The warmth of cinnamon, the nuttiness of oats, and the decadence of chocolate-covered raisins come together in these delightfully chewy cookies. Soft in the center with just the right crisp at the edge, each bite delivers comfort and nostalgia in equal measure.
Perfect with a glass of milk or a cup of tea, these cookies are great for lunchboxes, late-night snacks, or cozy family gatherings. Plus, they’re quick to whip up—no chilling time required. If you’re craving a little sweet joy with a chewy texture and that extra pop from chocolate raisins, this recipe’s calling your name.
Full Recipe:
-
1 cup vegetable shortening
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
1 cup packed light brown sugar
-
3 large eggs, room temperature
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
2½ cups all-purpose flour
-
2 teaspoons baking soda
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
2 cups old-fashioned oats
-
1 cup chocolate-covered raisins
-
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans (optional)
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 5–7 minutes).
-
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
-
Fold in the oats, chocolate-covered raisins, and pecans if using.
-
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets.
-
Flatten each dough ball slightly with a greased glass bottom.
-
Bake for 10–11 minutes, or until cookies are golden brown. Do not overbake.
-
Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 11 minutes | Total Time: 31 minutes
Kcal: 138 kcal per cookie | Servings: About 42 cookies
The Cozy Charm of Chocolate-Covered Raisin Cookies
Few things evoke comfort and nostalgia quite like a warm batch of homemade cookies fresh out of the oven. Among the classics, chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin often reign supreme—but when the two merge in the form of Chocolate-Covered Raisin Cookies, the result is an elevated twist that delivers chewy, gooey, irresistible satisfaction. These cookies blend the earthy texture of oats, the comforting spice of cinnamon, and the indulgent sweetness of chocolate-covered raisins into a single delightful bite. They’re ideal for everyday enjoyment, holiday gatherings, or as a heartfelt homemade gift.
What Makes These Cookies Stand Out
Unlike standard oatmeal raisin cookies, which rely solely on the natural sweetness of dried fruit, this version introduces chocolate-covered raisins, adding a rich and creamy element that balances the cookie’s chewy texture. The use of both brown and white sugar enhances the cookie’s depth of flavor and moistness, while cinnamon infuses every bite with a subtle warmth.
The choice of vegetable shortening instead of butter is another distinctive feature. While butter adds flavor, shortening contributes to a more consistent texture, resulting in cookies that are soft and tender in the center while holding their shape and not spreading excessively during baking. The outcome? Uniform, golden cookies with just the right bite.
The Texture Game: Why Oats Matter
Old-fashioned rolled oats are a core ingredient here, not just for tradition but for function. They provide a chewy foundation that holds up to the softness of the cookie without becoming mushy or dry. Unlike quick-cooking oats, which tend to disintegrate into the batter, rolled oats retain their integrity, contributing both flavor and structure.
Oats also complement the raisins’ natural chewiness and the silky crunch of chocolate coating. The end texture feels both rustic and luxurious—a perfect blend of comfort food and gourmet indulgence.
A Cookie for Every Occasion
These cookies aren’t just a one-season wonder. Their balance of cozy spices and melty chocolate makes them perfect for fall and winter, but their ease and universal appeal make them just as suitable for summer picnics, back-to-school snacks, or spring brunches.
Because they’re not overly sweet or cloying, they pair exceptionally well with tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. Pack them in a lunchbox, share them at potlucks, or stack them in a cookie jar for a daily treat—this is a versatile, all-year-round kind of cookie.
Customization: The Heart of Home Baking
One of the beautiful aspects of this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Want more crunch? Add chopped pecans or walnuts. Prefer a fruitier bite? Swap out raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even golden sultanas. Feeling adventurous? Mix in a touch of shredded coconut for a tropical twist or sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking to create a salty-sweet contrast.
Even the chocolate can be played with—milk, dark, or white chocolate-covered raisins each bring a unique flavor to the final cookie. A blend of all three makes for a visually appealing and flavor-rich treat that’s sure to spark curiosity (and second helpings).
The Role of Cinnamon and Brown Sugar
Brown sugar does more than sweeten the dough—it’s crucial to the cookie’s moisture and richness. Because of its molasses content, it also enhances the chewy texture and deepens the flavor profile. Combined with cinnamon, which adds a gentle spice note without overpowering the palate, these cookies carry a subtle complexity that elevates them far above store-bought varieties.
Cinnamon has a natural affinity for oats and raisins, a trio often used in traditional baking. Adding chocolate to the mix doesn’t dilute that harmony—it amplifies it. Chocolate, spice, and fruit might sound like an odd trio, but in this cookie, they coexist beautifully.
Nostalgia Meets Indulgence
There’s something deeply comforting about baking cookies from scratch. The process alone—measuring, mixing, shaping, and watching them turn golden in the oven—can evoke memories of family kitchens and weekend baking with loved ones. These cookies strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and indulgence.
Chocolate-covered raisin cookies feel familiar yet exciting, thanks to their unexpected chocolate-fruit center. They may remind you of grandma’s oatmeal raisin cookies but offer a richer, more satisfying payoff. The taste feels rooted in tradition while the texture and flavors feel modern and indulgent.
Storage Tips and Longevity
To make the most of your batch, proper storage is essential. These cookies keep beautifully at room temperature for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. If you want to keep them chewy, tuck in a slice of bread—it helps maintain moisture without affecting flavor.
For long-term storage, these cookies freeze exceptionally well. Simply let them cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic or freezer-safe wrap, and store in an airtight container or ziplock bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and they’ll taste as fresh as the day you made them.
Perfect for Gifting and Sharing
Because these cookies are sturdy and hold their shape well, they make an excellent choice for mailing or gifting. During the holidays, wrap them in decorative cellophane bags or layer them in cookie tins with parchment paper between each layer. Tie with a ribbon and you’ve got a handmade, heartfelt gift that tastes every bit as good as it looks.
Add a handwritten note with a description of the flavor or a personal memory associated with the recipe to make the gift even more meaningful. They’re also great for cookie swaps, teacher appreciation gifts, or care packages for college students.
A Family Favorite with a Gourmet Touch
Many families have a go-to cookie recipe that gets passed down through generations. These chocolate-covered raisin cookies have the potential to become that kind of classic—something you make again and again, something your kids request, and something you serve with pride.
What sets them apart is how they feel both homey and elevated. They don’t require expensive ingredients or complicated techniques, but the end result tastes like something you’d find in a boutique bakery. That’s the sweet spot for any home baker.
Conclusion: Why You Need This Cookie in Your Life
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone just learning their way around the kitchen, this cookie recipe checks all the boxes. It’s simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and universally appealing. With its balance of chewy oats, juicy raisins, silky chocolate, and warm cinnamon, it delivers on every level—texture, flavor, aroma, and heart.
In a world full of elaborate desserts and trendy bakes, there’s something deeply satisfying about a cookie that simply tastes like home. These chocolate-covered raisin cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a reminder that the best desserts are often the ones made with love, shared with others, and baked from the heart.