These soft oatmeal raisin cookies are one of my favorite cozy snacks to make when I’m craving something a little sweet but still wholesome. No sugar, no flour, and no fancy steps—just a handful of everyday ingredients, mixed in one bowl, and baked until golden and chewy.
Why It’s Yummy
- Naturally sweetened – The apples and raisins bring all the sweetness you need.
- Great for kids and grownups – My boys snack on these straight off the pan.
- Only 1 bowl and no mixer – Minimal dishes = a win on weeknights.
- Soft and chewy texture – They stay tender inside and lightly crisp on the edges.
🛒Ingredients
- Quick oats – I always use quick oats here since they hold everything together nicely. Old-fashioned oats work too, but give a chunkier texture.
- Apples – Any juicy apple will do, but I usually reach for Granny Smith or Fuji. I like the tart-sweet balance they bring.
- Raisins – I soak mine in hot water first to make them super plump and juicy. Totally worth the extra 10 minutes.
- Egg – One egg is enough to bind everything. If you're egg-free, check the Tips below!
- Cinnamon – A must with apples. It adds that cozy flavor we all love.
- Vanilla extract – Adds a nice little boost of flavor.
- Salt – Just a pinch brings out the sweetness and balances the cinnamon.
👩🍳 You'll find the complete list of ingredients below the recipe card.
🥣How To Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Step By Step
- Prep the raisins – Soak raisins in hot water for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Grate the apples – Peel, core, and finely grate the apples. I use the small side of a box grater, but you could also use a food processor.
- Mix it all up – In a mixing bowl, stir together the oats, grated apples, raisins, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and beaten egg. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the oats can soak up the moisture.
- Shape the cookies – Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Roll into balls and flatten slightly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the cookies are firm around the edges.
- Cool and enjoy – Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
The edges should be firm and lightly golden. The centers will still be soft but will set as they cool.
Grate the apples finely
This helps the apples blend smoothly into the dough and keeps the cookies moist without needing flour.
📋Tips
- Soak the raisins – Soaking makes the raisins plump and juicy, which adds a better texture and natural sweetness.
- Let the mixture rest – Giving the oats 10 minutes to soak up the apple juices helps the dough hold together, so your cookies won’t fall apart.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper – These cookies are soft and can stick. Lining your baking tray makes cleanup easy and keeps them from breaking.
- Flatten slightly before baking – These cookies won’t spread much, so press them into shape before they go in the oven.
🍱Storing Leftovers
- 🍱To Store. Leave them uncovered at room temperature for 1–2 days. They’ll firm up a little but still taste great.
- 🥶Freezing. Let them cool completely and freeze in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temp.
- 🔥To Reheat. Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften them up.
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, but the cookies will be more textured. You can pulse them in a blender if you want them softer.
FAQ
Yes, old fashioned oats work too, they just give the cookies a slightly chunkier, heartier texture.
You can, but soaking them in hot water first makes them plumper and juicier, so it's worth the extra couple of minutes.
Yes, they freeze well in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Fun Variations to Try
- Add nuts - chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch.
- Chocolate chip swap - use chocolate chips instead of raisins for a different classic.
- Spiced version - add a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon for extra warmth.
Ways to Serve These Cookies
- With a glass of milk for an afternoon snack
- Crumbled over yogurt for a fun breakfast twist
- Packed in a lunchbox for a wholesome treat
More Cookie Recipes You'll Like
📖Recipe
Refined Sugar Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup quick oats
- 1 cup grated apple, grated on a fine grater, about 2 apples
- ½ cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- a pinch of salt
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Wash the raisins and soak them for 10 minutes in hot water. Then drain and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Peel the apple, core it and grate it on a fine grater or chop finely in a blender. (Use a juicy apple like Granny Smith, but any variety will work.)
- In a bowl, mix the apple, oats, raisins, cinnamon, sal,, and vanilla. Let sit for 10 minutes so the oats can absorb moisture.
- Form small balls from the dough using a spoon (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Lightly press each ball with your hands to flatten into cookie shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
- Cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If you loved this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and review below!
Nutrition
Before You Go
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