Enjoy chewy, wholesome treats featuring rolled oats, a touch of cinnamon, and sweet bursts of raisins. These plant-based cookies use coconut oil for richness and applesauce for softness, making each bite satisfyingly moist. Simple to prepare and ideal for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet, these cookies make perfect snacks or desserts. Switch raisins for other dried fruit or add chopped nuts for extra crunch. Bake, cool, and savor delicious cookies with a golden-brown edge and tender center.
These chewy vegan oatmeal cookies are my go-to treat when I want something comforting, easy and packed with wholesome goodness. Each cookie is tender on the inside with golden edges and a hint of cinnamon that warm up any afternoon. I love these straight from the cooling rack with a cup of tea or tucked into lunchboxes for quick, nourishing snacks.
The first time I baked these was for my kids' playdate and they were gone in minutes. Now whenever friends drop by I whip up a batch in no time and the house always smells amazing.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: deliver chewy texture and extra fiber Choose classic old-fashioned oats not instant
- All-purpose flour: gives structure Use a fresh flour for best results
- Baking soda: helps with tenderness and rise
- Ground cinnamon: provides warmth and depth Make sure your spice has a bold aroma
- Fine sea salt: balances the sweetness
- Coconut oil: creates richness and keeps the cookies tender Opt for refined oil if you want a neutral flavor or go with light olive oil
- Light brown sugar: supplies moistness and that classic cookie taste Make sure it is soft not dried out
- Unsweetened applesauce: adds natural sweetness and acts as a binder Look for pure applesauce with no added sugar
- Pure vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor Taste it before using to avoid a harsh or bitter undertone
- Raisins: offer bursts of sweetness Use plump ones and consider soaking for extra juiciness Vegan chocolate chips work as a fun swap
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: add crunch and nutty flavor Choose fresh nuts and avoid any with a rancid smell
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius Line a baking sheet with parchment paper ensuring it fits flat with no creases or folds This helps prevent sticking and yields even browning
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Add rolled oats flour baking soda cinnamon and salt to a large mixing bowl Use a whisk to really blend all dry ingredients evenly This ensures the rising and flavor stay consistent throughout every cookie
- Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl pour in melted coconut oil brown sugar applesauce and vanilla extract Stir with a spatula or small whisk until fully combined and silky smooth You want zero lumps especially from the sugar for even baking
- Make the Dough:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl Use a sturdy spoon to stir gently until just combined Stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain to keep cookies soft and tender Overmixing can make cookies dense
- Add Flavorful Extras:
- Fold in plump raisins or vegan chocolate chips along with the nuts if you are using Add-ins should be distributed well so each bite gets a burst of flavor Use a light hand so the dough stays airy
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop out generous tablespoon size balls of dough Place on your prepped baking sheet leaving about two inches between each to allow for spreading Lightly flatten each mound with your fingertips for even thickness
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the sheet in the center of your oven Bake for around 11 to 13 minutes Watch closely near the end The edges should turn light golden and the centers still look slightly soft to guarantee chewiness
- Cool and Set:
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes so they firm up then transfer to a wire rack Use a gentle spatula to avoid crumbling Cool completely for the best texture
The rolled oats are my favorite part They soak up the cinnamon and applesauce and turn golden with just a bit of crisp at the edge I always remember my mom packing these for picnics and how the raisins became tiny sweet jewels in each bite
Storage Tips
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days Place a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking For longer storage set in the freezer up to three months Only defrost the amount you need so each snack is fresh
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily make these gluten free Swap the all-purpose flour for a certified gluten free blend and double check your oats Use dried cranberries or chopped dates instead of raisins for a tart twist If you are nut free leave out walnuts and use a few extra raisins or chocolate chips For oil free try more applesauce though cookies will be softer
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these cookies with chilled almond milk or crumble them over vegan yogurt Little ones love them sandwiched with nut or seed butter They dress up nicely on holiday platters with fresh fruit
Cultural or Historical Context
Oatmeal cookies have always held a special spot in American home baking evolving from hearty old-fashioned recipes passed down through generations This vegan version keeps the classic flavor and comfort but fits modern diets My grandmother's cookie tin always had a batch and her apple-picking season meant extra applesauce for baking
Seasonal Adaptations
Stir in diced dried apricots or apple for autumn vibes Mix orange zest with the raisins for winter holidays Fold in coconut flakes and dried pineapple for a tropical spring version
Success Stories
A batch of these cookies was my daughter's first baking project in elementary school We sent them for a classroom treat and the teacher asked for the recipe Now they are the neighborhood favorite every time the bake sale rolls around
Freezer Meal Conversion
Once dough is mixed scoop cookies onto a lined sheet and freeze until firm Transfer to a freezer safe container to bake straight from frozen Just add a couple extra minutes to baking time and you get fresh cookies in a flash
A sweet vegan cookie is ready for you in minutes and is sure to delight everyone at home Enjoy every bite with a comforting cup of tea
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
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Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- → What if I don't have raisins?
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Try using vegan chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped dates to add sweetness and variety.
- → How do I get extra chewy cookies?
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Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to enhance chewiness.
- → Are these cookies nut-free?
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They can be made nut-free by omitting the walnuts or pecans from the add-ins.
- → What tools do I need?
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You'll need mixing bowls, a whisk, baking sheet, parchment paper, measuring cups and spoons, and a wire rack.
- → How much time does it take to make?
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Preparation takes 15 minutes, baking about 12 minutes, and total time is around 27 minutes.