If you’re craving a chewy, wholesome, and irresistibly fragrant treat, this Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Perfectly balanced with the comforting warmth of cinnamon, the natural sweetness of raisins, and the wholesome goodness of oats, these cookies are not only vegan-friendly but also wonderfully easy to make. They deliver that classic cookie experience with a plant-based twist, making them a delightful option whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends who appreciate a compassionate dessert moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is key to creating these deliciously chewy cookies. Each component plays a special role, bringing texture, flavor, and moisture together for cookie perfection.
- Rolled oats (1 cup): Adds hearty texture and a nutty flavor perfect for oatmeal cookies.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Provides structure to hold the cookies together without heaviness.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light, airy bite.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda to create the perfect chewy-chewy texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses every bite with a warm, cozy spice.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Coconut oil or vegan butter (1/3 cup, melted): Brings richness and moisture for soft, tender cookies.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the cookies chewy.
- Unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup): Acts as a natural egg substitute while lending moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A flavor enhancer that rounds out the cookie’s profile with sweet warmth.
- Raisins (1/2 cup): Provide bursts of juicy sweetness and a classic chewy finish.
How to Make Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ahead helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, setting the stage for perfectly textured cookies.
Step 3: Whisk 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 uniform. This blends the sweetness and moisture components, which will keep your cookies soft and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine and Fold in Raisins
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Be sure to fold in those raisins delicately so they’re evenly distributed without mashing them, guaranteeing each cookie has delightful fruity bursts.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges become lightly golden for that perfect balance of chewiness and slight crispness.
Step 6: Cooling Time
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This rest helps them set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely and enjoy that wonderful texture without any crumbling.
How to Serve Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar over the cookies for an inviting look and an extra hint of warmth. You can also press a few extra raisins or walnut halves on top before baking to give a rustic, homemade feel.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of oat milk, almond milk, or your favorite dairy-free coffee creamer. A hot cup of chai or herbal tea is also a cozy companion that complements the cinnamon and raisin flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dessert platter, stack the cookies between layers of parchment paper and present them alongside fresh fruit slices and vegan cream cheese spreads. They also make a fantastic gift when packaged in a charming tin or bag tied with twine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This preserves their freshness and chewiness, so you can enjoy them anytime without a hitch.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for longer storage by placing them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, making it easy to have a sweet snack ready whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy after freezing, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in a microwave for about 15 seconds to restore that freshly baked softness and aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with another dried fruit?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried cherries work wonderfully and add a different flavor profile while keeping the chewy texture intact.
Is applesauce necessary in this Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe?
Applesauce acts as a moisture binder and egg substitute, so while you could try alternatives like mashed banana or flaxseed mixture, applesauce provides a neutral flavor and perfect moisture balance.
Can I use gluten-free oats and flour?
Definitely! Using certified gluten-free oats and flour makes this recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant folks without sacrificing taste or texture.
What if I don’t have coconut oil or vegan butter?
You can substitute with any mild-flavored vegetable oil or a different plant-based butter. Just avoid strong flavors to keep the cookie’s taste balanced.
How chewy will these cookies be compared to traditional ones?
Thanks to the oats, brown sugar, and applesauce, these cookies are wonderfully chewy with a slight softness on the inside, giving a texture that is both satisfying and comforting.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about biting into a warm, chewy oatmeal cookie loaded with sweet raisins, and this Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe delivers exactly that. Easy to make and delightful to share, these cookies prove that plant-based baking can be just as indulgent and heartwarming as any classic recipe. I can’t wait for you to try them and make them a staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a delicious and wholesome treat perfect for those who prefer plant-based desserts. Made with rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and naturally sweetened with brown sugar and raisins, these cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with comforting flavors like cinnamon and vanilla. They are easy to make, require common pantry ingredients, and are baked to perfection, making them a perfect snack for any time of the day.
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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute all the dry ingredients.
- Combine 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 consistent.
- Create the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture into the wet ingredients bowl, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms. Then fold in the raisins evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each portion about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are done.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute coconut oil with vegan butter based on your preference for flavor and texture.
- Ensure not to overbake the cookies to maintain their chewy texture.
- For extra chewiness, soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding, then drain well.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition.
