If you have a soft spot for classic comfort cookies but want to keep things entirely plant-based and wholesome, this Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies deliver that perfect balance of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and a touch of cinnamon warmth, all without any dairy or eggs. They are straightforward to make, delightfully satisfying, and have that homemade charm that makes them impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or a batch to share with friends, these cookies bring joy bite after bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, accessible, and all bursting with flavor—each ingredient in this Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe serves an important role in creating the ideal texture and taste. From the chewy rolled oats to the natural sweetness of brown sugar and raisins, every component contributes to the wholesome and comforting character of these cookies.
- Rolled oats: The star ingredient that provides hearty texture and wholesome chewiness.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure and body to the cookie dough for perfect bite.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and ensures a light texture.
- Baking powder: Works together with baking soda to create the ideal crumb.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy undertones that pair beautifully with raisins.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Coconut oil or vegan butter: Provides moisture and rich flavor, melting into soft, tender cookies.
- Brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness along with a subtle caramel note.
- Unsweetened applesauce: A clever egg substitute that keeps the cookies moist.
- Vanilla extract: Brings depth and a luscious aromatic hint.
- Raisins: Juicy bursts of sweetness that perfectly contrast the oaty base.
How to Make Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
The first thing to do is get your oven warmed up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Getting this done upfront sets you up for a smooth baking experience.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these together ensures the flavors and leavening agents are evenly distributed, so your cookies bake up perfectly every time.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk your melted coconut oil or vegan butter with the brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract until everything is silky smooth. This step is key for achieving a luscious texture in your final cookies.
Step 4: Combine and Fold in Raisins
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to form a consistent dough. Be careful not to overmix. Once combined, fold in the raisins thoughtfully so that they’re evenly spread and ready to give every bite a delightful chew.
Step 5: Portion the Dough
Scooping tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your lined baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each allows the cookies room to spread as they bake. This spacing helps them develop those inviting edges while staying soft in the middle.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookie edges turn a lovely golden hue. Take them out and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—they’ll firm up just right—then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here rewards you with the perfect texture.
How to Serve Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon sugar or a few extra raisins on top of warm cookies for visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a charming finishing touch without overwhelming the natural sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of almond milk or a steaming cup of your favorite plant-based tea or coffee. Their rich, cozy flavors beautifully complement creamy beverages, making your snack time feel indulgent and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of vegan vanilla or cinnamon-spiced frosting. You can also crumble them over dairy-free ice cream for a crunchy topping that elevates any dessert. Offering them in a rustic basket lined with parchment adds a warm, homemade vibe to your gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for up to five days, making them perfect for keeping a stash handy to curb those sweet cravings.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies even longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies last for up to three months without losing their delightful texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies fresh from the oven again, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 20 seconds. This revives their softness and brings back that just-baked comfort.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries make fantastic alternatives that bring their own unique flavor and sweetness to the cookies.
Is it necessary to use applesauce in this recipe?
While applesauce is a fantastic vegan binder that also adds moisture, you can replace it with mashed banana or a flax egg if you prefer. Just remember these swaps may subtly change the flavor and texture.
Can I use gluten-free flour to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, swapping in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well. Just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for gluten sensitivity.
How do I get chewy cookies instead of crunchy?
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them by a minute or two and allow them to cool on the baking sheet to maintain their softness.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch and extra nutrition. Just fold them in at the same time as the raisins.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe a try because it’s one of those treats that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making them for yourself or to share, these cookies bring together simple ingredients into a comforting bite that’s full of heart and soul. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with delicious aromas and joy!
Print
Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in these soft and chewy Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, made without any animal products. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and naturally sweetened with brown sugar and raisins, these cookies are a wholesome treat that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup coconut oil or vegan butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil or vegan butter, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender. Fold in the raisins evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture.
Notes
- You can substitute coconut oil with vegan butter for a slightly richer flavor.
- For softer cookies, bake closer to 10 minutes; for crisper edges, bake up to 12 minutes.
- Make sure to cool cookies on a wire rack to avoid sogginess from steam.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- Optional add-ins include chopped nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
