Vegan Oatmeal Cookies

// Crispy, chewy vegan oatmeal cookies made with oats, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Easy, gluten free, no flour, no eggs, naturally sweet.



These vegan oatmeal cookies are crispy, chewy, and naturally sweetened. They are a perfect snack when you want something wholesome, filling, and delicious without any extra effort. Made using simple pantry staples, these easy vegan oatmeal cookies need no chilling, no eggs, no butter, no refined sugar, and come together in one bowl.

These gluten-free and vegan cookies make a wonderful plant-based treat for busy days, school lunch boxes, and quick dessert cravings.

Cooking tip of the day
Thermal Control: Reverse sear king oyster mushrooms

Cook thick rounds low until nearly tender, then hard sear. You get edge-to-edge juiciness with a mahogany crust.

Vegan oatmeal cookie being dipped into a glass of oat milk, healthy dairy free cookies made with oats and peanut butter.

About Oatmeal Cookies

These deliciously vegan oatmeal cookies are made using coarsely blended rolled oats, creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, olive oil, and a few everyday essentials. The result is chewy and crispy olive oil oatmeal cookies with a chewy center and crisp edges.

Since these cookies are naturally sweetened with maple syrup, they have a light feel yet are so satisfying. It comes together in just 15 minutes when made from start to finish.

The wonderful thing about this simple oat cookies recipe is that there is no chilling required, no complicated steps, and no equipment other than a blender to make oat flour. Plus, they are also gluten free oatmeal cookies as they are prepared with certified gluten free oats. So this recipe is suitable for a wide range of diets.

Plate of homemade vegan oatmeal cookies held in hands, crispy and chewy gluten free oatmeal cookies.

These cookies are very versatile, you can make it in many ways. I have used gluten free rolled oats here, so they are also gluten free. But you can also use regular oats. Also, I used milk for making the cookie dough, but you can also use water in this recipe. You can also use bananas to make peanut butter banana oatmeal cookies, or add some dried cranberries for a fun touch. Basically, the customization options are endless for this cookie recipe.

All in all, this recipe is great if you love easy vegan recipes, quick vegan cookies, or healthy vegan desserts that take less than 20 minutes to bake.

Let’s make these vegan oatmeal cookies!

Why You Will Love the Recipe

These Vegan Oatmeal Cookies

✔ are easy & simple to make

✔ are kid-friendly

✔ require no chilling

✔ are ideal for meal prep

✔ are ready in minutes

✔ use simple pantry ingredients

✔ are perfect for busy days

✔ have the perfect chewy texture

✔ need only one bowl

✔ are vegan & gluten free

✔ have no eggs or butter

✔ are naturally sweetened

✔ are great for beginners

✔ are healthy & still taste indulgent

Freshly baked vegan oatmeal cookies on a cooling rack, easy gluten free oat cookies made without flour or refined sugar.

Ingredients

  • Rolled oats: It is the key ingredient for this cookie recipe. The oat forms the base for this vegan recipe; when blended, they create a light, wholesome texture which gives structure to the cookie.

  • Peanut butter: A little bit of peanut butter adds protein, adds richness and moisture, and makes these vegan peanut butter oatmeal cookies soft and chewy.

  • Maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the cookies, giving them a warm, caramel-like flavor. A key ingredient in maple syrup cookies.

  • Extra virgin olive oil: It is added for healthy fats and keeps the cookies chewy yet soft.

  • Vanilla extract: Added for a cozy aroma and enhanced overall flavor.

  • Salt and baking powder: Salt balances the sweetness, and baking powder helps the cookies rise gently.

  • Liquid: I used warm oat milk to bring the dough together and to create that classic shortbread vegan oatmeal cookie texture. But you can also use warm water in this recipe if you don’t like milk in cookies.

How to Make Vegan Oatmeal Cookies

Making these vegan oatmeal cookies is super simple and easy to make.

  • Just preheat your oven to 350°F or 180°C. Then add the rolled oats to a blender and blend until you get a coarse flour.

  • After that, transfer the oat flour to a bowl. Then add salt and baking powder and mix well to combine.

  • In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

  • Then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Slowly add warm oat milk one tablespoon at a time until you get a soft dough.

  • Then roll 1 tablespoon portions into small balls and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment. Flatten each cookie to about one quarter-inch thickness.

  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden. Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack and enjoy.

Top view of crisp and chewy vegan oatmeal cookies arranged on a black plate, healthy maple sweetened oatmeal cookies.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Version

Love chocolate chip cookies? Then feel free to add a handful of dairy free chocolate chips for a fun dessert twist.

Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

Cinnamon tastes really good in oatmeal cookies. You can add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.

Nut Free Cookies

For a nut free cookie version, you can replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, or simply swap it with olive oil.

Chunky Cookies

If you like the chunky texture in your cookies, then feel free to fold in raisins, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes.

Apple Oatmeal Cookies

For this mixture, swap peanut butter with applesauce and add 1 finely chopped apple to the oats mixture.

Serving Suggestions

They taste great when enjoyed with tea, coffee, or even a glass of warm oat milk or any plant based milk for breakfast or an after school snack. They can also be served as a healthy vegan dessert after meals.

These cookies can also be crumbled over yogurt bowls, porridge, or overnight oats. They can also be packed into snack boxes or lunch boxes.

Storage Suggestions

Store these soft vegan oatmeal cookies in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to one week

For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to one month. Warm in the microwave for a few seconds for a freshly baked feel

Beautifully styled vegan oatmeal cookies on a black plate, soft and chewy dairy free oat cookies perfect for snacking.

Tips & Tricks to make the Best Vegan Oatmeal Cookies

1. Oats: I have used rolled oats in this recipe, but you can also use instant oats.

2. Blending: Blend the oats only until coarse for chewy vegan oatmeal cookies.

  1. Liquid: I have used warm oat milk to make the dough. You can also use warm water here. Also, make sure to add the liquid slowly to control the dough texture.

4. Shaping: Always flatten the cookies evenly for uniform baking.

  1. Baking: Every oven is different, so keep an eye in the last few minutes to prevent overbaking.

6. Gluten free: To make sure your cookies are gluten free, use certified gluten free rolled oats for gluten free oatmeal cookies.

7. Peanut Butter: I used crunchy peanut butter to add texture, but you can use smooth peanut butter for soft and even cookies.

8. Storage: These easy vegan oatmeal cookies with peanut butter stay fresh for up to 7 days, so they can become a go-to for quick vegan cookies and easy vegan dessert recipes.


Vegan Oatmeal Cookies (Step-by-step photo instructions)

How to Make Vegan Oatmeal Cookies

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).Add the rolled oats to a blender or food processor and blend until you get a coarse flour. You don’t need a fine powder, as the coarse texture adds a nice crunch. Transfer the oat flour to a large mixing bowl. Add salt and baking powder, and mix until well combined.
  2. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-1 for Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
  4. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-2 for Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
  5. Add the peanut butter mixture to the oats and mix well using a spatula. Slowly pour in the warm oat milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix well. Let the mixture cool slightly.
  6. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-3 for Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
  7. Use your hands to form a soft and smooth dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more warm water. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. If the dough is sticky, roll it directly on a baking sheet. Transfer the dough balls onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. No extra greasing needed. Flatten each cookie using a glass or cup to about 1/4 inch thick.
  8. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-4 for Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
  9. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown. Keep a close eye during the last 5–8 minutes. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Enjoy with a glass of milk or store in an airtight jar for up to 1 week.
  10. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-5 for Vegan Oatmeal Cookies

Recipe Card


Vegan Oatmeal Cookies [Recipe]

Recipe Image
Crispy, chewy vegan oatmeal cookies made with oats, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Easy, gluten free, no flour, no eggs, naturally sweet.
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 7 reviews)

Prep time 🕐 Cook time 🕐 Total time 🕐
25 mins
Category ☶ Cuisine ♨ Serves ☺
Snacks American 15
Nutrition Info ⊛ Serving size ⊚
77 calories 1

INGREDIENTS

For Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 6 tablespoons maple syrup, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1.5 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 tablespoons warm oat milk or water, as needed

INSTRUCTIONS:

How to Make Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).Add the rolled oats to a blender or food processor and blend until you get a coarse flour. You don’t need a fine powder, as the coarse texture adds a nice crunch. Transfer the oat flour to a large mixing bowl. Add salt and baking powder, and mix until well combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
  3. Add the peanut butter mixture to the oats and mix well using a spatula. Slowly pour in the warm oat milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix well. Let the mixture cool slightly.
  4. Use your hands to form a soft and smooth dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more warm water. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. If the dough is sticky, roll it directly on a baking sheet. Transfer the dough balls onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. No extra greasing needed. Flatten each cookie using a glass or cup to about 1/4 inch thick.
  5. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown. Keep a close eye during the last 5–8 minutes. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Enjoy with a glass of milk or store in an airtight jar for up to 1 week.

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NOTES:

  1. Blend the oats only until coarse for chewy vegan oatmeal cookies.
  2. I have used warm oat milk to make the dough. You can also use warm water here. Also, make sure to add the liquid slowly to control the dough texture.


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