This Ina Garten Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is a chewy and comforting cookie recipe, which includes old-fashioned oats and sweet raisins. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in just 25 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How To Make Ina Garten Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the oats, raisins, and walnuts (if using).
- Shape and bake: Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden around the edges and soft in the center.
- Cool and serve: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Tips
- How to keep cookies soft: Don’t overbake—remove when edges are golden but centers are still soft.
- Can I use quick oats? Old-fashioned oats provide better texture; quick oats will make cookies denser.
- What if I don’t have raisins? You can substitute with dried cranberries or chocolate chips.
- How to make ahead: Refrigerate dough for up to 48 hours or freeze for longer storage.
- Can I skip the nuts? Yes, walnuts are optional and can be omitted or swapped with pecans.
What To Serve With Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These cookies are great with:
- A glass of cold milk
- Hot coffee or espresso
- Vanilla ice cream for cookie sandwiches
- Spiced chai tea
- Hot chocolate
How To Store Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Nutrition Facts (Estimate Per Cookie)
- Calories: ~140
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Protein: ~2g
- Fat: ~6g
- Sugar: ~10g
- Fiber: ~1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and serving size.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is preferred for flavor, but margarine can be used in a pinch.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Check that your butter isn’t too soft and consider chilling the dough.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
What makes these cookies chewy?
The oats, brown sugar, and proper baking time keep them soft and chewy.
Do I need to soak the raisins?
Not required, but soaking them briefly in warm water can make them plumper.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Fresh Peach Cake Recipe
- Ina Garten Gingerbread Cake Recipe
- Ina Garten Chocolate Chunk Blondies Recipe
Ina Garten Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Course: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy24
servings10
minutes10
minutes140
kcalChewy and classic oatmeal raisin cookies made with rolled oats, sweet raisins, and a hint of cinnamon—just like Ina Garten would make.
Ingredients
-
1½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp baking soda
-
1 tsp cinnamon
-
½ tsp salt
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup light brown sugar
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
2 tsp vanilla extract
-
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
-
1 cup raisins
-
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets.
- Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Stir in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in oats, raisins, and walnuts.
- Scoop onto baking sheets, spacing apart.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
