If you love soft, chewy cookies with a comforting homemade taste, this Mary Berry oat and raisin cookies recipe is a must-bake. These cookies are golden on the edges, slightly soft in the middle, and packed with sweet raisins and hearty oats. They are simple to make, beginner-friendly, and perfect for afternoon tea or lunchbox treats. From start to finish, you can have them ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 150g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 120g rolled oats
- 120g raisins
Wet Ingredients
- 120g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g brown sugar
- 50g caster sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Mary Berry Oat and Raisin Cookies
- Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C or 160°C fan. Line two baking trays with baking parchment so the cookies bake evenly and do not stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and oats. Stir in the raisins so they are evenly distributed and coated in flour.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates a soft cookie texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until a thick cookie dough forms and no dry flour remains visible.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking trays, leaving space between each cookie to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake and cool: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Oat and Raisin Cookies
Why are my cookies turning hard?
Do not overbake them. Remove the cookies when the edges are golden but the centre still looks slightly soft. They firm up as they cool.
Can I make the cookies chewier?
Yes. Use more brown sugar than white sugar and slightly underbake them for a softer texture.
Why do my raisins sink or clump?
Toss raisins in a little flour before mixing. This helps them stay evenly spread in the dough.
Can I chill the dough?
Yes. Chilling for 30 minutes helps control spreading and improves flavour.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a glass of milk
- Enjoy with afternoon tea or coffee
- Add to lunchboxes for a sweet snack
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for dessert
Storage
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep in a cool, dry place.
Refrigerator
Not necessary, but you can refrigerate for up to 7 days if your kitchen is warm.
Freezing
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 60mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but rolled oats give a better chewy texture. Quick oats will make the cookies slightly softer.
Can I replace raisins with other dried fruit?
Yes, you can use sultanas, chopped dates, or dried cranberries for a different flavour.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens if the butter is too soft or the dough is not chilled before baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats for best results.
Mary Berry Oat and Raisin Cookies Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesSoft and chewy Mary Berry oat and raisin cookies made with rolled oats, warm spices, and sweet raisins. Easy homemade cookies perfect for tea time or snacking.
Ingredients
150g plain flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
120g rolled oats
120g raisins
120g unsalted butter
100g brown sugar
50g caster sugar
1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract
