Need a few suggestions? I’ve got you covered! My six-ingredient Almond Flour Cookies are dairy-free and low-carb, while my Almond Flour Ginger Snaps have a deliciously chewy texture that uses refined sugar-free flavorings to get sweetly spiced flavors.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: The key to making flour-free oatmeal cookies is to use another ingredient that gives the batter shape and structure—in this case, oats! Though there are many different types of oats, the best oatmeal raisin cookies come together using old-fashioned oats (also known as “rolled oats”), as they’ll keep your dough from becoming soggy or overcooked. The main difference between rolled oats and quick oats is that rolled oats are thicker and larger, allowing them to withstand longer cooking times without becoming mushy, as instant oats (or quick-cooking oats) do. Furthermore, there’s also a big difference between steel-cut and rolled oats, as steel-cut oats have a coarser, less chewy texture when baked, so be sure to stick to rolled oats for this recipe. Also, when looking for old-fashioned oats at the grocery store, make sure to buy gluten-free oats if you follow a gluten-free diet, as many oat manufacturers use the same machinery they use to produce gluten-based products. Oat flour: Unlike traditional wheat flour, oat flour is more nutritious and easier to make from home, needing only whole rolled oats and a food processor. If you’d prefer an alternative ingredient, you can also use almond flour for a quick substitution. Ground flaxseeds: Instead of using eggs, this simple ingredient works as a binder for this healthier oatmeal raisin cookies recipe, helping secure the ingredients together while maintaining a vegan-friendly profile. Chia seeds: Not only does this superfood lend your healthy rolled oats cookies a nuanced nutty flavor, but it also packs extra protein into every bite. Baking powder Ground cinnamon Kosher salt Applesauce or mashed bananas: I love making healthy oatmeal raisin cookies with applesauce (especially Homemade Applesauce!), as this ingredient lends the batter sweet, bright undertones without requiring added sweeteners. Alternatively, you can also use mashed ripe bananas for more tropical, fruity notes. Coconut oil: Coconut oil is essential for giving these healthy oatmeal cookies their chewy, moist texture. However, you could also use another mildly flavored oil, such as avocado oil, instead. Maple syrup Unsweetened almond milk: Creamy, light, and dairy-free, unsweetened almond milk is vital to hydrating the dry ingredients of this recipe, giving you moist, soft, and luscious cookies every time. Nuts: Walnuts are my go-to for giving these oatmeal raisin cookies a delicate crunch and mildly nutty taste. To take this recipe to the next level, you can toast your walnuts beforehand to help release their oils, giving your cookies a heartier dose of their natural flavors. However, any nut of your choice would work in this recipe. Raisins: I used sweet raisins to lend this clean cookie recipe with its signature chewy, fruity taste. However, you can use any of your favorite dried fruits as natural sweeteners, whether you plan on making healthy oatmeal cranberry cookies, an antioxidant-packed blueberry batter, or a pie-inspired cherry biscuit. No matter which dried fruit you use, just be sure that you select one with no sugar added if you want your cookies to stay free of refined sugar.
Store: Let the cookies cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container at room temperature (such as on the counter) for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, store your cooled cookies in the fridge for up to five days, reheating them in a 300-degree F. oven for five minutes or until heated through. Freeze: If you plan on making these chewy oatmeal raisin cookies further in the future, I recommend scooping the dough into your desired size, placing them on a piece of parchment paper, and letting them harden. Then, transfer your unbaked cookies to a Ziploc bag and bake them according to my recipe’s directions when ready to eat—no thawing or defrosting necessary.
Wet dough: Don’t be alarmed if your oatmeal raisin cookie dough seems wetter than expected before baking. Because these gluten-free oatmeal cookies don’t use wheat-based flour, the liquid needs more time to absorb into the oats while resting, giving you an ideally chewy texture. We have tested this recipe with a lesser amount of applesauce and found out that once it was fully cooled it was a dryer than we liked. No need to chill: Most gluten- and fat-based cookies need to chill to help them maintain their shape and soft texture while baking. However, these oatmeal cookies don’t need the same treatment due to their heartier, gluten-free composition, so you can bake them immediately after mixing the batter. The dough doesn’t spread during the baking process: Unlike other cookies, which melt and expand in the oven. Since they are made without baking soda, they keep their shape and size during the cooking process. Bake in small batches: We highly recommend baking these cookies on the day you plan to serve them. Therefore, unless you are serving them to a crowd, we recommend baking them in small batches. This way, you can save your cookie dough throughout the week, baking it as necessary to ensure you have the freshest, chewiest cookies possible. Serving suggestions: Nutritious, soft, and sweet, these oat flour oatmeal raisin cookies taste amazing with dozens of delicious pairings. Serve this sweet treat with a cup of coffee at breakfast, milk for dessert, or spread it with your favorite nut butter to keep you full for hours on end.
Below, you’ll discover just a few ways this recipe’s ingredients promote dietary, heart, and nutritional health.
No refined sugars: Without any refined sugars—such as granulated or brown sugar—these sugar-free oatmeal raisin cookies use only natural ingredients to sweeten their batter, thereby reducing your risk of inflammation, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Instead, I sweeten my cookies with all-natural ingredients, including maple syrup, applesauce (or mashed bananas), and raisins. Low fat: There’s no need to break out several sticks of butter to make a mouthwatering dessert. This simple recipe only uses ¼ cup of coconut oil to keep your cookies as moist and chewy as possible, without all the “bad cholesterol” associated with butter and other unhealthy fats. High fiber: Thanks to this recipe’s use of rolled oats and oat flour, it has a much higher amount of gut-healthy fiber than cookie recipes using white flour. Packed with superfoods: Superfoods are a must for anyone looking to fill their plate with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. That’s why I include ground flaxseeds and chia seeds (which are high in protein!) in my recipe for healthy, chewy oatmeal cookies, solving any reservations about indulging in a sweet treat. Gluten-free and vegan: If you have a dietary restriction, the last thing you want to deal with is bland, “questionably safe” desserts. To eliminate these concerns, I’ve developed an oatmeal cookie recipe that doesn’t use eggs, dairy-based milk, whole wheat flour, or all-purpose flour, making it the perfect dessert for anyone following a gluten-free, vegan or dairy-free diet. Nuts: Walnuts are a magic ingredient, offering equal parts flavor and nutrition. This hearty nut is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber—all supporting well-functioning gut and cardiovascular systems. Super filling and helps with the sweet cravings: Though it may seem counterintuitive to start your day with a “breakfast cookie,” this recipe for clean oatmeal cookies is the ultimate solution for mid-meal cravings. This sweet treat is healthy and satiating, helping you meet your dietary needs and keep you full throughout the day.
Other Low-Sugar Cookie Recipes You Might Also Like
If you can’t resist a good oatmeal raisin cookie, you’ll adore these other healthy cookie recipes. Now, you can satisfy every sweet tooth with nutty, creamy, and rich flavors without sacrificing nutritional content.
Peanut Butter Almond Flour Cookies Gluten-Free Almond Butter Cookies
If you try this Healthy Soft Oatmeal Cookies recipe, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.
