Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The oats provide a chewy, hearty base, while the raisins add a natural sweetness. Unlike many store-bought cookies, these are made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients, making them a guilt-free indulgence. The absence of eggs or dairy doesn’t sacrifice taste; instead, the use of flaxseed and plant-based butter creates a rich, satisfying cookie that everyone will love. Plus, they’re easy to make, so you can enjoy a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

• 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar

• 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave syrup

• 1/4 cup coconut oil or plant-based butter, melted

• 1/4 cup raisins

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (mixed with 3 tablespoons water to create a flax egg)

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken and form a flax egg.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.

4. Add the melted coconut oil or plant-based butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and the flax egg to the dry ingredients. Stir well to combine until the dough comes together.

5. Fold in the raisins.

6. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form the dough into rounded balls, then flatten them slightly on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 12 cookies

• Total Time: 25 minutes

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes

  • Baking Time: 10-12 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: Add chopped walnuts or almonds to the cookie dough for extra crunch and flavor.

• Use dried fruit: Swap raisins with dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dried apricots for a different twist.

• Chocolate chips: Add dairy-free chocolate chips for a chocolatey version of these cookies.

• Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for a more complex flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week to extend their shelf life.

• Freezing: If you want to keep them for longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the flaxseed egg with a different egg replacer?

Yes, you can use a chia egg or a store-bought egg replacer instead of the flaxseed egg.

2. Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use certified gluten-free oats and gluten-free flour to make these cookies entirely gluten-free.

3. Can I use white sugar instead of coconut sugar?

Yes, white sugar can be used as a substitute, though coconut sugar provides a richer flavor with a hint of caramel.

4. Are these cookies nut-free?

Yes, this recipe is nut-free as written. However, if you choose to add nuts, it will no longer be nut-free.

5. How do I make the dough less sticky?

If the dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking. This will help the dough firm up and make it easier to handle.

6. Can I make these cookies without any added sweetener?

You can omit the added sweeteners (sugar or maple syrup), but the cookies may turn out less sweet. Consider adding more raisins or other dried fruit for natural sweetness.

7. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can experiment with other flours, such as almond flour or oat flour, but the texture and consistency may vary.

8. Are these cookies suitable for a diabetic diet?

Since the recipe uses natural sweeteners like maple syrup and coconut sugar, it is lower on the glycemic index than refined sugars. However, it’s still important to enjoy these cookies in moderation if you’re following a diabetic diet.

9. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. This will help the flavors develop and make it easier to scoop out the dough.

10. Can I make these cookies larger or smaller?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookies according to your preference. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if making larger cookies, as they may need a few extra minutes to bake through.

Conclusion

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a satisfying and wholesome treat that everyone will enjoy, whether they follow a plant-based diet or not. With their chewy texture, natural sweetness, and easy-to-find ingredients, these cookies make for a perfect snack or dessert. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to have on hand for a sweet snack, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.