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them room to spread. I like to gently press the dough balls down just a bit so they bake evenly and get that good hockey puck shape.

Step 6: Bake and Rest

Bake your cookies for 13 minutes. They might look a bit moist when you pull them out, but that’s perfect—they’ll finish cooking as they rest on the hot tray. Give them a good 10 minutes to rest, which helps the bottoms crisp up nicely and fully set the texture. This resting step is one I learned from experience; skipping it leaves cookies softer but a bit fragile.

How to Serve Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar on top right after they come out of the oven—gives that sparkling, extra inviting look. Sometimes, I toast a few oats or chopped nuts and sprinkle them on for a little roasting aroma and crunch.

Side Dishes

This cookie pairs beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea or a rich latte. For a brunch spread, I’m all about serving it alongside fresh fruit or a mild cream cheese spread to balance the cinnamon sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I like stacking these cookies into towers, tied with a rustic twine bow—so charming! You can also sandwich them with a little cream cheese frosting or nut butter for an extra special treat that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies at room temperature in an airtight container layered with parchment paper. This keeps them soft and chewy for about 3-4 days, which is typically how long they last in my house!

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing baked cookies as well as raw dough balls. Just pop the dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can bake from frozen by adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop it in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to refresh that crisp exterior and soft interior texture. It’s like enjoying them fresh out of the oven all over again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients came together to make something that’s both cozy and a little bit special. Every batch brings back memories of chilly afternoons baking with family, and now I get to share that joy with you. Seriously, give this recipe a try—you’ll find these cookies become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for sharing or sneaking when no one’s watching.

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