Vegan Oatmeal Cookies: Soft, Chewy, Plant-Based Treats You’ll Crave
Introduction of Recipe
Vegan Oatmeal Cookies are hearty, golden treats made with rolled oats, vegan butter or oil, brown sugar, and cozy spices like cinnamon, often studded with raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts for extra flair. They’re a hit with home bakers because they’re naturally hearty, naturally sweet, and way healthier than traditional versions—no butter or eggs required.
Serve them warm from the oven for afternoon tea, pack them in lunchboxes, or gift them during holidays. Their chewy centers and crisp edges make them a timeless favorite for US families seeking guilt-free indulgence.
History / Background
Oatmeal cookies trace back to Scottish oatcakes, flatbreads made from oats for sustenance, which evolved into sweeter baked goods during the Victorian era in the US and UK. The first printed recipe appeared in Fannie Merritt Farmer’s 1896 Boston Cooking-School Cook Book, featuring oats for nutrition amid rising health trends.
Quaker Oats popularized them in the 1900s through ads touting oats as a “health food,” leading to endless variations like raisins or chocolate chips. Vegan adaptations emerged with plant-based baking, swapping eggs for flax and butter for coconut oil, keeping the soulful vibe alive for modern diets.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegan oatmeal cookies are a baker’s dream—effortless to whip up with results that rival grandma’s, but kinder to the planet and your body.
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Soft and chewy every time with crispy edges for ultimate texture.
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No-chill dough — bake straight from mixing for instant gratification.
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Customizable — add raisins, chips, or nuts to suit your crew.
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Kid-friendly and allergy-safe — nut-free base, gluten-free options.
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Make-ahead magic — freeze dough balls for fresh cookies anytime.
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Healthier swap — oats boost fiber for sustained energy.
Ingredient Notes
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Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned for chewiness; quick oats make softer cookies. Blend some for flour-like texture if desired.
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Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil: Provides richness; melt for easy mixing.
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Brown Sugar: Keeps them moist and chewy with molasses notes.
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Flax Egg (Ground Flax + Water): Binds like eggs for structure.
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Cinnamon and Vanilla: Warm spices elevate the cozy factor.
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Add-Ins (Raisins, Vegan Chocolate Chips): Plump raisins for tradition, chips for decadence.
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Flour: All-purpose or spelt for structure.
Substitutions: Almond flour for gluten-free, maple syrup for refined sugar reduction, coconut for nutty twist.
Equipment Needed
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Mixing bowls (large and small)
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Electric mixer or wooden spoon
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Baking sheets
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Parchment paper or silicone mats
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Cookie scoop or spoons
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Wire cooling rack
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Description:
Soft, chewy vegan oatmeal cookies infused with cinnamon and coconut, naturally sweetened and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect with raisins, chocolate chips, or plain for the ultimate plant-based treat.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups rolled oats (150g)
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1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
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1 cup desiccated coconut (80g)
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ cup vegan butter, softened (112g)
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1 cup light brown sugar (200g)
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3 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tbsp soy milk or other plant milk
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1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
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½ cup raisins or vegan chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
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Mix ground flax with water; let sit 5 minutes to gel.
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Cream vegan butter and brown sugar until fluffy, 2 minutes.
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Add maple syrup, vanilla, flax egg, and milk; mix well.
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Stir in oats, flour, coconut, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until just combined. Fold in add-ins.
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Scoop 1.5 tbsp dough balls, space 2 inches apart.
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Bake 10-12 minutes until edges golden. Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then rack.
Notes:
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Don’t overbake for chewy centers.
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Dough can be refrigerated up to 3 days.
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Gluten-free flour works with xanthan gum.
Nutrition Facts Table
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cookie) |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 cookie |
| Calories | 150 |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 3g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
Tips & Variations
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Chocolate Chip: Swap raisins for vegan chips.
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Raisin Spice: Add nutmeg and extra cinnamon.
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Peanut Butter: Swirl in ¼ cup PB.
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Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 GF flour blend.
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Oil-Free: Applesauce for butter.
Pro Chef Tips
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Soften butter just enough—cold chunks yield chewier cookies.
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Toast oats lightly for nuttier depth.
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Measure flour by spooning, not scooping, to avoid density.
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Bake one sheet at a time, middle rack for even browning.
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Press dough balls gently for uniform spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overmixing dough toughens cookies—stir until just combined.
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Baking too long dries them out; edges golden is key.
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Skipping flax rest—needs time to bind.
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Hot pans cause spreading; cool sheets between batches.
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Wet ingredients first prevents flour lumps.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store in airtight container at room temp up to 5 days. Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months in bags. Dough balls freeze perfectly for fresh-bake convenience.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes
Prep dough balls and freeze on tray, then bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, add 1-2 minutes. Fully baked freeze well; thaw at room temp or microwave 10 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
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Warm milk or plant-based latte
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Fresh fruit salad
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Vanilla ice cream sandwiches
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Yogurt parfait crumble
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Coffee or herbal tea
FAQs Section
Q1: Can I use quick oats?
Yes, but cookies will be softer, less chewy.
Q2: Gluten-free version?
Swap flour for certified GF blend; add ¼ tsp xanthan.
Q3: No coconut?
Omit or use extra oats/flour.
Q4: Healthier sweetener?
Coconut sugar or date paste works.
Q5: Why are mine flat?
Butter too warm or flour packed tight.
Q6: Nut-free?
Yes, base recipe is nut-free.
Q7: Dairy-free chocolate?
Enjoy Life or similar brands.
Conclusion
These Vegan Oatmeal Cookies are your new go-to for cozy, craveable baking that’s simple, wholesome, and universally loved. Whip up a batch today and fill your home with that irresistible fresh-cookie aroma. Pin your golden beauties, share your tweaks in comments, and happy baking!
