Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Soft, chewy, and packed with hearty oats and sweet raisins, these vegan oatmeal raisin cookies are made with simple pantry ingredients and no dairy or eggs. They're perfectly cozy and ideal for everything from afternoon snacks to holiday cookie trays!

I absolutely love oatmeal raisin cookies and I wanted to try a vegan recipe and this one totally delivered! -Kat

If you are anything like me, you find the level of hate oatmeal raisin cookies receive absolutely abhorrent.

I truly have no understanding as to how someone couldn't like them. What's not to love!? These cookies are perfectly soft and chewy as well as sweet and spicy. This is the perfect cookie to add to your repertoire of vegan cookie recipes!

I love cookies with a little substance and the oats truly add the perfect chew. If you love that too, be sure to check out my vegan cowboy cookies!

Jump to:

• have a specific food allergy?
• why you'll love these cookies
• how to make vegan oatmeal raisin cookies
• recipe tips & tricks
• how to prep raisins for baking
• frequently asked questions
• recipe variations
• serving ideas
• How to Store
• Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
• More Vegan Cookie Recipes

ingredients

Here is everything you'll need to make the perfect vegan oatmeal raisin cookies:

• began butter adds richness, flavor, and moisture while helping create soft, chewy cookies with slightly crisp edges.
• light brown sugar provides sweetness and moisture, contributing to the chewy texture and subtle caramel-like flavor.
• granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread and develop lightly crisp edges during baking.
• applesauce acts as an egg replacer, adding moisture and helping bind the ingredients together while keeping the cookies soft and tender.
• vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cookies and complements the warm spices, oats, and raisins.
• baking soda helps the cookies rise and spread properly, creating a soft, chewy texture.
• salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cookies.
• ground cinnamon adds warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with oats and raisins.
• ground nutmeg provides additional warmth and depth.
• all-purpose flour gives structure and stability, helping the cookies hold their shape while remaining soft.
• rolled oats give oatmeal raisin cookies their signature hearty texture and nutty flavor while adding chewiness.
• raisins add natural sweetness and bursts of fruity flavor throughout.

why you'll love these cookies

• soft and chewy: Every cookie is packed with hearty oats and a perfectly tender, chewy texture.
• classic homemade flavor: Cozy, nostalgic taste that's hard to resist.
• completely vegan: Made without dairy or eggs, yet just as rich and delicious as traditional oatmeal raisin cookies.
• easy to make: Simple pantry staples come together in one straightforward recipe.
• perfectly spiced: A blend of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and depth to every bite.
• great for meal prep: These cookies stay soft for days and make a wonderful grab-and-go snack or dessert.
• freezer-friendly: Bake a batch now and save some for later whenever a cookie craving strikes!

recipe tips & tricks

Here are a few tips to help ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time!

1. Don't over-mix the dough: Mix just until the flour disappears to keep the cookies soft and tender instead of dense.
2. Make-ahead tip: You can chill the dough for up to 24-48 hours before baking. This deepens the flavor and helps the cookies bake up thicker and chewier.
3. Dry raisin fix: If your raisins are dry or firm, soak them in warm water (or apple juice for extra flavor) for 10-15 minutes, then drain and pat dry before adding to the dough. This makes them plump and extra juicy in the cookies!
4. Don't like raisins? Swap them out for chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, or even a mix. You'll still get the same cozy oatmeal cookie base with a different flavor twist.
5. For extra chewy cookies: Slightly under-bake them and let them finish setting on the baking sheet. This keeps the centers soft.
6. For thicker cookies: Chill the dough before baking and avoid flattening the dough balls too much.
7. Even baking tip: Use a cookie scoop so all cookies are the same size and bake evenly.

how to prep raisins for baking

• Rinse if needed: If your raisins are dusty or have been sitting in the pantry for a while, give them a quick rinse under warm water.
• Soak to plump them up: Place raisins in a bowl and cover with warm water (or juice for extra flavor). Let them soak for 10-15 minutes so they become soft and juicy.
• Drain well: Pour off the liquid using a fine mesh strainer so you don't add extra moisture to your dough.
• Pat dry: Gently blot with a paper towel so the raisins don't make your cookie dough too wet.
• Optional flavor boost: Soak raisins in apple juice, orange juice, or even a splash of vanilla for extra depth of flavor in baked goods.
• For extra even distribution: Toss the dried raisins lightly in a spoonful of flour before mixing them into dough to help prevent sinking.

frequently asked questions

recipe variations

1. chocolate chip oatmeal cookies: Swap raisins for vegan chocolate chips for a sweeter, more dessert-forward version.
2. oatmeal raisin walnut cookies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
3. coconut oatmeal cookies: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist and added chewiness.
4. spiced oatmeal cookies: Increase cinnamon and add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper, warmer spice profile.
5. orange zest oatmeal cookies: Add fresh orange zest to the dough for a bright citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with oats and raisins.
6. banana oatmeal cookies: Replace the applesauce and ¼ cup of the vegan butter with mashed banana for a softer, naturally sweet cookie.
7. crunchy oatmeal cookies: Flatten the dough more before baking and bake a minute or two longer for crisp edges.
8. "Everything mix" cookies: Combine raisins, chocolate chips, and nuts for a loaded, bakery-style cookie.

serving ideas

1. With a glass of plant-based milk: Classic pairing with oat, almond, or soy milk for a cozy snack.
2. Warm and fresh from the oven: Enjoy them slightly warm for extra gooey raisins and soft centers.
3. Cookie sandwich style: Spread vegan buttercream, peanut butter, or chocolate frosting between two cookies.
4. With coffee or tea: Perfect alongside a morning coffee, chai latte, or spiced herbal tea.
5. Dessert platter addition: Serve with other vegan treats like brownies, blondies, or cupcakes for a mixed dessert board.
6. Ice cream pairing: Sandwich a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream between two cookies.

How to Store

Room temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain softness.

Keep them soft tip: Add a slice of bread to the container. The cookies will absorb moisture from it and stay extra soft and chewy.

Refrigerator: Not usually necessary, but you can refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before eating for best texture.

Freezer (baked cookies): Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

Freezer (dough): Scoop dough into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-3 extra minutes to bake time.

Best freshness tip: Store cookies only after they are completely cooled. Trapping heat will create moisture and make them soggy.

If you make this recipe please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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