Vegan Oatmeal & Raisins Cookies
Some people like crunchy cookies and others, like me, could eat chewy cookies all day long. These vegan oatmeal & raisins cookies have a soft and chewy center with slightly crisp edges. They pair with the warm flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Raisins add a bit of chewiness and sweetness while almonds add that extra nuttiness that leaves you wanting more every time. I’m truly excited to share this recipe with you. I’ve always been a sweet tooth and most recipes out there are complicated or require fancy ingredients that oftentimes cost a small fortune altogether. What I like most about this recipe is that it’s really easy to make, it’s made with ingredients that are easy to find, and is budget-friendly.
Easy-to-make vegan oatmeal & raisins cookies

The ingredients
The ingredients to this recipe are simple – you likely already have them in your pantry!
Flour – I used regular all-purpose flour, but feel free to use pastry flour, spelt flour, or a gluten-free flour mix.
Rolled oats – Not an oatmeal cookie without oats right? Make sure to use rolled oats and not instant oats. The difference between rolled oats and instant oats is simply how much the oat has been processed. This also results in each variety having a distinct texture and varying cook times. By using rolled oats you’ll have a firmer cookie with more bite to it.
Brown sugar – This one will add that extra ‘caramel’ flavor that you’ll miss if you use white sugar, so try not to skip this step
Butter – Adds moisture and buttery richness to the whole ensemble
Agave syrup – Why you may ask? I asked myself the same thing until I tasted it. This one will add another dimension of sweetness that you will be thankful for, so don’t skip it!
Vanilla & almond extract – This will add a warm flavor to the mix. Most recipes don’t call for almond extract, but I feel like a dash of it really brings all the flavors together. It’s totally optional of course but try not to skip this one.
Shredded coconut – This one will add such a delicious taste and extra chewiness
Baking soda – Will make them fluffy
Salt – Enhances the sweetness and adds balance
Cinnamon – Adds the signature warm & spiced flavor
Soy milk – Makes it easier to roll into balls
Raisins & almonds – Adds sweetness, chewiness, nuttiness, and crunch

Recipe for success. Tips & tricks for the best vegan oatmeal & raisins cookies.
Do not overmix – Overmixing causes a hard-to-chew cookie. Always mix the dough until just combined.
Equipment – You’ll need an electric (hand) mixer to cream the butter and sugar. Creaming butter and sugar together adds micro pockets of air to the batter. This air puffs up the cookies as they bake, giving them a lighter and more fluffy texture.
Transfer – Transfer the cookies immediately to a cooling rack. I used a spatula as they were very soft. If you keep them on the baking tray, then the remaining heat will overcook your cookies making them too crunchy
Let it cool off – I know, I know. You just made fresh cookies and there is no time to waste. Still, give them 10-15 minutes to cool down. By doing this you’ll allow them to firm up and get that delicious chewy texture. Also, you don’t want to burn your mouth (not talking from experience of course)


Recipe variations
The good thing about this recipe is that you get to change it according to your own taste and needs.
Chocolate chip – This one is pretty straightforward and you can NEVER go wrong with chocolate. Replace raisins and add your favorite vegan chocolate chips to the dough and bake as usual. After it’s done baking, simply add a dash of coarse sea salt to enhance its flavor. You can also go for half raisins and half chocolate chips.
Cranberry & orange – Replace raisins with cranberries and add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the dough. Bake as usual
Lime & sour cherries – This one is a little more expensive because of the dried cherries. If you’re able to, then please try it out. The warm spices pair up beautifully with the tanginess of the lime and cherries. Replace raisins with sour cherries and add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough. Bake as usual
Warm spices – Try out cardamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger. My favorite spices during winter! Add 1/4 teaspoon of each to the batter/dough and bake as usual.
Chocolate & peanuts – You can never go wrong with this combination. Replace almonds with salted peanuts and then add your favorite vegan chocolate chips. Bake as usual.
Maca & chocolate chip – This is a great option if you want to add some medicinal value. Add your favorite vegan chocolate chips and add 1/2-1 tablespoon of Maca powder to the dough and bake as usual. Maca powder contains a high content of proteins and all the essential amino acids. It is rich in carbohydrates and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B12, C, D, and E. In addition, maca contains a high content of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, iodine, zinc, Silicon, potassium, sodium, copper, manganese, and phosphorus. The Indians of Peru call maca not for nothing the ‘ Queen of the Andes “and eat the traditional for more physical energy, stamina, and libido.
Vegan oatmeal & raisins cookies FAQ
1- How can I store them properly?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will still be good after that time, but I found mine to be too chewy.
2- Are these freezer-friendly?
Definitely yes! You can make a big batch and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. (That’s what the original recipe from Loving It Vegan states. Mine were gone in a week)
3- Can these be made gluten-free?
Totally. Just use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead. Also, make sure that the rolled oats are gluten-free.
4- Should you chill the cookie dough before baking?
Many recipes do call for chilling, but for this vegan recipe, I did not find it necessary.
5- I don’t like raisins. What else can I use?
Go for cranberries, sour cherries, chocolate chips, chopped dried figs, or chopped dried dates.
6 – Are almonds mandatory?
Definitely not! You can leave it out if you don’t like it or have any allergies. You can also go for any other nuts you like.

I really hope you enjoy these easy-to-make, chewy, oatmeal & raisins cookies. Remember that food is not the enemy. Food should not be earned and you are allowed to enjoy food and still be healthy. If you need help with your nutrition journey, please remember we have an amazing nutritionist that can help you make healthy choices without depriving yourself of the things you like.
Now tell me, will you be making this recipe? If you do please tag us on Instagram (@fitqueens_wellness) or on Facebook (@fitqueens.wellness)

Vegan Oatmeal Raisins Cookies
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls
- 1 spatula
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 set of measuring cups You'll need 1/2, 3/4 & 1 cup. Also 1 tsp, 1/4 tsp, and 1 tbsp.
- 1 electric (hand) mixer
- 1 baking tray + parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbs agave syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 1 1/2 cup rolled oats not quick oats, these have to be rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp soy milk or any other plant-based milk
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds or any other mix of nuts you like.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C
- Add the vegan butter and brown sugar to a mixing bowl. Use an electric (hand) mixer and mix together until it's fluffy and creamy. This takes usually 2-3 minutes
- Then add the vanilla & almond extract and agave syrup. Use the electric mixer and mix well
- Use a second mixing bowl to mix the rolled oats, flour, shredded coconut, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until all is well combined.
- Add the abovementioned dry ingredients to the butter & sugar mix. Mix well by hand. Don't use the mixer at this point. It will be a crumbly mix.
- Add in the raisins and nuts and mix by hand.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the soy milk and mix by hand. The dough will be a little sticky, but you'll be able to roll it into perfect balls. If it's still too crumbly, then add a second tablespoon of soy milk
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper
- Roll the dough into balls and place onto a lined baking tray. Aim for 15 balls/cookies. You can go for up to 20 but they'll be smaller then.
- There is no need to flatten them as they will flatten out on their own. If it doesn't happen, then you can flatten them, carefully, with a spoon/fork after they're done baking. Do this immediately after baking as they'll be very soft.
- Tip: make sure each cookie has enough raisins and nuts. I've had some cookies with no raisins or nuts at all. They were still delicious though!
- Place the rolled balls into the oven and bake for 12 minutes. It can take up to 15 minutes depending on your oven. It will be done when the edges are a beautiful golden brown
- The cookies will be very (very!) soft. Use a spatula and move them immediately to a cooling rack. The remaining heat of the baking tray can overcook them.
- Allow them to firm up by letting them cool down for 10-15 minutes
Sina
These look absolutely delicious, Shirley! Love a good chewy cookie. I’m DEFINITELY gonna try to make them with cranberries.