Craving a warm, gooey cookie but want to keep it plant-based? Then look no further! This recipe for vegan oatmeal raisin cookies delivers all the comforting goodness of a classic cookie, without any compromise on taste or texture. These are perfect for a cozy night in, a bake sale, or a delicious healthy snack. Get ready to discover how easy homemade cooking can be! This recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or just a delightful treat. It's one of the best recipes you'll find for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup raisins (or other dried fruit like cranberries or chopped dates)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or your favorite)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of flavor and leavening agents.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Add Raisins & Nuts (optional): Stir in the raisins and any optional nuts you're using.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies:
- Use good quality oats: Rolled oats will give you the best texture. Avoid using instant oats.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops gluten and can result in tough cookies.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer sweeter cookies, add a tablespoon or two more of brown sugar.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds a warm, comforting spice to the cookies.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Raisin: Add ½ cup of vegan chocolate chips along with the raisins.
- Spiced Oatmeal Raisin: Add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Coconut Oatmeal Raisin: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator online and input your exact ingredients. However, you can generally expect these cookies to be a relatively healthy option providing fiber from the oats and antioxidants from the raisins.
These delicious vegan oatmeal raisin cookies are a perfect example of how easy and satisfying healthy meals can be. They are a wonderful addition to your repertoire of easy recipes, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!