Indulge in the delightful flavors of Soft and Chewy Vegan Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies. These delectable holiday treats are loaded with tangy cranberries, crunchy macadamia nuts, and a hint of rich molasses. Made with vegan butter, maple syrup, and a blend of comforting spices, these cookies are packed with flavor and texture. The recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring you to mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them into a thick cookie dough. Once rolled into balls and baked to golden perfection, these cookies are irresistible. Don’t forget the helpful tips, such as weighing the ingredients for accuracy and using a fork to flatten them after baking. Plus, with the option to make them gluten-free, these cookies are a delightful treat for everyone.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
To make these delicious Vegan Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
Vegan butter
First and foremost, you will need vegan butter. This is a plant-based alternative to traditional butter and is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your cookies. Make sure to use a vegan butter that is suitable for baking.
Light brown sugar
light brown sugar will lend a lovely caramel-like flavor to your cookies. It also helps to keep them moist and chewy.
Maple syrup
Maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness to your cookies. It is a wonderful alternative to refined sugars and adds a delicious depth of flavor.
Molasses
Molasses is the secret ingredient that gives these cookies their signature taste. It adds richness and a hint of bitterness, balancing out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Rolled oats
Rolled oats are the base of these cookies and provide a lovely chewy texture. Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best results.
All-purpose flour
All-purpose flour is the go-to flour for baking cookies. It helps to bind the ingredients together and gives your cookies a tender crumb.
Dessicated coconut
Dessicated coconut adds a wonderful tropical flavor and texture to these cookies. It provides a subtle sweetness and a slight crunch.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps your cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt
Salt is a key ingredient in any baked goods recipe as it enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds warmth and a delightful spice to these cookies. It complements the other flavors and adds a cozy touch.
Soy milk
soy milk serves as the liquid component of these cookies. It helps to bind the ingredients together and keeps them moist.
Dried cranberries
dried cranberries are the star ingredient of these cookies. They add a tart and sweet flavor, as well as a chewy texture.
Chopped macadamias
Macadamia nuts provide a wonderful creamy and buttery flavor to these cookies. They add a delightful crunch and complement the other ingredients perfectly.
Preparation
To make these Vegan Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies, you will need to follow a few simple steps:
Mixing wet ingredients
Start by creaming the vegan butter until light and fluffy. Then, add in the light brown sugar and mix until well combined. Next, incorporate the maple syrup and molasses, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Finally, mix in the soy milk until all the wet ingredients are fully combined.
Mixing dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats and all-purpose flour. Mix them together until well incorporated. Next, add in the dessicated coconut and mix again. Finally, add in the baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, and give it a good stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Combining wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Forming cookie dough
Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, it’s time to form the cookie dough. Take a small amount of dough and roll it into a ball between your hands. Place the dough balls onto parchment-lined baking sheets, making sure to leave some space between each cookie. Use your hand or a fork to press down slightly on each ball to flatten it slightly.
Baking the cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheets with the cookie dough into the oven. Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Allowing cookies to cool
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will ensure that they retain their shape and texture.
Storage and Freezing
Once your Vegan Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week, or stored in the refrigerator for a slightly longer shelf life. If you want to enjoy these delicious cookies for an extended period, they can also be frozen. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips
To ensure the best results when making these Vegan Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies, here are a few helpful tips:
Weighing ingredients for accuracy
When measuring your ingredients, it’s always a good idea to weigh them for accuracy. This ensures that you are using the correct amounts and helps to achieve consistent results.
Spreading cookies over two trays for even baking
To ensure that your cookies bake evenly, spread them out over two baking sheets instead of crowding them all onto one. This allows for proper air circulation and prevents the cookies from spreading into each other.
Flattening cookies with a fork after baking if needed
If your cookies don’t flatten naturally during baking, you can use a fork to gently press them down after removing them from the oven. This will give them a more even shape and texture.
Using gluten-free all-purpose baking blend for a gluten-free version
If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can easily adapt this recipe by using a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend instead of regular all-purpose flour. This allows you to enjoy these tasty cookies while accommodating your dietary needs.
