Oatmeal cookies have long been a beloved classic in the cookie world, cherished for their chewy texture, hearty oats, and warm spices. For those embracing a vegan lifestyle or simply looking to enjoy a delicious plant-based treat, vegan oatmeal cookies offer the perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and mouthwatering flavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just starting out, these recipes are simple, delightful, and packed with nourishing goodness. From classic cinnamon-spiced versions to ones bursting with dried fruits and nuts, these oatmeal cookie recipes will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
In this post, you’ll discover not just one, but the best vegan oatmeal cookie recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth without any animal products. Each recipe features easy-to-find ingredients, straightforward instructions, and tips to customize your cookies exactly the way you like them.
So grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into the world of irresistibly chewy, perfectly spiced, and utterly delicious vegan oatmeal cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegan oatmeal cookies are a game-changer because they combine simplicity, taste, and nutrition all in one. Using natural sweeteners and wholesome ingredients, they’re free from dairy and eggs but still deliver that classic cookie texture and flavor.
Why you’ll fall in love:
- Chewy yet soft texture: Thanks to the oats and vegan butter, these cookies have a perfect bite every time.
- Customizable flavor: Add your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips for endless variety.
- Healthier ingredients: Made with whole oats, plant-based fats, and natural sweeteners for a guilt-free indulgence.
- Great for all occasions: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, and loved by vegans and non-vegans alike.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats preferred)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier taste)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as an egg replacer)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins or dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Spoon or cookie scoop
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: Combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: Melt the coconut oil if solid, then mix it with the maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir well to combine. The dough will be sticky and thick.
- Fold in any optional mix-ins: Add walnuts, raisins, or chocolate chips and gently incorporate them into the dough.
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
“For softer cookies, reduce baking time slightly; for crunchier cookies, bake a minute or two longer.”
- Swap sweeteners: Use coconut sugar or date syrup for different flavor profiles.
- Nut-free option: Omit nuts and try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Boost protein: Add a scoop of vegan protein powder or ground flaxseeds.
- Spice it up: Add nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a warm spice twist.
- Chocolate lovers: Mix in vegan white chocolate chips or swirl melted dark chocolate on top after baking.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Cookie (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 110 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sugar | 6 g |
Sodium | 75 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan oatmeal cookies are perfect on their own with a cup of tea or coffee. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of almond milk or your favorite plant-based milk.
For a decadent treat, serve them alongside vegan ice cream or spread a layer of almond butter between two cookies for a sandwich.
Looking to enjoy more plant-based treats? Check out our Magic Dough Recipe for versatile vegan baking or try the comforting Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for a savory vegan meal.
More Best Vegan Oatmeal Cookies Recipes
Classic Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
This recipe sticks to the traditional oatmeal raisin cookie flavors using wholesome ingredients. Expect chewy oats, plump raisins, and a subtle cinnamon touch.
- Ingredients: Rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, maple syrup, coconut oil, applesauce, raisins, cinnamon, vanilla.
- Instructions: Follow the main instructions above, ensuring generous raisins are folded in.
Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
For chocolate lovers, this version adds vegan chocolate chips that melt into every bite, blending perfectly with the oats’ heartiness.
- Replace raisins with 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips.
- Optionally add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for extra texture.
Gluten-Free Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
Gluten-intolerant friends can enjoy these cookies by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring oats are certified gluten-free.
- Use gluten-free rolled oats.
- Substitute flour with equal parts gluten-free flour mix.
- Optional: Add chia seeds for binding and extra nutrition.
Vegan Oatmeal Cranberry Pistachio Cookies
This festive recipe combines tart dried cranberries and crunchy pistachios for a delightful flavor and color contrast.
- Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/2 cup shelled pistachios to the dough.
- Optional: Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness.
Vegan Oatmeal Banana Cookies
A healthier twist with mashed ripe banana replacing some of the sweetener and fat, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
- Replace 1/4 cup maple syrup and 1/4 cup coconut oil with 1/2 cup mashed banana.
- Reduce applesauce to 2 tablespoons.
- Optional: Add cinnamon and chopped pecans.
For more creative vegan baking ideas, explore our Julie Marie Eats Recipes collection and discover delicious plant-based inspirations.
Conclusion
Vegan oatmeal cookies prove that you don’t need animal products to enjoy rich, comforting baked goods. These recipes are easy to make, versatile, and adaptable to any taste or dietary need.
Whether you prefer the classic raisin version, a chocolate chip indulgence, or a gluten-free treat, these cookies offer a perfect balance of chewy texture, wholesome ingredients, and delightful flavor.
Baking these vegan oatmeal cookies will not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also provide a nourishing snack that everyone can enjoy.
So next time you want to treat yourself or impress guests with a homemade vegan delight, these oatmeal cookies are your go-to recipe. Don’t forget to pair them with a cozy drink and share the love of vegan baking with friends and family.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
Description: Deliciously chewy and packed with wholesome oats, these vegan oatmeal cookies are perfect for a healthy treat. Easy to make and naturally sweetened, they satisfy your cookie cravings without any animal products.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M
Servings: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup raisins or vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted coconut oil, brown sugar, applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Fold in raisins or vegan chocolate chips.
- Drop tablespoon-sized dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 22 g
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