Plain Oatmeal Cookies

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These plain oatmeal cookies make a soft, nostalgic, old-fashioned treat that's completely customizable, so you can add whatever you want, from chocolate chips to walnuts to dried cranberries. A simple dairy-free recipe, made without milk or butter.

Easy, soft, and dairy-free plain oatmeal cookies on a white plate on a dark wood table with a clear glass of milk nearby.

These dairy-free Plain Oatmeal Cookies make a terrific on-the-go snack or pick-me-up at work or school, or afterward at home.

These cookies are great with coffee or tea or a cold glass of milk, and they dunk well!

Also, since this recipe is made without dairy, it's perfect for anyone who follows a dairy-free diet.

They're made in one bowl and hold up nicely for several days in a closed container. You can also keep them in your freezer for weeks.

Plus, they're extremely customizable!

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What is needed to make these soft, plain oatmeal cookies?

all-purpose flour
cake flour
quick oats
dairy-free margarine or vegan butter
light brown sugar
white granulated sugar
large eggs
baking soda
baking powder
salt
vanilla extract or a good imitation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of oats are best for oatmeal cookies?

Old-fashioned rolled oats work well for oatmeal cookies and give them a hearty texture. Quick oats can also be used if you prefer a softer, more delicate texture.

How do I keep oatmeal cookies soft?

Be careful not to overbake them. The cookies should be set around the edges but still look slightly soft in the center when they come out of the oven. They'll firm up as they cool.

Can I make the oatmeal cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Chilled dough may need a little extra time in the oven.

How should I store plain oatmeal cookies?

Store completely cooled cookies in a closed container at room temperature. They should hold up nicely for several days.

Can I freeze oatmeal cookies?

Yes. Once cooled, place the cookies in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for several weeks. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Can I add my own mix-ins to plain oatmeal cookies?

Absolutely. That's what makes this recipe so customizable. You can add whatever mix-ins you enjoy, as long as the additions don't add dairy if you want to keep the cookies dairy-free.

Here are some possible options...

1) Dairy-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies-

Add 1½ cups dairy-free chocolate chips (or very small chunks) to the dough.

Easy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies on a white plate on a dark wood background with a clear glass of milk nearby

2) Dairy-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies-

Add:

1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (or very small chunks)
1 cup chopped walnuts

Easy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies on a white plate near a clear glass of milk on a dark wood table

3) Dairy-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies-

Add:

1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (or very small chunks)
1 cup chopped pecans

Easy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies on a white plate near a clear glass of milk on a dark wood table

4) Dairy-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies-

Add 1½ cups dairy-free chocolate chunks to the dough.

Easy Cakey Chocolate Chunk Cookies on a white plate with a clear glass of milk nearby on a dark wood table.

Other possible variations:

Raisins
Dried cranberries (craisins)
White chocolate chips
Chopped pistachios

...and more!

Love cookies? Try these dairy-free recipes!

Yield: 2 dozen

Plain Oatmeal Cookies

Easy Plain Oatmeal Cookies on a white plate on a dark wood table with a clear glass of milk nearby
5.0 Stars (5 Reviews)

Simple, dairy-free, and soft oatmeal cookies.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups quick oats
  • 1 cup cake flour
  • 1 cup softened dairy-free margarine or vegan butter
  • ¾ cup of light brown sugar
  • ½ cup white granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or a good imitation

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter or margarine with the brown sugar and white sugar.
  2. Mix in the eggs and vanilla.
  3. Add the all-purpose flour, quick oats, cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt and mix well.
  4. Form balls to any size you like and place on baking sheets that have been lined with parchment paper.
  5. Place in an oven that has been preheated to 400°F and bake for 10-14 minutes (depending on the size of the cookie) until they are just becoming a slight brown.
  6. Remove from the baking sheet and let cool.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 244Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 198mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 4g

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