There’s something endlessly comforting about a classic oatmeal raisin cookie — soft centers, chewy edges, warm cinnamon, and sweet raisins in every bite. These Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are everything you remember about the nostalgic favorite, but made completely gluten free and crafted to bake up beautifully every time.

They’re the kind of cookie that fills your kitchen with the coziest aroma and makes you want to pour a glass of cold milk or brew a fresh cup of coffee. Whether you’re baking a batch for after-school treats, holiday cookie tins, or simply because you’re craving something warm and homemade, these cookies strike that perfect balance of texture and flavor.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, give you tips for the perfect soft, chewy cookie, and show you exactly how to bake them so they come out uniform, round, and bakery-worthy — all without any gluten!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Texture  
Chewy centers and crisp edges — everything an oatmeal raisin cookie should be!

Simple ingredients
Pantry staples come together for a truly bakery-worthy cookie.

Nostalgic Flavor
Brown sugar and cinnamon create that classic flavor combination that pairs perfectly with the hearty oats and sweet raisins.

Make-ahead friendly
These cookies hold up beautifully, making them perfect for gifting or cookie boxes.

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Ingredient Notes

Gluten-Free 1:1 Flour:
A high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill) ensures the cookies hold their shape and bake with the perfect soft-chewy texture. Using a blend that includes xanthan gum helps them mimic traditional cookie structure beautifully.

Butter:
Room temperature unsalted butter creates a smooth, creamy base when mixed with the sugars. It also helps the cookies spread just the right amount in the oven.

Light Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar:
Light brown sugar adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor, while granulated sugar helps with balanced sweetness and crisp edges.

Egg & Vanilla Extract:
The egg provides structure, while vanilla enhances the warm, cozy flavor profile of the cookies.

Old Fashioned Rolled Oats:
Be sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick-cooking or instant). They give these cookies their hearty texture and signature chew.

Raisins:
Seedless raisins add little pockets of sweetness throughout the cookie. They get plump and tender as the cookies bake — absolute perfection!

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How to Make Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list, measurements, and instructions.

Step 1: Whisk together gluten-free 1:1 flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  Set aside. 

Step 2: Cream together the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Add the vanilla extract and egg and mix to combine.

Step 4: Add the dry ingredients and mix on low until no flour streaks remain.

Step 5: Fold in the oats and raisins and then allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats.

Step 6: Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and flatten slightly. Bake one tray at a time at 350F.

Step 7: Remove from the oven and immediately swirl each cookie with a round cookie cutter or the rim of a small bowl to shape them.  Cool on the pan for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire cooling rack.

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Recipe Tips

Measure your flour properly
My number one baking tip (especially for gluten-free recipes) is to measure your flour with a digital kitchen scale! This will ensure that just the right amount of flour is added. If you’re using measuring cups, fluff the flour first, spoon it into the cup, and level it off.  Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack in too much flour and lead to dry cookies.

Use room temperature ingredients
Room temperature ingredients help your cookie dough mix smoothly, cream properly, and bake evenly — giving you cookies with soft centers, crisp edges, and perfect spread. It’s a small step that makes your cookies truly bakery-worthy.

Let the dough rest before baking
Allowing the dough to rest for just 15-20 minutes will give the flour time to hydrate and help the dough firm up a little bit for easier scooping.  You can definitely skip this step but I would highly recommend trying it– you’ll be surprised at what an improvement it makes to the overall taste and texture of the cookies!

Check your oven temperature
For cookies that bake evenly with soft centers and golden edges, make sure your oven is fully preheated and running at the correct temperature. Ovens often run hotter or cooler than expected, which can lead to overspreading, underbaking, or dry edges. Using an oven thermometer helps ensure the temperature is accurate so your cookies come out perfectly every time!

Shape the Cookies While Warm
To get perfectly round bakery style cookies, gently swirl the cookies with a round cookie cutter or the rim of a small bowl as soon as they come out of the oven.

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Print

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Photography by Creating Kaitlin

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