Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Soft, Old-Fashioned & Bakery-Style)

Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are one of those recipes I’m genuinely thankful to share—because they feel like home. Thank you for being here and trusting me with a classic that never goes out of style. I promised you cozy, tried-and-true baking recipes, and here’s proof! These Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are soft, chewy, warmly spiced, and loaded with oats and raisins. Anything but boring!!

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Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Overview

These Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are made the old-fashioned way—with Crisco for extra softness, plenty of oats for chew, and brown sugar for that deep, caramel-like flavor. They bake up thick, tender, and perfectly balanced between sweet and hearty.

They’re the kind of cookies that make your kitchen smell amazing and disappear faster than you expect.

Reasons to Love Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

There are so many reasons this recipe is a keeper:

• Soft and chewy texture
• Classic, nostalgic flavor
• Perfect for big batches
• Great for sharing or freezing
• Simple pantry ingredients

These are cookies you’ll come back to again and again.

What Do These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Taste Like?

These cookies are rich and chewy with a buttery (without butter!) softness from the Crisco. The brown sugar gives warmth and depth, the oats add heartiness, and the raisins bring little pops of natural sweetness. Every bite is comforting and satisfying.

Benefits of This Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe

Beyond tasting amazing, this recipe offers:

• Cookies that stay soft for days
• Easy-to-mix dough
• Great texture thanks to quick oats
• Perfect balance of sweet and hearty
• Ideal for make-ahead baking

It’s a classic for a reason.

Ingredients for Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need:

Wet Ingredients

• 1½ cups Crisco (vegetable shortening)
• 2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon (optional but recommended)

Add-Ins

• 6 cups uncooked quick oats
• 1½–2 cups raisins

Tools You’ll Need

You’ll only need basic baking tools:

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or spoon

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

These Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are easy to customize:

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans
• Swap raisins for dried cranberries
• Add a pinch of nutmeg
• Use half butter, half Crisco if desired
• Add chocolate chips for a twist

How to Make Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Shortening and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together Crisco, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavoring

Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in water and vanilla until fully combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 5: Combine

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 6: Add Oats and Raisins

Stir in oats and raisins until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Scoop

Drop dough by rounded tablespoons or use a cookie scoop, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are just set.

Step 9: Cool

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

That’s it—Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies perfection!

What to Serve with Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These cookies are perfect with:

• Cold milk
• Hot coffee or tea
• Lunchbox treats
• Holiday cookie trays
• After-school snacks

They’re comforting anytime of day.

Storage Instructions

Store Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies:

• Room temperature (airtight): up to 5 days
• Refrigerator: up to 7 days
• Freezer (baked or dough): up to 3 months

General Information About Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal cookies have been loved for generations because they’re hearty, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Using shortening instead of butter helps create cookies that stay soft longer—perfect for big batches.

Conclusion

These Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with old-fashioned comfort. They’re the kind of cookies that remind you why classics never go out of style—easy to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for sharing with people you love.

If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy classic chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cranberry cookies, or soft molasses cookies for more cozy baking inspiration.

I’d love to see your cookies! Leave a review, and don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest—your baking memories always make my day 🍪✨

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Cookie)

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 140mg