Oatmeal Raisin Christmas Cookies with Holiday Flavor

Ah, the humble oatmeal raisin cookie — often misunderstood, sometimes underestimated, but always delicious when done right. 😏
While everyone’s out there fighting over sugar cookies or gingerbread, I’m over here quietly hoarding a plate of Oatmeal Raisin Christmas Cookies that taste like comfort and holiday cheer had a baby.

Think: chewy oats, plump raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, and just the right hint of nutmeg. These cookies taste like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket by the fireplace.

And before you say it — yes, raisin haters exist. But even the skeptics usually grab a second cookie. These are that good.

Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Raisin Christmas Cookies

Let’s be honest: oatmeal cookies sometimes get unfairly labeled as “healthy.” Spoiler alert — these are not diet cookies. These are soft, chewy, Christmas-spiced magic discs that smell like nostalgia and taste like happiness.

Here’s why they deserve a spot on your holiday cookie tray:

• Chewy and soft, not dry. Perfect texture every time.
• Warm spices = instant holiday mood.
• Make-ahead friendly. You can chill or freeze the dough.
• Kid-approved. Even if they think raisins are suspicious.
• Smells better than any Christmas candle.

Ever wonder why your grandma’s house always smelled amazing around Christmas? Yeah… it was probably these cookies.

The Secret to Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Let’s break it down: the magic of a great oatmeal raisin cookie lies in balance — chewy oats, sweet raisins, a hint of spice, and a buttery base that holds it all together.

Golden Rules for Cookie Perfection:

• Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats — they give that hearty texture.
• Soak your raisins in warm water (or rum, if you’re feeling festive 😉) for 10 minutes to make them juicy.
• Don’t skimp on brown sugar — it keeps them soft and flavorful.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you like thicker cookies.

See? Easy. No cookie science degree required.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these goodies before your oven starts giving you side-eye:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup raisins
• (Optional) ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

If you’re baking for a crowd, double the batch. These disappear faster than your Christmas budget.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Soak the Raisins

Place raisins in a bowl of warm water (or rum — no judgment here) for 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and light. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Add the Oats and Raisins

Fold in oats, raisins, and nuts if you’re using them. The dough should be thick and sticky (aka cookie gold).

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls and place them 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. Bake 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers are soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a rack. Or, you know… just eat one warm because self-control is overrated. 🙂

Pro Tips for Extra Holiday Flavor

Want to make your cookies taste like they were baked in Santa’s kitchen? Try these:

• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a flavor boost.
• Mix in a handful of dried cranberries for color and tartness.
• Swap raisins for golden raisins for a lighter, honeyed sweetness.
• Drizzle a bit of white chocolate once cooled for a “fancy cookie swap” look.

Storage & Freezing Tips

Because we both know you’ll want to make these ahead of time:

• At Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• In the Freezer: Freeze dough balls up to 3 months. Bake from frozen — just add 2–3 minutes.
• To Reheat: 10 seconds in the microwave = warm cookie bliss.

Why These Cookies Belong on Every Christmas Tray

There’s something so comforting about oatmeal raisin cookies. They’re like the warm hug of the cookie world — simple, reliable, and always there when you need them.

Plus, when you spice them up with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of holiday spirit, they turn into something straight-up magical. Whether you’re baking for friends, gifting, or bribing Santa for an extra present — these are your go-to cookies this Christmas.

Conclusion

So, if you’re tired of the same ol’ sugar cookies, give these Oatmeal Raisin Christmas Cookies a spot on your baking list this year. They’re soft, chewy, and full of holiday flavor — basically Christmas in cookie form. 🎁

Grab your mixing bowl, cue up some holiday tunes, and get ready to bake up a little joy. These cookies don’t just make your home smell amazing — they make the holidays taste like home.

Oatmeal Raisin Christmas Cookies with Holiday Flavor

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• Author: Chef Mia
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft, chewy oatmeal raisin cookies infused with warm holiday spices – the perfect Christmas treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

½ tsp salt

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup raisins

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets.

2. Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes; drain.

3. Beat butter and sugars until fluffy; add eggs and vanilla.

4. Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

5. Combine wet and dry mixtures.

6. Fold in oats, raisins, and nuts.

7. Scoop dough balls and bake 10–12 minutes.

8. Cool and enjoy!

Notes

Chill dough for thicker cookies.

Add white chocolate drizzle for festive flair.

Store up to 1 week or freeze dough up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg