Big and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Makes about 18 large cookies

This is my very favorite cookie recipe. The family begs for them all of the time. The best part is how they taste, but almost as good as that fact, is that it has oatmeal in it, making it healthier. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the white sugar by one quarter cup, but you will lose some crispness. Do not overbake these cookies! The edges should be brown, but the rest of the cookie should be very light in color.


1 ½ cups all purpose flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
½ tsp cinnamon
½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3 cups rolled oats
1 ½ cups raisins (optional)


1.) Adjust oven racks to low and middle positions and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper (optional).

2.) Whisk flour, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg together in medium bowl.

3.) Either by hand or with electric mixer, beat butter until creamy. Add sugars; beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time.

4.) Stir dry ingredients into butter-sugar mixture with wooden spoon or large rubber spatula. Stir in oats and optional raisins.

5.) Working with generous 2 tablespoons of dough each time, roll dough into 2-inch balls. Place balls on parchment lined cookie sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between each ball.

6.) Bake until cookie edges turn golden brown, 22 to 25 minutes. (Halfway during baking, turn cookie sheets from front to back and also switch them from top to bottom. Slide cookies, on parchment, to cooling rack. Let cool at least 30 minutes before peeling cookie from parchment.

Christmas/Holiday Variation: Replace raisins with Craisins (dried, sweetened cranberries), and add 1, 12 ounce bag (2 cups) of white chocolate chips.