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Here I sit, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, with lots of spare time at home and a deep desire to be more productive than should be necessary of anyone on house-arrest. In a recent post on Instagram, my good friend Joyce challenged me to a healthy cookie contest, so this is in answer to that challenge. Perhaps we can turn this up a notch and inspire you to share your healthy cookie recipe? Without further ado, I present these dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan chocolate chip cookies made with Seedy Nutty. Enjoy these fantastic cookies for breakfast, mid-afternoon, and after-dinner treat! This vegan cookie recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or seeds to create a personalized treat.
What Are Vegan Oatmeal Cookies Made Of?
Vegan cookies, including vegan oatmeal cookies, are a delightful treat made without any animal products, making them suitable for those following a plant-based diet. These cookies typically feature a combination of wholesome ingredients that create their signature chewy texture and delicious taste.
The base of vegan oatmeal cookies often includes gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats, which provide a hearty texture and nutty flavor. These oats are combined with gluten-free flour to ensure the cookies are suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Ground flax seeds are used as a binding agent, replacing eggs to help hold the cookie dough together.
For sweetness, vegan oatmeal cookies utilize natural sweeteners such as coconut sugar or date syrup, which impart a rich, caramel-like flavor. Vegan butter or coconut oil is used to achieve a creamy consistency, while almond milk or other non-dairy milk options add moisture to the dough.
Flavor enhancers like vanilla extract and ground cinnamon are often included to elevate the taste profile. Vegan chocolate chips or dried fruit, such as cranberries, can be added for extra bursts of flavor and texture.
Overall, vegan oatmeal cookies are a delicious and nutritious option, made with mindful ingredients that cater to a variety of dietary preferences.
Is Honey Vegan?
Honey is a topic of debate within the vegan community. Traditional veganism excludes all animal products, which typically includes honey since it is produced by bees. However, some people who identify as vegan choose to consume honey, arguing that sustainable and ethical beekeeping practices can align with their values. These individuals may prioritize supporting local beekeepers who ensure the well-being of their bees and contribute to environmental conservation.
For those who prefer to avoid honey, there are numerous alternatives available, such as maple syrup, agave nectar, and date syrup, which can be used in recipes like vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies to maintain sweetness without compromising their vegan principles.
Benefits of Baking with Honey Over Sugar
When it comes to baking, honey offers several advantages over traditional sugar. Firstly, honey is a natural sweetener that not only provides sweetness but also imparts a unique depth of flavor to baked goods. Its rich, floral notes can enhance the taste profile of recipes like vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, giving them a more complex and satisfying flavor.
Honey also has a lower glycemic index compared to sugar, which means it causes a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar levels. This makes it a preferable choice for those looking to manage their energy levels more steadily throughout the day.
Moreover, honey has hygroscopic properties, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. This can be particularly beneficial in baking, as it helps keep cookies soft and chewy for longer periods, preventing them from becoming dry and hard.
Additionally, honey contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering a slight nutritional edge over refined sugar. When baking vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, substituting honey for sugar can contribute to a more wholesome treat without compromising on taste or texture.
While honey is an excellent alternative to sugar in many recipes, it's important to note that it is not considered vegan by all, as it is produced by bees. For those adhering strictly to vegan principles, there are other plant-based sweeteners available, such as maple syrup or agave nectar, that can be used as substitutes.
Darker honey, like Buckwheat and Bamboo, are perfect for baking with
Can You Substitute Vegan Butter for Coconut Oil in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute vegan butter for coconut oil in this vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe. Vegan butter provides a creamy texture and rich flavor, similar to traditional butter, making it an excellent alternative to coconut oil. When using vegan butter, ensure it's softened to room temperature for easy mixing with other ingredients.
The substitution may slightly alter the flavor profile, as vegan butter typically has a more buttery taste compared to the subtle coconut flavor of coconut oil. However, this change can enhance the overall richness of the cookies, complementing the sweetness of the chocolate chips and natural sweeteners.
To substitute, use an equal amount of vegan butter in place of the coconut oil. This simple swap allows you to enjoy the same soft and chewy texture while catering to your taste preferences or ingredient availability.
The Importance of Baking Soda in Oatmeal Cookies
Baking soda is a crucial ingredient in oatmeal cookies, playing a vital role in achieving that perfect chewy texture we all love. When combined with acidic ingredients like brown sugar, baking soda helps to neutralize the acidity, which in turn creates a tender and delightful cookie. This chemical reaction is essential for the cookies to rise properly and develop their characteristic soft and chewy texture.
Moreover, baking soda strengthens the structure of the cookies, ensuring they spread just the right amount on the baking sheet. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming too flat or overly crispy. Without baking soda, your oatmeal cookies might end up dense and lacking that desirable chewiness.
In addition to its functional properties, baking soda also subtly enhances the flavor of oatmeal cookies. It has a slightly sweet, nutty taste that complements the rich flavors of brown sugar and rolled oats, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Choosing the Best Chocolate Chips for Oatmeal Cookies
Selecting the right chocolate chips can elevate your oatmeal cookies from good to absolutely irresistible. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing chocolate chips for your vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies:
- Flavor: Opt for chocolate chips with a high cocoa content, ideally at least 60%. This ensures a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the nutty taste of rolled oats.
- Texture: Small, uniform chocolate chips are ideal as they distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough, ensuring every bite is packed with chocolatey goodness.
- Type: For those following a vegan diet, it’s essential to choose vegan chocolate chips or dairy-free chocolate chips. These options provide the same indulgent flavor without compromising your dietary preferences.
- Brand: Trustworthy brands that use high-quality ingredients are always a safe bet. Look for brands known for their delicious and reliable chocolate chips.
Popular choices include semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, and even white chocolate chips for a unique twist. By selecting the best chocolate chips, you can ensure your oatmeal cookies are both delicious and perfectly suited to your taste.
Love the smell of chocolate? Our Haute Cocoa Jelly Jar and Luxe Candle will fill your space with the scent of freshly baked brownies
The Best Oats for Oatmeal Cookies
The type of oats you use in your oatmeal cookies can significantly impact their texture and flavor. For the best results, old-fashioned rolled oats are the way to go. These oats provide a hearty, chewy texture and a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients in your cookies.
When selecting oats, it’s important to choose rolled or old-fashioned oats rather than quick oats or steel-cut oats. Rolled oats maintain their shape and texture during baking, giving your cookies that classic oatmeal cookie chewiness. Quick oats, on the other hand, can make the cookies too soft, while steel-cut oats are too coarse and won’t blend well into the dough.
Additionally, consider using oat flour as part of your gluten-free flour mix. Oat flour enhances the oat flavor and contributes to the overall chewy texture of the cookies.
Choosing high-quality oats from reputable brands ensures that your vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are not only delicious but also consistent in texture and flavor. So, next time you’re baking, reach for those old-fashioned rolled oats to create the perfect batch of oatmeal cookies.
Are Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Healthier Than Regular?
When comparing vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies to regular chocolate chip cookies, several health differences stand out. Vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are typically made with plant-based ingredients, which can offer certain nutritional benefits over traditional recipes.
Firstly, vegan oatmeal cookies often use gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats, which are a great source of fiber and can contribute to a feeling of fullness. This can help with digestion and maintaining steady energy levels throughout the day. In contrast, regular chocolate chip cookies usually rely on refined flour, which lacks the fiber content found in oats.
Another difference is the use of natural sweeteners like coconut sugar or date syrup in vegan recipes. These alternatives generally have a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar, leading to a slower rise in blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for those looking to manage their energy levels and avoid sugar spikes.
Moreover, vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies often incorporate nutritious additions like flax seeds or chia seeds, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. These seeds can provide added health benefits that are not typically found in regular chocolate chip cookies.
Overall, while both types of cookies can be enjoyed as treats, vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies may offer a more nutritious option with their plant-based ingredients, fiber content, and lower glycemic sweeteners.
How to Make Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
One: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start any recipe, it's good practice to make sure you have all the required ingredients for it! Here's the list of ingredients you'll need for these vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies:
- Gluten-Free Flour: Gluten-free flour is essential in this recipe to ensure the vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It provides a safe alternative to traditional flour, maintaining the desired chewy texture and delicious taste without compromising dietary restrictions.
- Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar is used in this recipe to provide a natural sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor, enhancing the taste of vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Its lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar helps maintain steady energy levels, making it a healthier choice for sweetening these delicious treats.
- Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential in this recipe for vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies as it adds a warm, spicy note that enhances the overall flavor profile. Its aromatic qualities complement the sweetness of coconut sugar and chocolate chips, creating a harmonious blend that elevates the cookies' taste.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is a crucial ingredient in this vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe as it acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and achieve a light, chewy texture. It also enhances the spread of the cookies on the baking sheet, ensuring they bake evenly and develop a golden brown color.
- Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is essential in this vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe because it enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, balancing the sweetness and adding depth. Its coarse texture also ensures even distribution throughout the cookie dough, preventing any overly salty bites.
- Ground Flax Seeds: Ground flax seeds are essential in this vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe as they act as a binding agent, replacing eggs to help hold the cookie dough together. Additionally, they contribute a subtle nutty flavor and add nutritional benefits like omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
- Warm Water: Warm water is essential in this vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe because it helps activate the ground flax seeds, allowing them to form a gelatinous mixture that acts as a binding agent. This process is crucial for achieving the right consistency in the cookie dough, ensuring the cookies hold together well during baking.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is essential in this vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe because it provides a rich, creamy texture that mimics the qualities of traditional butter. Additionally, its subtle coconut flavor enhances the overall taste profile, complementing the sweet and nutty elements of the other ingredients.
- Almond Milk: Almond milk is a key ingredient in this vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe because it provides moisture and a subtle nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste and texture. Its creamy consistency helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring a soft and chewy texture in the finished cookies.
- Date Syrup (or Honey): Date syrup is essential in this vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe as it provides a natural sweetness with a rich, caramel-like flavor that enhances the overall taste. Additionally, its viscous texture helps maintain the cookies' soft and chewy consistency, making them a delightful treat. If you are a vegan who enjoys honey, we definitely recommend swapping out the date syrup for our Bee Inspired Honey instead.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is essential in this vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe because it enhances the overall flavor by adding a sweet, aromatic depth that complements the other ingredients. It brings out the natural sweetness of the coconut sugar and chocolate chips, ensuring a well-rounded and delicious taste in every bite.
- Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats are crucial for this vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe as they ensure the cookies are safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Their hearty texture also contributes to the chewy consistency that makes these cookies so delightful.
- Nut Mixture: We like to use Seedy Nutty for this recipe. When you buy Seedy Nutty, you get an amazing snack treat PLUS you're helping at-risk youth in an underserved community in Baltimore.
- Vegan Chocolate Chips: Vegan chocolate chips are essential for this recipe because they ensure the cookies remain entirely plant-based, aligning with vegan dietary preferences. They provide the rich, indulgent chocolate flavor without any dairy, making these oatmeal chocolate chip cookies both delicious and suitable for those avoiding animal products.
- Dried Cranberries: Dried cranberries add a delightful tartness to the vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, balancing the sweetness of the chocolate chips and coconut sugar. Their chewy texture complements the oats, enhancing the overall flavor and mouthfeel of the cookies.
Two: Prepare Tools & Flax Egg
Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a lined baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine one tablespoon of flax seeds and three tablespoons of warm water. Whisk the mixture together and refrigerate.
Three: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together gluten-free flour, coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and kosher salt.
Four: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the coconut oil, almond milk, date syrup, and vanilla extract.
Five: Combine Chunky Ingredients
In another medium bowl, mix together the gluten-free old fashioned rolled oats, nut mixture, vegan chocolate chips, and dried cranberries.
Six: Add Flax Egg
Remove the flax egg from the refrigerator and whisk for another minute or so. When the mixture becomes gelatinous, you have finished creating your flax egg. Add it to the wet ingredients and mix well.
Seven: Combine Ingredients
Sift the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Fold them together to create your cookie dough batter. Once combined, fold in the remaining chunky ingredients into the batter.
Eight: Prepare Dough for Baking
With a tablespoon or an ice cream scoop, measure out cookie dough balls. Place them on the lined baking sheet, about 2 inches between each cookie to allow enough room when the cookies spread.
Nine: Bake & Enjoy!
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as cooking time will depend on your oven. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your baked cookies!
How to Store Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Properly storing your vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies is essential to maintaining their delightful soft and chewy texture. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies remain fresh and delicious:
- Airtight Container: Once the cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out and maintain their chewy texture. If layering cookies, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause them to become stale more quickly.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage: If you want to keep the cookies for a longer period, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thawing Frozen Cookies: To enjoy frozen cookies, remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm, freshly-baked taste, you can also reheat them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
By following these storage tips, you can ensure your vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies remain a tasty treat, ready to be enjoyed whenever the craving strikes!
Adapt This Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe to Your Preferences
One of the best things about this vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe is its versatility, allowing you to adapt it to suit your personal tastes and dietary needs. Here are some exciting ways you can customize this recipe:
- Switch Up the Sweeteners: If you prefer a different sweetener, try using maple syrup or agave nectar instead of date syrup. These alternatives will provide a unique flavor profile and maintain the cookies' vegan integrity.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. Swap the vegan chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks or try adding chopped walnuts, dried fruit like apricots or raisins, or even shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
- Nut Butter Variations: Substitute creamy peanut butter or almond butter for coconut oil to introduce a nutty flavor and creamy texture. This change can also add a protein boost to your cookies.
- Flour Alternatives: If you're not concerned about gluten, you can use all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie. Alternatively, try oat flour for a gluten-free option that enhances the oat flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger to the cookie dough for a warm, spiced aroma. You can also sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Add a Citrus Twist: Incorporate the zest of a lemon or orange into the dough for a refreshing citrus note that complements the sweetness of the chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Vegan Milk Options: While almond milk is a popular choice, feel free to use any non-dairy milk like oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk to suit your preference.
- Texture Adjustments: If you prefer a softer cookie, reduce the baking time slightly. For a crispier texture, extend the baking time by a couple of minutes.
These simple modifications can help you create a personalized batch of vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that aligns perfectly with your taste buds. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your favorite combination!
Make Regular Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies with Honey
Maybe you aren't interested in gluten-free living? Use flour with gluten. If you aren't vegan, it's easy enough to use whole milk and butter in place of the nut milk and the coconut oil. A farm-fresh egg replaces the one we made of flax. Honey can replace the coconut sugar and the date syrup. Whatever you wish, this recipe has the bones and it's very forgiving. I have added unsweetened toasted coconut flakes to a recent batch and it added a nice texture and flavor.
Why You Should Bake These Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Today
In a world where dietary preferences and health-conscious choices are ever-evolving, these vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies stand out as a delicious and nutritious treat that everyone can enjoy. Their soft and chewy texture, combined with the rich flavors of vegan chocolate chips and wholesome ingredients like old-fashioned rolled oats and coconut sugar, make them an irresistible option for any cookie lover.
Not only do these cookies cater to those following a plant-based lifestyle, but they also offer a delightful experience for anyone seeking a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. The use of natural sweeteners and plant-based fats ensures that you can indulge without compromising on taste or quality.
Whether you're baking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, these cookies are sure to impress with their delightful combination of flavors and textures. Plus, the versatility of the recipe allows you to customize it to suit your preferences, making each batch uniquely yours.
So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a baking adventure that promises to satisfy your sweet tooth while aligning with your dietary values. Enjoy the process, savor the results, and share the joy of these delectable vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with those you love.
Making cookies for the holiday season? Check these out:
- Honey Peanut Butter Cookies
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Oatmeal Cookies with Dried Fruit
- Potato Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Paleo Cookies
