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.

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

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)

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.

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)

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