Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen, especially when they’re vegan oatmeal raisin cookies. These cookies have quickly become a staple in my home, not just for their delicious taste but also for the wholesome ingredients they contain. My family loves how chewy they are in the center while still having that slightly crisp edge. The combination of brown sugar, molasses, oats, cinnamon, and sweet raisins makes these cookies not just a treat, but a delight everyone can enjoy guilt-free. Each bite transports you to a cozy afternoon, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying on your own with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

For the Flax Egg:

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
• 2 1/2 tablespoons water

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tablespoon molasses
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free mix)
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners.

Make the Flax Egg:

In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseeds with water. Stir well and set aside to thicken, about 5 minutes. This acts as an egg substitute and helps bind the cookies together.

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 1-2 minutes until creamy and well combined.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Mix in the prepared flax egg, vanilla extract, and molasses, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.

Add Dry Ingredients:

Stop the mixer and add the flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Stir in the raisins and walnuts (if using) until fully incorporated.

Form the Cookies:

Roll about 1.5-2 tablespoons of dough at a time into balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little room between each one. Slightly flatten each ball; they will continue to spread as they bake.

Bake:

Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the tops of the cookies are set and the edges are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Cool and Enjoy:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. The cookies will firm up as they cool. Enjoy your delightful treats!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 20 cookies
• Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per cookie
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes

How to Serve

These cookies can be enjoyed in various ways:

• As a Snack: Perfect for afternoon cravings.
• With Milk: Pair them with almond or oat milk for a delicious treat.
• On a Platter: Serve at parties or family gatherings.
• With Ice Cream: Crumble them over vegan vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Gift Them: Package them up nicely for a thoughtful gift.

Additional Tips

1. Store-Bought Flax Eggs: If you don’t want to make your own, store-bought flax eggs can work in a pinch.
2. Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to swap raisins with chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a different flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Options: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
4. Chill the Dough: If your dough seems too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.
5. Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Replace raisins with vegan chocolate chips.
• Nutty Oatmeal Cookies: Add chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch.
• Coconut Oatmeal Cookies: Incorporate shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for additional warmth.
• Fruit Oatmeal Cookies: Include chopped apples or pears for a fruity flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of non-dairy ice cream.
• Pair with your favorite vegan yogurt for a wholesome breakfast option.
• Crumble over oatmeal or smoothie bowls for added texture.
• Enjoy with your morning coffee or tea for a delightful start to the day.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular eggs instead of flax eggs?

• Yes, you can use 1 egg in place of the flax egg if you are not strictly vegan.

1. Are these cookies gluten-free?

• If you use a gluten-free flour blend, yes, they can be gluten-free.

1. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

• They should be golden brown around the edges, and the centers will look set but soft.

1. Can I make these cookies without sugar?

• You can try substituting the sugars with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar, but you may need to adjust the flour accordingly.

1. What can I substitute for vegan butter?

• Coconut oil or any plant-based margarine works well as a substitute.

1. Can I add other fruits or nuts?

• Absolutely! Feel free to add any nuts, seeds, or dried fruits you enjoy.

1. How do I make these cookies chewy?

• The key is not to overbake them; they should be slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.

1. What if I don’t have molasses?

• You can replace molasses with a bit of maple syrup for sweetness, but the flavor will differ slightly.

1. Are these cookies healthy?

• They are healthier than traditional cookies due to the oats, whole ingredients, and lower sugar content.

1. Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

• Rolled oats are preferred for texture, but instant oats can work in a pinch.

Conclusion

These vegan oatmeal raisin cookies are not just easy to make but are also a wholesome and delicious treat that everyone can enjoy. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends, or just indulging yourself on a cozy evening. With a chewy center and the delightful sweetness of raisins, these cookies are bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy the warm, inviting flavors of these delightful treats!

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