Name: Grandma Jane's Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 19 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup shortening; 1/2 cup butter (softened); 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 3 cups Old Fashioned Oats; 1 cup raisins

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These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies have been getting rave reviews for decades! This is my Mom’s recipe and it produces perfectly chewy cookies made with old-fashioned oats and sweet raisins. These cookies are the way to my heart, and I bet once you try them, you will feel the very same way.

I still remember coming home from school and when I approached the door, with one sniff, I just knew that inside I would find my Mom’s oatmeal raisin cookies waiting as a special after-school treat. Grinning to myself that those same cookies would show up in my lunchbox the next day.

My mom isn’t someone who loves to bake. She had her favorites, which became our favorites that we grew accustomed to enjoying throughout the year, especially at the holidays. I find myself extremely blessed to have had a stay-at-home mom. When asked what I wanted to be growing up, I always said “A Mom.” Then again, years later, I found myself feeling blessed all over again, being able to be just that. I always stayed home with my kids.

I loved being able to bake and surprise them with treats after school, pack their lunches, and even slip a little note in there to let them know that even while they were away, they were always on my mind.

CLASSIC OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES

There are a lot of people in the world who when you mention the word “raisin” squish up their face and say “ew.” Me? I am not one of those people. I love raisins and can eat them right out of the box. But much prefer them in these chewy oatmeal raisin cookies!

Where are my raisin lovers? Be sure to check out these recipes too: Carrot Bundt Cake, Irish Soda Bread, Carrot Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze, and Raisin Spice Bars.

BEST OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES

Sure, everyone says their oatmeal cookie recipes are the best. Well, I am jumping in line and singing the praises of this cookie recipe right here. My Mom’s recipe for chewy oatmeal raisin cookies is quick, easy to make, and uses simple ingredients most of us probably have in our cupboards right now! They are a go-to comfort cookie that I reach for when I need them to brighten up a day. And my kids love these cookies just as much as my brother and I did when we were little.

INGREDIENTS in GRANDMA JANE’S OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES

You will find the full recipe including the complete measurements and instructions for these homemade cookies in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

shortening – regular Crisco or butter Crisco works great
butter – you will want your butter softened to room temperature
brown sugar – packed into the measuring cup, light or dark brown sugar is fine, your preference
sugar – white sugar (granulated sugar) is also used
eggs
vanilla – pure vanilla extract is best!
all- purpose flour
salt
baking soda
cinnamon – a bit of cinnamon adds warmth to complement the oats
Old-Fashioned Oats – choose these over instant oats or quick oats to ensure that your cookies will have the best texture
raisins – classic or golden raisins will work.

How to Make These Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In your stand mixer or with your electric mixer, cream together butter and shortening until combined. Add in sugar, vanilla, and eggs and beat until fluffy.

Next, add the dry ingredients; Mix in flour, cinnamon, and baking soda, into the wet ingredients mixing until incorporated.

Fold in the rolled oats and raisins.

Scoop the oatmeal raisin cookie dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet (parchment paper lined works great, too) with a cookie scoop.

Bake for about 9 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Don’t overbake, as the cookies will not be chewy.

Transfer them to a wire rack to cool before filling up your cookie jar!

Store any uneaten cookies in an airtight container to maintain that ideal texture for days. These cookies as well as the cookie dough freeze well, too. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Love it? Pin it!

If you can’t wait to make these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies make sure you can find the recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go!

TIPS, TRICKS & SUBSTITUTIONS

Following these tips will give you the best from scratch oatmeal raisin cookies every time. The key to good oatmeal raisin cookies is starting with the right ingredients.

Be sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than instant oats for the best texture. The larger oats will give you a nice chew once baked.
Choose plump juicy raisins. Raisins do expire, and they get pretty hard when they have been in your cupboard for a while!
Do not overbake! Pull the cookies just before you think they are done to account for any carryover cooking.
Does someone in your home prefer Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies to Oatmeal Raisin Cookies? Make a double batch and use chocolate chips in place of the raisins in one batch. Then everyone is happy!

Homemade Cookie Recipes

The other two cookie recipes of my mom’s that I loved were her Peanut Butter Cookies and her Sugar Cookies. Be sure to give those recipes a peek, too! Here are some others you are sure to enjoy:

What do you say? Want to bake up a memory of your own? Your kids (of all ages) are sure to be happy to have these show up after school, or in their lunch box.

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Grandma Jane's Oatmeal Raisin Cookies stacked on a table.

4.86 from 14 votes

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