Picture this: the irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon and brown sugar filling your kitchen, the soft golden edges of freshly baked oatmeal cookies begging to be tasted. You break one open, revealing a tender, chewy inside with just the right hint of sweetness and spice. This cozy experience is exactly what happens when you make The BEST Oatmeal Cookie Recipe (no Raisins) Recipe — a simple, quick, and utterly delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Every bite melts in your mouth with a comforting blend of oats and a gentle crunch along the edges. Whether it’s a snack for an afternoon pick-me-up or the centerpiece of your next gathering, these cookies bring joy in the simplest form. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll reach for it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This The BEST Oatmeal Cookie Recipe (no Raisins) Recipe
- Ready in 25 minutes: Perfect for when you want delicious homemade cookies without the long wait, this recipe gets warm cookies out of the oven fast.
- Uses simple ingredients: You won’t need any strange, hard-to-find items — just classic pantry staples combined thoughtfully for maximum flavor.
- Perfect for beginners: Easy-to-follow steps ensure even novice bakers can create bakery-quality cookies on their first try.
- Impressive presentation: These oatmeal cookies come out perfectly golden with a rustic, mouthwatering look that’s sure to wow friends and family.
- Customizable: Want to jazz things up? Chocolate chips, nuts, or a dash of cinnamon can easily be added to make the cookie your own.
Why This The BEST Oatmeal Cookie Recipe (no Raisins) Recipe Works
The secret to this recipe lies in a few key techniques and carefully chosen ingredients that work harmoniously. First, creaming the butter and sugars until fluffy creates a tender texture with just the right crunch. Using both baking soda and baking powder ensures a lovely rise without spreading too thin. Rolled oats add chewiness and a wholesome feel, giving you that beloved oatmeal cookie bite. Finally, the gentle 325°F bake time invites even cooking, perfect golden edges, and a soft center that stays moist. These little touches combine to make a cookie that’s as satisfying to bake as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to craft The BEST Oatmeal Cookie Recipe (no Raisins) Recipe with confidence. Each one plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture.
- Salted butter (1 cup): Adds rich flavor and helps create that soft, chewy texture.
- Light brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Brings moisture and caramel undertones for deep sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances texture and caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Large eggs (2): Bind all ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Elevates flavor with its warm, aromatic essence.
- Rolled oats (2 1/4 cups): The star ingredient offering hearty chew and wholesome appeal.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides the right balance of structure and tenderness.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and spread just enough.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds extra lift for a soft, puffy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the cookie’s flavors and balances sweetness.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, optional): Infuses a warm spice note if you’re feeling adventurous.
Ingredient Substitutions & Tips
- Salted butter: Unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt works perfectly as well.
- Light brown sugar: You can substitute with dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor.
- Rolled oats: Quick oats may work in a pinch but change the texture slightly, making cookies less chewy.
- Vanilla extract: Almond extract or maple syrup can be used to add a unique twist.
👨🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use room temperature butter: Softened butter creams easier with sugar, ensuring fluffier dough.
- Don’t overmix: Combine wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated to keep cookies tender.
- Chill dough if warm: If your kitchen is hot, chill the dough for 15 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Use parchment paper: Keeps cookies from sticking and promotes even browning on the bottoms.
- Watch the bake time: Slightly underbake for the softest centers that firm up while cooling.
How to Make The BEST Oatmeal Cookie Recipe (no Raisins) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using light-colored sheets helps prevent overbrowning, resulting in perfectly golden edges with tender centers.
💡 Pro Tip: Make sure the oven rack is centered for even heat distribution.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened salted butter with both light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy — about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the foundation for soft texture and rich flavor.
💡 Pro Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to mix everything evenly.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then pour in the vanilla extract and stir until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
💡 Pro Tip: If eggs are cold, warm them slightly for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. If you love cinnamon in your oatmeal cookies, now is the time to add it. This creates a balanced blend for perfect rise and texture.
💡 Pro Tip: Sifting these ingredients prevents lumps and ensures uniform distribution.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet
Gradually mix the dry flour mixture into your wet butter and sugar mixture on medium speed. Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
💡 Pro Tip: Stop mixing once you see no more streaks of flour; overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
Step 6: Stir In Rolled Oats
Fold in the rolled oats gently until evenly distributed. This adds the signature chewy texture that makes this the BEST Oatmeal Cookie Recipe (no Raisins) Recipe truly shine.
💡 Pro Tip: Feel free to add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a personalized touch.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a medium cookie scoop, place cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
💡 Pro Tip: Slightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers for even baking and beautiful cookie shape.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 9-12 minutes or until edges turn a gorgeous golden brown while centers remain soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool, maintaining that perfect chewy interior.
💡 Pro Tip: Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for consistent results.
Step 9: Cool and Store
Allow cookies to cool on the hot baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them carefully to wire racks to cool completely. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days to preserve freshness.
💡 Pro Tip: Warm cookies taste heavenly; try eating one slightly warmed for an extra treat!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from these common pitfalls to nail The BEST Oatmeal Cookie Recipe (no Raisins) Recipe every time:
- Using melted butter: This can cause cookies to spread too much and become thin and crispy instead of chewy.
- Overmixing the dough: Leads to tough cookies by developing gluten in the flour.
- Baking at too high temperature: Results in burnt edges and dry centers rather than soft, tender cookies.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make the cookies dry, while too little causes spreading.
- Skipping parchment paper or silicone mats: Causes sticking and uneven baking.
- Removing cookies from the baking sheet too soon: They might break apart before firming up.
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, feel free to spice things up with these tasty twists on The BEST Oatmeal Cookie Recipe (no Raisins) Recipe:
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips before scooping for a decadent, melty-chocolate surprise in every bite.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Mix in 1/2 cup peanut butter with the butter and sugar for nutty richness that complements the oats beautifully.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Stir in 1 cup finely chopped dried apples and increase cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons for a cozy, autumn-inspired treat.
Walnut and Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
Fold in 1/2 cup toasted walnuts and 1/2 cup dried cranberries for a perfect mix of crunch and tartness.
Chocolate Drizzle
Once cooled, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over your baked cookies for an elegant finish that tastes incredible.
How to Serve The BEST Oatmeal Cookie Recipe (no Raisins) Recipe

Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on warm cookies heightens sweetness wonderfully. Alternatively, a dusting of powdered sugar adds charm and a delicate touch.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a cold glass of milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or fragrant chai tea for a heartwarming pairing that elevates the cookie experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of mix-ins like nuts and chocolate chips for a DIY cookie decorating station. Pack them in pretty tins with parchment for gift-giving or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Dough balls can be frozen on baking sheets until firm, then transferred to freezer bags and stored for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
Reheating
Warm cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh softness and melt any chocolate chips.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free for safe, delicious results.
Why no raisins in this recipe?
While traditional oatmeal cookies often include raisins, this recipe celebrates the oats’ natural flavor and lets you customize with your favorite mix-ins instead.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You can, but rolled oats create a chewier, heartier texture. Quick oats make the cookies softer and less textured.
How do I keep my cookies soft?
Underbake slightly and store in airtight containers with a slice of bread or apple to maintain moisture.
Is it okay to add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! These mix-ins amplify flavor and texture, making the cookies even more irresistible.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use multiple baking sheets, rotating as necessary for even baking.
What’s the best way to measure flour?
Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing, which can lead to dry cookies.
Can I store these cookies in the refrigerator?
While possible, it’s best to store them at room temperature to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about baking the perfect oatmeal cookie, especially when it’s The BEST Oatmeal Cookie Recipe (no Raisins) Recipe that feels like an old friend in each bite. It’s simple enough to whip up on a whim yet impressive enough to share at celebrations or cozy nights in. The warm spices, tender oats, and golden edges make these cookies a heartwarming treat that never disappoints.
Have you tried this The BEST Oatmeal Cookie Recipe (no Raisins) Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍪
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The BEST Oatmeal Cookie Recipe (no Raisins) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This is the best classic oatmeal cookie recipe that delivers soft, chewy cookies with a perfect balance of sweetness and warm cinnamon flavor. Made without raisins, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake, perfect for a cozy snack or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups rolled oats
- 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325° F. Line two light-colored baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter with both white and brown sugars until the mixture becomes lighter in color and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This creates a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients on medium speed, ensuring a consistent dough without overmixing.
- Stir in Oats: Fold in the rolled oats, and if desired, any mix-ins like chocolate chips or raisins for additional flavor and texture.
- Portion Dough: Using a medium cookie scoop, portion cookie dough balls onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them to allow spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft to the touch.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from oven and let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring to cooling racks to cool completely. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Using light brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor and moisture.
- The cinnamon is optional but adds a warm spice note that complements oats well.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy rather than crisp.
- Substitute rolled oats with quick oats for a slightly different texture but similar flavor.
- Add chocolate chips or nuts for variation if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness up to 3 days.


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