There’s just something nostalgic and comforting about a warm batch of Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. These golden treats are chewy, tender, and utterly irresistible, combining wholesome rolled oats, sweet plump raisins, and a hint of cinnamon in every bite. Whether you eat plant-based or just want a dairy-free and egg-free twist on a classic, these cookies are a total must-bake. Soft on the inside and lightly crisp around the edges, they’re my absolute favorite for a cozy snack or an after-dinner bite. Trust me—you’re simply not going to want to share!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking incredible Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies is all about starting with a few humble ingredients. Each component here brings something essential for flavor, texture, or that perfect golden color—so don’t skip a thing!
- Rolled oats: The heart of these cookies, oats create chewy texture and subtle nutty flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Binds everything together, ensuring your cookies hold their shape.
- Baking soda: Gives just enough lift for that perfect soft bite.
- Cinnamon: Adds irresistible warmth and aromatic sweetness that pairs perfectly with the raisins.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens every bite.
- Coconut oil or vegan butter: Either fat will keep your cookies incredibly moist. Coconut oil adds a light, subtle flavor while vegan butter brings richness.
- Brown sugar: Deep molasses flavor and chewy texture—absolutely essential in oatmeal cookies!
- Unsweetened applesauce: Replaces eggs, helping bind the dough and keep the cookies soft.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash lifts and rounds out all those comforting flavors.
- Raisins: Bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture throughout every cookie.
How to Make Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start things off by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for super easy cleanup and to prevent any sticking—plus, it helps those cookies bake up evenly golden on the bottom!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking ensures each cookie gets the perfect mix of spice, lift, and structure so your Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are never dull or flat.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate larger bowl, stir together the melted coconut oil (or vegan butter), brown sugar, applesauce, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and creamy. This base is the secret to both rich flavor and that signature chewy texture.
Step 4: Bring the Dough Together
Now, gently add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix just until a soft dough forms—don’t overmix, or the cookies may turn dense. This is the time to marvel at how good that batter smells!
Step 5: Fold in the Raisins
Scatter the raisins over your dough and fold them in so every cookie gets little bursts of sweetness. This simple step turns classic cookies into irresistible Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie with your fingers so they bake up just right—this helps them turn out tender in the center with lightly crisp edges.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. They might look a bit soft when you pull them out, but that’s perfect! Let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The texture will be spot-on once they’ve had a chance to finish setting up.
How to Serve Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before the cookies cool adds a magical contrast to the natural sweetness of the raisins. Drizzle melted vegan chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar if you want to truly impress!
Side Dishes
Pair your Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with a chilled glass of almond or oat milk for classic comfort. For an afternoon treat, try them alongside sliced fresh fruit or a dairy-free latte—cozy bliss in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them up and tie with baker’s twine for a charming homemade gift, or add them to a rustic dessert platter at a brunch or potluck. You can even sandwich a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate plant-based ice cream sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful—just as irresistible as the day you baked them!
Freezing
Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip bag. They’re good for up to two months—just grab one (or two) when cravings strike!
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-baked taste, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm a batch in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes. They’ll be perfectly soft and aromatic, as if just out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Absolutely! Quick oats will give your Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies a slightly finer texture but still that classic chew. You might need to watch the baking time as they could cook just a bit faster.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Double-check your oats are certified gluten-free, and your cookies will be allergy-friendly and delicious.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Go for it! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries add a fantastic texture twist. Just keep mix-ins to about 1/2 cup so the cookies don’t get crowded.
Why are my cookies coming out flat?
Be sure not to over-melt your coconut oil or vegan butter, and don’t skip chilling the dough for 10 minutes if your kitchen is very warm. Both tricks help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Chilled dough even makes thicker, chewier Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Final Thoughts
You’re now fully equipped to bake a batch of Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies that will wow friends, family, and—most importantly—your taste buds. So, preheat the oven, gather those pantry staples, and let the cozy, cinnamon-scented magic begin!
PrintVegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
These Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a delightful treat for those following a vegan lifestyle or anyone looking for a dairy-free and egg-free cookie option. With wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, coconut oil, and raisins, these cookies are both tasty and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup coconut oil (melted) or vegan butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, stir together melted coconut oil or vegan butter, brown sugar, applesauce, and vanilla until well combined.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Fold in the raisins.
- Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts.
- For chewier cookies, underbake slightly and allow to cool on the baking sheet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg