Looking for Christmas cookie recipes that fill the kitchen with warm, spicy smells? Eloise’s spiced oatmeal raisin cookies were a favourite from our Best Christmas Cookies Recipes Competition, and it’s easy to see why. They’re soft, chewy, packed with oats and raisins, and just spiced enough to feel properly festive.
These cookies make your whole house smell super Christmassy when they’re in the oven. And they’re full of oats and raisins, so they’re healthy… right…
Makes about 3 dozen or so cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups plain flour
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups oats
- 1 cup raisins
Method
1) With your mixer or hand mixer, cream the butter and sugars until well blended. Add the brown sugar, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. In another bowl, combine the flour, spices, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture and mix until combined. Add the oats and raisins and mix until combined. Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
2) Preheat the oven to 170°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
3) Form the dough into ping-pong-ball-sized balls and place on the trays about 1 1/2–2 inches apart.
4) Bake for 8–10 minutes for soft, chewy cookies. If you prefer a crunchier cookie, bake for 10–12 minutes.
If you’re not used to baking in cups, a converter table can help you switch between cups and grams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes. The dough needs at least 2 hours chilling in the fridge, so it’s easy to make it the day before and bake fresh when you’re ready.
Can I freeze the dough or the baked cookies?
Both freeze well. Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag, then bake from frozen with a few extra minutes in the oven. Baked cookies also freeze in an airtight container for a few weeks.
Can I swap the raisins for something else?
Yes, sultanas, chopped dates, or dried cranberries all work nicely in this recipe if you want a different flavour or don’t have raisins to hand.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container once fully cooled. A slice of bread popped in with them can help keep them soft for a few extra days.
You Might Also Enjoy
If you loved these, why not try Emma’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, our Cranberry & White Chocolate Chip Cookies, or browse 15 Easy Christmas Recipes for more festive baking inspiration.
Have you tried this cookie recipe? Or do you have your own favourite Christmas cookie recipes? Tell us in the comments below.
Save This for Later
Love this recipe? Save this page or add it to your Christmas baking list so it’s ready to go when you’re planning your festive treats.
Don’t Miss Our Weekly Ideas
Enjoyed this recipe? Sign up for our free newsletter for more family food ideas, festive activities, and things to do with the kids delivered straight to your inbox each week.
