It is not necessary to soak raisins before baking with them if they are fresh. Should You Soak Raisins Before Baking Cookies? The moisture from the raisins helps keep the cookie soft. Using plump and soft raisins also help to make oatmeal raisin cookies soft and chewy.The longer a cookie bakes, the crispier the dough will become. Underbake the cookies slightly to keep the cookies soft.This will cause the cookies to stay small and the texture will be tough. While gluten development is ideal when making bread, it should be avoided when making cookies. The more flour is beaten, the more gluten develops. The added molasses in the brown sugar increases the moisture level in the cookie which helps the cookie stay soft. Look for a recipe that has more brown sugar than granulated sugar.But how you make oatmeal raisin cookies stay soft and chewy? Here are a few tricks to help you out: When I think of a good Oatmeal Raisin Cookie (or really any drop cookie), I am looking for a recipe that results in a slightly crispy outer edge and a soft and chewy middle. I have eaten many oatmeal raisin cookies that were essentially hard little nuggets of dry dough and raisins. How Do You Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Soft and Chewy? Stand mixer with paddle attachment (or large bowl with hand mixer).Digital scale (or dry measuring cups and measuring spoons).11 Tbsp (155g) unsalted butter, softened.¼ cup + 1 ½ Tbsp (69g) granulated sugar.½ cup + 3½ Tbsp (140g) light brown sugar.Click to see my full disclosure policy.*** Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to and affiliated sites. ***This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click a link and purchase something. These easy oatmeal raisin cookies are a winner! They are filled with plump raisins, chewy oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a touch of vanilla. These cookies have a crisp outer edge with a soft and chewy middle. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are quite possibly my favorite drop cookie (aka cookies that are made by “dropping” cookie dough onto baking sheets).