Delicious Recipe for Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Welcome friends, to my latest culinary innovation: the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – Dairy Free Recipe! My name is [YOUR NAME] and I am a firm believer that healthy does not mean unappetizing or devoid of flavor. On the contrary, healthy can, and should, be very delicious! With this recipe, I aim to prove just that.
These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of raisins – perfect for a guilt-free indulgence. The best part? They are dairy-free and gluten-free, making them safe to consume for those with dietary restrictions due to allergies or lifestyle choices. You won’t even miss the butter or wheat flour!
I created this recipe in search of a healthier oatmeal raisin cookie option. It took me several attempts to achieve the perfect balance between a chewy texture and rich flavor, but I finally nailed it. By using rolled oats instead of flour and margarine instead of butter, these cookies are significantly lower in fat and calories than traditional oatmeal raisin cookies.
With simple ingredients such as cinnamon, salt, baking soda and vanilla extract combined with light brown sugar and white sugar, these cookies come together quickly and easily. Plus, they can last up to three days without losing their freshness.
So why not try something new and impress your senses with these delicate treats? End your meals on a high note with these delightful oatmeal raisin cookies; your taste buds will thank you for it! Let’s dive into how to make them in the following sections.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of sweet treats but want to maintain a healthy diet? These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are the ultimate solution to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health. Not only are these cookies dairy-free and gluten-free, but they also pack a ton of energy-boosting ingredients such as rolled oats, raisins, and coconut oil.
One of the main reasons you’ll love this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make. With simple pantry staples like flour, salt, and baking soda, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, the recipe calls for both brown sugar and white sugar to give the cookies the perfect balance of sweetness.
But what really sets this recipe apart is its flexibility. You can substitute any ingredients you don’t have on hand or adjust the recipe as per your preference. For instance, if you’re not a fan of raisins, swap them for chocolate chips or dried cranberries. Alternatively, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to complement the cinnamon flavor.
These cookies are also very family-friendly. Children love soft cookies that they can bite right into without making a mess, and these oatmeal raisin cookies fit that bill perfectly. They also make for great lunchbox snacks because they will keep them energized throughout their long day at school.
Lastly, these cookies are perfect for special dietary needs because they cater to gluten-free and dairy-free requirements. Rest assured that anyone who takes up the offer of trying these cookies will find it hard not to love them!
So go ahead and give this recipe a try – I guarantee you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Let’s talk about the ingredients needed to whip up some magnificent oatmeal raisin cookies that are dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies:
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup purpose flour (can be substituted with gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raisins
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup vegan margarine or coconut oil
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons of water or non-dairy milk
- 1 egg or flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
All ingredients can be found in your local grocery store, and most can be substituted with other options if needed. Once you have gathered all of your ingredients, it’s time to start baking!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have your ingredients all prepared, it’s time to bake some scrumptious Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. These cookies are soft and chewy with a rich flavor of cinnamon and raisins. In this section, I will walk you through the step-by-step instructions on how to make these dairy-free cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and is an essential first step in any baking recipe.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix well with a wooden spoon or spatula until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of margarine with 3/4 cup of white sugar and 3/4 cup of light brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add in two eggs and one tablespoon of vanilla extract. Mix well.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients mixture until everything is well combined. Then fold in one cup of raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Form Dough and Bake Cookies
Spoon out rounded dough balls using a cookie scoop or spoons onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper about two inches apart from each other. Place them in the oven for around fifteen minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown.
Step 6: Cool Down
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for ten minutes on the baking sheet. Then, transfer them onto a cooling rack and let them cool completely.
Now enjoy your freshly baked Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, which are free of dairy, gluten and soy. These cookies are perfect for any snack or dessert occasion. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Note: If you want to add any nuts like walnuts, almond or dates, that can also make excellent additions to this recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch up your usual oatmeal raisin cookie routine? Here are some substitutions and variations to make this classic treat even more delicious:
1. Swap out raisins for chocolate chips or dried cranberries
2. Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a healthier option
3. Try using almond flour, oat flour, or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version
4. Substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for the traditional margarine
5. Experiment with adding in different spices like ginger or nutmeg for extra flavor
6. Make it vegan by using flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
No matter what variation you choose, these cookies will always be deliciously soft and chewy. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients and make this recipe your own!
Serving and Pairing
Now, let’s talk about serving and pairing these delightful oatmeal raisin cookies. These cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of almond milk. They are also an ideal mid-day snack and an excellent treat during those late night cravings.
Serve these oatmeal raisin cookies fresh out of the oven for the best experience, or you can store them in an airtight container for up to a week. They make great snacks for road trips, picnics or lunchboxes as well.
Another fantastic way to enjoy these cookies is by making ice cream sandwiches with your favourite non-dairy ice cream flavor. Simply take two cookies and spread your ice cream in between them.
With their versatile flavour profile, you can experiment with different additions like walnuts, almonds, or even chocolate morsels to create different variations of the classic oatmeal raisin cookie.
For a healthy twist, try adding some chia seeds and flaxseed for extra nutrients and protein in your diet. You can also add a little bit of peanut butter on top for that nutty flavor.
Overall, these dairy-free oatmeal raisin cookies are very versatile when it comes to pairing and serving options. With a little creativity and imagination, the possibilities are endless!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
My oatmeal raisin cookies recipe is perfect for making ahead of time and storing for later. Whether you want to have a quick snack on hand or need to bring something to share at a picnic, these cookies are a great option.
To make ahead, simply mix the dough as instructed and shape it into cookie dough balls. Place them in an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake them, set them on a baking sheet and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
When it comes to storing your freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookies, be sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, you can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating your cookies is easy too! Simply place them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes until they are warm and soft again.
Whether you want to make these cookies in advance or just need a way to keep your leftovers fresh, my oatmeal raisin cookies recipe has got you covered. Just follow my simple instructions and enjoy soft, chewy oatmeal raisin goodness whenever you want!
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing a delicious treat can sometimes be tricky, even with a straightforward recipe like oatmeal raisin cookies. In this section, I will be sharing a few essential tips for ensuring that your cookies turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and packed with flavor every time!
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
When baking oatmeal raisin cookies, the freshness of your ingredients matters. So, always make sure your rolled oats and raisins are moist and haven’t gone bad. Using stale ingredients will affect the overall taste of the cookie, making it less enjoyable.
2. Let Your Dough Rest
Once you have mixed your dough, allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes before scooping it onto baking sheets. This step is crucial because it allows the dry ingredients to absorb the wet ones giving the doughs its solid texture.
3. Don’t Overmix Your Dough
While it is essential to ensure that all the ingredients are well-incorporated, avoid overmixing as this action causes gluten in the flour to break down which results in flat tough and hard cookies instead of that soft chewy texture you want.
4. Softened Margarine
Using softened margarine or vegan butter will ensure that the moistness of your dough is maintained, resulting in a softer cookie.
5. Proper Baking Sheets
Make sure to use proper baking sheets that are not too thin or flimsy to prevent uneven browning of cookies.
6. Consistent Sizes & Spacing
To ensure even baking of cookies, it’s critical to maintain consistency in their sizes and spacing between each other as they expand during baking.
With these easy yet important tips in mind, you can bake perfect oatmeal raisin cookies every time!
Bottom Line
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I know that healthy eating is all about balance and variety. And these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are the perfect example of how you can satisfy your sweet cravings while still nourishing your body with wholesome and nutritious ingredients. Whether you follow a dairy-free or gluten-free lifestyle or not, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds with its soft and chewy texture, subtle cinnamon flavor, and juicy raisin bites.
So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and whip up a batch of these delicious cookies! You won’t be disappointed. And if you have any questions or comments about the recipe, feel free to leave them below. I’m always happy to help you on your journey to a healthier and happier life through delicious and nutritious food. Remember, food is not just fuel; it’s joy, love, and connection!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - Dairy Free Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup margarine, softened
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 3/4 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190C).
- In large bowl, cream together margarine, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla until fluffy.
- Stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
- Gradually beat into creamed mixture.
- Stir in oats and raisins.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake 8 – 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.
- Cool completely.