Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)

Experience the heartwarming comfort of homemade oatmeal raisin cookies, reimagined in this allergy-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. These chewy, perfectly spiced cookies bring together the wholesome goodness of gluten-free oats with naturally sweet raisins, creating a treat that’s both nostalgic and nourishing.

Ingredients

Makes 12-14 cookies

Dry Ingredients

  • 150g (1½ cups) gluten-free rolled oats
  • 60g (½ cup) almond flour
  • 50g (¼ cup) coconut sugar
  • 5g (1 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
  • 2g (¼ teaspoon) sea salt
  • 75g (½ cup) raisins

Wet Ingredients

  • 80ml (⅓ cup) coconut oil, melted
  • 1 flax egg (15ml/1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 45ml/3 tablespoons water)
  • 5ml (1 teaspoon) pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preparation (15 minutes)
  • Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F)
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Prepare flax egg and let sit for 15 minutes
  • Optional: Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well
  1. Mix Wet Ingredients (5 minutes)
  • In a large bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil and coconut sugar
  • Add prepared flax egg and vanilla extract
  • Mix until well combined and slightly thickened
  1. Combine Dry Ingredients (3 minutes)
  • In a separate bowl, mix gluten-free oats, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt
  • Ensure even distribution of spices
  1. Create Cookie Dough (5 minutes)
  • Add dry ingredients to wet mixture
  • Fold in raisins
  • Mix until just combined
  1. Shape and Bake (12-15 minutes)
  • Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie
  • Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each
  • Slightly flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden
  1. Cool and Store
  • Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes
  • Transfer to wire rack to cool completely

Nutritional Information (per cookie, based on 14 cookies)

  • Calories: 145
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Sugar: 8g

Total Time

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes (including flax egg setting)
  • Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Pro Tips and Tricks

  1. Texture Perfect
  • Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats, for better texture
  • Slightly underbake for chewier cookies
  • Press cookies down before baking as they won’t spread much
  1. Ingredient Temperature
  • Let melted coconut oil cool slightly before mixing
  • Room temperature ingredients blend better
  1. Raisin Prep
  • Soaking raisins creates plumper, juicier cookies
  • Pat dry thoroughly before adding to dough
  1. Storage Success
  • Cool completely before storing to maintain crispness
  • Store with a piece of bread to maintain moisture

Variations and Substitutions

  1. Flour Options
  • Replace almond flour with oat flour
  • Use sunflower seed flour for nut-free version
  1. Sweetener Alternatives
  • Brown sugar instead of coconut sugar
  • Date sugar for natural sweetness
  1. Mix-In Ideas
  • Add chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • Include dark chocolate chips
  • Mix in dried cranberries or chopped dates
  1. Spice Variations
  • Add nutmeg for warming flavor
  • Include ginger for spicy kick
  • Mix in orange zest for citrus notes

Common FAQs

Q: Why are my cookies crumbly?
A: This usually happens if the dough is too dry. Make sure to measure ingredients precisely and don’t overbake.

Q: Can I use regular eggs instead of flax eggs?
A: Yes, one regular egg can replace the flax egg for non-vegan version.

Q: Why didn’t my cookies spread?
A: These cookies don’t spread much naturally. Press them down before baking for desired shape.

Q: How can I make them softer/chewier?
A: Reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes and store with a piece of bread.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temperature Storage

  • Store in airtight container up to 5 days
  • Add a piece of bread to maintain moisture
  • Layer parchment paper between cookies if stacking

Freezer Storage

  • Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months
  • Wrap well in freezer-safe container
  • Thaw at room temperature

Make-Ahead Options

  • Prepare dough up to 24 hours in advance
  • Store covered in refrigerator
  • Roll into balls and freeze raw dough
  • Bake directly from frozen (add 2-3 minutes to bake time)

Cookie Dough Storage

  • Form into balls and freeze on baking sheet
  • Transfer frozen balls to freezer bag
  • Store up to 3 months
  • Label with baking instructions

These gluten-free and dairy-free oatmeal raisin cookies offer the perfect balance of chewy texture and warm spices, making them an excellent choice for both everyday snacking and special occasions. Their wholesome ingredients make them a satisfying treat that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.