These Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are everything you could want in a sweet treat: soft, chewy, bursting with peanut butter flavor, and totally plant-based! They’re surprisingly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, and the smell of freshly baked cookies will fill your kitchen with irresistible warmth.
Gathering Your Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need a few basic pantry staples:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Making the Dough: It’s Easier Than You Think!
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
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Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to distribute the ingredients evenly for perfectly textured cookies.
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Creamy Dreamy: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy. Don’t skimp on the creaming – it incorporates air into the mixture, making the cookies extra tender.
Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Dough -
Flavor Boost: Stir in the vanilla extract. Vanilla adds a warm, fragrant note that beautifully complements the peanut butter.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a cookie that’s chewy, not tough.
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Chill Out: For an extra chewy texture, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight!). This allows the oats to soften and absorb the flavors.
“Chilling the dough isn’t strictly necessary, but I highly recommend it. It enhances the texture and depth of flavor significantly.” – Chef Amelia Green, Vegan Pastry Chef
Baking to Perfection: Achieving that Golden Glow
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Scoop and Shape: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Signature Criss-Cross: Gently flatten each cookie with a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern. This is the classic peanut butter cookie look and helps them bake evenly.
Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Ready for the Oven -
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
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Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Perfectly Baked Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Ready for the Oven
Perfectly Baked Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies FAQs: Your Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Questions Answered
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can use quick oats in a pinch, rolled oats are preferable for their chewier texture. Quick oats may result in a slightly cakier cookie.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Be sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
How can I store leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
You bet! Fold in a handful of vegan chocolate chips to the dough for an extra dose of sweetness.
A Final Word: Your New Favorite Vegan Treat
These vegan peanut butter oatmeal cookies are proof that you can enjoy delicious and satisfying treats while sticking to a plant-based lifestyle. With their classic flavor, chewy texture, and easy preparation, they are sure to become a household favorite! If you’re a peanut butter enthusiast, you’ll definitely want to check out our vegan portobello mushroom recipe for a savory and satisfying main course. Or, if you’re looking to impress your meat-loving friends, our vegan recipes for meat lovers are sure to satisfy.
