Name: Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (115g) vegan butter, room temperature; ¾ cup (145g) packed light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon (20g) maple syrup or molasses; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-3 tablespoons (15-45g) dairy-free milk, if needed; ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose plain flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups (180g) rolled oats (quick oats can be used); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt (if using unsalted vegan butter); ¾ cup (115g) raisins; ½ cup (60g) walnuts (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 41 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a comforting, chewy treat that’s both wholesome and utterly delicious, this Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine biting into a cookie bursting with cinnamon-spiced oats, the rich sweetness of brown sugar and maple syrup, and those delightful little bursts of juicy raisins throughout. These cookies are easy to whip up in one bowl, making them perfect for any moment you want a cozy snack or a simple dessert that’s entirely plant-based and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new, these cookies have a magical way of bringing warmth and comfort, bite after irresistible bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top center is a bowl filled with light brown rolled oats. To the left, a bowl contains pale yellow cubes of butter. Below the oats, a bowl holds light brown sugar with a soft texture. To the right of the sugar, a bowl is filled with white flour, showing a fine powder texture. Below the flour is a bowl filled with dark brown raisins, shiny and slightly wrinkled. At the bottom center, a bowl contains chopped walnuts, light brown with uneven pieces. To the left of the walnuts, a small bowl has golden honey with a thick texture. Above the honey, a small bowl contains white granulated sugar. The overall view is neat, with each ingredient clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is what makes this Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe so fantastic. Each one plays a key role, from the fluffy texture to the sweet, rich undertones, and the chewy oats that give these cookies their characteristic heartiness.

Light brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and keeps the cookies moist with its natural molasses.
Vegan butter: Provides the creamy richness and helps the cookies spread just right.
Maple syrup: Brings a subtle, complex sweetness and helps bind the dough.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
All-purpose or gluten-free flour: Forms the structure, keeping everything together and tender.
Rolled oats: The star ingredient that lends chewiness and wholesome texture.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, spicy note that makes the cookies irresistible.
Baking soda: Lightens the dough for a perfect rise and texture.
Salt: Balances and amplifies all the sweet and warm flavors.
Dairy-free milk: Just a splash is enough to bring the dough together if it feels dry.
Raisins: Juicy bursts that bring natural sweetness and chew with every bite.
Walnuts (optional): Provide a satisfying crunch and earthy depth if you love a nutty twist.

How to Make Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly to golden perfection.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), beat together the vegan butter, light brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fluffy and homogenous. This step is crucial as it creates the creamy base that will give your cookies that lovely tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Mix

Sift in the flour, then add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mix everything until combined; the oats will break down a bit, and the dough should feel slightly tacky but hold together. If it feels dry, add a bit of your dairy-free milk, a tablespoon at a time, to achieve the right consistency.

Step 4: Incorporate Raisins and Walnuts

Fold in the juicy raisins and walnuts gently so they are evenly distributed, making sure every cookie will have its perfect burst of sweetness and crunch.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Divide the dough into 16 equal balls using a cookie scoop or your hands—about two tablespoons each. Flatten each ball gently into a small disc, then space them about 5 cm apart on your baking sheets. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked, promising a soft chewy middle.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheets for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling phase completes the baking and helps the cookies set perfectly. Enjoy these vegan oatmeal raisin cookies warm or at room temperature with your favorite cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of almond milk.

How to Serve Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

A white plate is filled with a pile of round oatmeal cookies that have a rough, crumbly texture. Each cookie is golden brown and speckled with dark raisins, oats, and bits of nuts, giving them a rustic look. The cookies are stacked casually with some slightly overlapping. In the background, there are two clear glasses filled with a creamy white drink, placed on a white marbled surface. A soft orange cloth lies to the left side of the plate, and scattered oats are visible on the surface around the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra sparkle, try dusting your cookies lightly with cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of melted vegan chocolate after baking. These simple touches elevate the presentation and add a special flair that’s perfect for sharing.

Side Dishes

Vegan oatmeal raisin cookies shine alongside warm beverages like chai tea, coffee, or cozy hot chocolate. They also pair wonderfully with a refreshing glass of plant-based milk, turning your snack time into an indulgent moment of comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin for casual gatherings or box them in decorative tins for heartfelt gifts. Stacking them with parchment paper in between keeps them fresh and makes for a charming display that invites everyone to grab one (or two!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This method will preserve their chewy texture and rich flavors beautifully without drying them out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag for up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a cozy treat, and they’ll be as lovely as fresh-baked.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, pop your cookies in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes or so. Avoid microwaving to keep the chewy texture intact and prevent them from becoming too soft.

FAQs

Can I substitute the vegan butter with coconut oil?

Yes, coconut oil can be used instead of vegan butter. It will give the cookies a slightly different texture and a subtle coconut flavor. Just be sure to add a pinch more salt to balance out the flavors.

Do I have to soak the raisins before adding them?

Soaking raisins in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes hydrates them, making them juicier and plumper in the cookies. While not mandatory, this step enhances their texture and prevents them from drying out during baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Keep in mind that some gluten-free flours absorb moisture differently, so you may need to add an extra tablespoon or adjust the dairy-free milk to get the dough consistency right.

How do I make these cookies sweeter or less sweet?

You can adjust the brown sugar and maple syrup amounts to taste. Reducing sweetness may affect texture slightly, so balance the sugar reduction with a small increase in dairy-free milk to keep the dough pliable.

What’s the best way to ensure chewy cookies?

For chewy vegan oatmeal raisin cookies, don’t overbake—take them out when the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. Cooling on the baking sheet allows them to finish baking perfectly without becoming hard.

Final Thoughts

Making these Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite kitchen adventures because of how simple, rewarding, and delicious the process is. With every bite, you savor a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that feel both nostalgic and fresh. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try these cookies soon; they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a lovely way to celebrate plant-based baking with friends and family.