Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

 Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are chewy, hearty, and full of warm, comforting flavors. With no dairy or eggs, they’re perfect for anyone following a vegan diet, while still being a treat for everyone to enjoy! Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup coconut oil or vegan butter, melted

1/4 cup maple syrup or agave syrup

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup raisins (or other dried fruit like cranberries)

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1 tbsp chia seeds or ground flaxseeds (optional, for added nutrition)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or vegan butter), maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. The dough should be thick and sticky.

Fold in the raisins, nuts, and any optional chia or flaxseeds.

5. Shape the Cookies:

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Flatten the dough balls slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon, as these cookies don’t spread much during baking.

6. Bake:

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center should be slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.

7. Cool and Enjoy:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

For extra chewiness, you can add more applesauce or replace some of the raisins with shredded coconut.

Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

These Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a perfect combination of sweet and hearty, making them a great snack or dessert that everyone can enjoy!