Oatmeal cookies bring back memories of childhood and back-to-school days. These butterless cookies use avocado oil instead of butter, making them a dairy-free and vegan option. The dough is easy to mix by hand, with no need for a mixer or chilling.
These cookies are gluten-free if you use the right flour, like whole wheat or gluten-free flour. Sweetened with maple syrup, they’re perfect for when you’re craving something sweet without the usual refined sugars or saturated fats.
Oat Cookies Without Butter-The Short Answer
Add chocolate chip or a sprinkle of sea salt for a delightful bite—perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack to satisfy your craving for something flakey and sugary.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) of flour: Use all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or white whole wheat flour. For gluten-free, use Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-free Baking Flour.
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of salt: These help with the rise and balance of flavors.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice to the cookies.
- 3/4 cup (168 grams) of melted coconut oil: This provides a rich, chewy texture. Other oil options include light olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.
- 1 1/3 cups (266 grams) of brown sugar or coconut sugar: Sweetens the dough and enhances flavor.
- 2 chia eggs: Substitute for regular eggs to make the cookies vegan.
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract: Adds classic flavor to your cookies.
- 2 3/4 cups (260 grams) of quick oats or old-fashioned oats: Use GF oats for a gluten-free version.
- 1 1/4 cups (190 grams) of raisins or chocolate chips: Your choice of mix-ins for added sweetness and texture.
- Sea salt or maldon sea salt: Optional, but gives a sweet-salty contrast.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon and ground ginger: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener for a caramel-like taste.
How to Make Oat Cookies Without Butter: Step by Step
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- Beat coconut oil, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl with a hand mixer or stand mixer for 1 minute.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Add the dry mix to the wet mix and stir in oats and raisins. Chill dough for 15 minutes.
4. Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Use a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop to shape dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown.
5. Cool and Store
- Sprinkle with sea salt or flakey salt immediately after baking.
- Let cool on a cooling rack before storing in an airtight container for 5 days or freeze.
Notes
- For oat cookies without butter, here are my ingredient recommendations:
- Olive oil or avocado oil for healthier fats.
- Rolled oats provide the best texture, but quick cooking oats work as a substitute.
For a gluten-free version, use:
- 1 cup (140 grams) white rice flour
- 1/3 cup (52 grams) potato starch
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons (20 grams) tapioca flour
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for added elasticity.
- Substitute eggs with chia eggs made by mixing 2 tablespoons ground chia seed with 6 tablespoons water until gloopy.
Baking Tips
To prevent overcooking, underbake the cookies slightly. Error in baking too long results in dryness. Watch the edges, which should darken around the 10-minute mark. Also, refrigerate the dough before baking; I always chill the dough in the fridge to avoid spreading too much when baking.
Storing the Cookies
For storage, keep baked cookies in an air tight container at room temperature for 3-5 days, or store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for long-term storage.
Other Homemade Recipes
If you’re looking for another delicious treat to pair with your chewy oat cookies, you must try Perfectly Crispy Baked Boursin for Cheese Lovers. It’s an irresistible combination of savory and crispy that will leave you craving more. For those of you with a sweet tooth, you can also make Nutter Butter Banana Pudding at Home in 10 Minutes! This quick and easy dessert is the perfect companion to your healthy snacks.
Another option for a no-bake dessert is the Easy No-Bake Cherry Yum Yum Recipe You’ll Love!, which is refreshingly light and just as satisfying as these chewy cookies. If you’re in the mood for something even sweeter, try Coffee Creamer Cookies: The Sweet Twist You Need to Try – they’re the perfect balance of flavor. And don’t forget the Best Thumbprint Cookies With Icing That Look Bakery-Made, which are a crowd favorite, boasting a gorgeous presentation along with fantastic taste.
FAQ’s
Can I use something other than the listed flours?
I’ve tested 5 different flours. These work best. You can try a 1-to-1 GF baking mix as a sub for all-purpose flour, but it might not work as well.
Can I use something other than oil?
This recipe is for oatmeal cookies without butter, but you can use butter for a chewier texture. Avoid applesauce, bananas, or other subs, as they might need reworking the recipe.
Can you taste the coconut oil?
We couldn’t taste the coconut flavor using unrefined coconut oil.
Can I use something other than chia eggs for a vegan version?
Any egg subs would likely work in these cookies.
Can I use something other than the listed sugars?
You can substitute granulated sugar for white sugar, but liquid sweeteners will make the dough too wet, causing the cookies to become cakey and spread too much.
Can I reduce the sweetener / oil?
Reducing sweeteners or oil too much will make the cookies cakey and crumbly. I used the least amount I thought was enough.
Can I use different add-ins / add more of them?
Nuts, dried fruit, or candy work, but avoid wet ingredients like zucchini. Too many add-ins will make the dough unable to hold together.
Are these Oatmeal Cookies without butter healthy?
These cookies are a nutrient-rich option, with less refined added sugars and saturated fats compared to classic cookies.
Are these Oatmeal Cookies gluten-free?
They’re not naturally gluten-free, but you can use a gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats (like Bob’s Red Mill) for those with celiac disease.
Are these Oatmeal Cookies (no butter) dairy-free since butter isn’t used?
No, because chocolate chips contain dairy, but you can substitute them with dairy-free chocolate chips.
Can I leave out the ginger?
Yes! The cookies still taste great without the added ginger for flavor.
