The Best Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
In the world of baked treats, few things are as comforting and satisfying as a warm, chewy oatmeal raisin cookie. But what if you could enjoy all that deliciousness without any animal products? Yes, you read that right – vegan oatmeal raisin cookies are not only possible but downright divine! Say goodbye to any preconceived notions of bland, cardboard-like cookies. These babies are bursting with flavor, texture (soft and chewy with crispy outer edges!), and wholesome goodness. So, roll up them sleeves of yours and get ready to make the tastiest vegan oatmeal raisin cookies you’ll ever have!
Why Go Vegan?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s quickly explore why opting for vegan treats is not only kinder to animals but also beneficial for your health and the planet. Veganism is more than just a trend; it’s a conscious choice to reduce harm and embrace sustainability. By choosing plant-based alternatives, you’re saying yes to a healthier lifestyle, reducing your carbon footprint, and supporting ethical practices in food production.
Let’s explore a few reasons as to why these vegan oatmeal raisin cookies are not only a delicious treat but also a wholesome addition to your baking repertoire.
- Allergy-Friendly: One of the beauties of vegan baking is its inclusivity. These oatmeal raisin cookies are free from common allergens like dairy and eggs, making them suitable for those with food sensitivities or allergies. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to accommodate various dietary needs, these cookies are allergy-safe and a delicious option for everyone to enjoy.
- Environmental Impact: Choosing plant-based ingredients over animal products has a significantly lower environmental footprint. Animal agriculture is a high contributor to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. By opting for vegan treats like these oatmeal raisin cookies, you’re taking a small but highly meaningful step towards lowering your environmental impact while promoting sustainability.
- Versatility: While this recipe focuses on oatmeal raisin cookies, don’t be afraid to get creative and customize it to your preferences. You can easily knock out the raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or chopped dates. You can also add chocolate chips (I always do), nuts, or seeds for extra crunch and flavor. Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to elevate the taste profile. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor these cookies to suit your taste buds and cravings.
- Community and Connection: Baking is not just about creating delicious treats; it’s also about fostering connection and building community. Whether you’re baking these cookies to share with family, friends, or neighbors or participating in a virtual baking exchange, the act of baking and sharing food brings people together. These vegan oatmeal raisin cookies are a wonderful way to spread joy and warmth, connecting us through the shared experience of delicious homemade treats.
As you can see, vegan baking offers a myriad of benefits, from promoting health and sustainability to fostering inclusivity and connection. These homemade vegan oatmeal raisin cookies are a shining example of how plant-based ingredients can create delectable delights that satisfy the soul and nourish the body. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, why not whip up a batch of these vegan cookies, OR check out one of my several other cookie recipes!
More Garden Grub Cookie Recipes:
- Vegan Banana Bread Cookies with Chocolate Chips
- Healthier Vegan No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- The Best Vegan Rocky Road Cookies
- Vegan Mimosa Sugar Cookies
- Vegan Snowball Cookies
- Chewy Vegan Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Better Than Sex Vegan S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Healthy Dark Chocolate Vegan Hobnobs
- Single-Serving Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Soft and Chewy Vegan Snickerdoodles
If you make my vegan oatmeal raisin cookies (or any of my recipes!), don’t forget to post a picture on Instagram, tag me @chefsummerstorm, and #gardengrub so I can see your recreation!
The Best Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Equipment
- Standing or handheld mixer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
Wet
- 2 tbsp flax meal
- 6 tbsp water
- 1 cup vegan butter, cold (I used Country Crock's vegan olive oil butter, but Earth Balance's Original vegan butter also works great!)
- 1 cup organic cane sugar
- 1 cup organic brown sugar
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
Dry
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- *Optional: 1 cup vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add the raisins to a bowl, set them aside, and let them soak in water for at least 10 minutes to soften them.
- Add the flax meal and water to a small bowl, stir, and let rest for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the two. This creates flax "eggs."
- Add the rest of the wet ingredients to your standing mixer bowl along with the prepared flax eggs.
- Beat this with the paddle attachment over medium-high speed for 3 minutes to make the mixture light and fluffy.
- Add all of the dry ingredients, EXCEPT for the old fashioned oats and chocolate chips, to another mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Dump this into the standing mixer and beat over low speed until mostly combined. Do NOT overmix, or you will create tough cookies.
- Drain the raisins, pat dry with a paper towel, and add them to the standing mixer along with the oats. If you are also adding chocolate chips, add them now. Mix on low speed just until combined. Again, do NOT overmix.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to rest for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Portion 2 tbsp balls of dough per cookie and place them 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies on the middle oven rack for 11-13 minutes. Bake them for 11 minutes for softer cookies and 13 minutes for soft-ish cookies with a bit more crunch on the outside. You can bake two sheet pans at a time if you have a large oven. If you bake two sheet pans at a time, rotate the pans halfway through baking to ensure the cookies bake evenly. Otherwise, repeat the last two steps until you've finished baking all the dough.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before removing them from the pan. *The cookies may look underbaked when you first pull them out of the oven, but as they rest, they will finish baking.
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