There’s something quietly satisfying about a cookie jar that holds more than just cookies—it holds the promise of warmth and comfort, ready to be baked fresh on a whim. This oatmeal raisin cookie jar is exactly that kind of treat. All the dry ingredients are patiently layered inside a glass jar, waiting for the moment when you decide it’s time for a little homemade indulgence. It’s a simple idea, but one that turns into something unexpectedly special when the kitchen fills with that familiar cinnamon and brown sugar aroma.
One afternoon, I found myself standing in front of the jar, distracted by a buzzing phone and a half-finished list of what I needed to do. I wasn’t sure I had the time to bake, but the smell of cinnamon and oats pulled me in. I ended up mixing the wet ingredients in a bit of a hurry, almost forgetting the vanilla at first, but it somehow made the whole process feel more real—imperfect and all. The cookies came out golden, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet. That slightly messy moment turned into a small but memorable pause in an otherwise busy day.
- The jar keeps all the dry ingredients perfectly layered and ready to mix, which saves time and makes baking approachable—even if you’re a little distracted.
- It’s easy to store, so you can keep it on hand for whenever the cookie craving strikes—no rushing to the store needed.
- The cookies come out chewy and flavorful, with a comforting blend of cinnamon, raisins, and walnuts that’s both nostalgic and cozy.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or fancy tools, just a dependable recipe that feels like a warm hug.
If you’re ever unsure about whether you can fit baking into your day, remember this jar. It’s a small reminder that something delicious and homemade can happen with minimal fuss—and maybe a little bit of distraction.
PrintOatmeal Raisin Cookie Jar
A delightful and easy-to-make oatmeal raisin cookie mix in a jar, perfect for gifting or baking fresh cookies anytime. Layered with all the dry ingredients, just add wet ingredients and bake for chewy, flavorful cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a 1-quart wide-mouth glass jar, layer the dry ingredients in the following order: oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, raisins, and walnuts. Press each layer gently to compact but do not pack too tightly. Seal the jar with a lid and store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
To bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Carefully empty the contents of the jar into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined and a dough forms.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once you’ve got your jar ready, don’t worry about perfect equipment—just a bowl and a baking sheet will do. I usually like pairing these cookies with a cup of tea or a glass of cold milk, especially in the late afternoon when the light starts to soften. If you want to mix things up, you might try swapping walnuts for pecans or adding a pinch of nutmeg for a slightly different spice profile. Sometimes I toss in a few chocolate chips instead of raisins, but I haven’t tested all of these variations enough to call them must-tries—just some ideas if you’re feeling experimental.
FAQ
How long can I store the cookie jar mix?
Keep it sealed in a cool, dry place for up to three months, so you’re always ready for a quick baking session.
Can I make the cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! The walnuts add texture, but leaving them out won’t ruin the cookies—just a bit less crunch.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can lightly grease the baking sheet instead, though parchment helps keep things tidy.
Are these cookies chewy or crunchy?
They come out soft and chewy, especially if you don’t overbake them.
Ready to turn your cookie jar into a cozy baking ritual? Grab your jar, mix it up, and enjoy the simple joy of homemade oatmeal raisin cookies whenever you want.

