Chewy Vegan Oatmeal Cookies

This morning I woke up to the sound of something stirring in the kitchen - literally. To stay close while social distancing, my son and his neighborhood friends have enacted a weekly potluck-style picnic out in the meadow behind our community. Each neighbor brings something to share with the group, whether homemade or store bought. They pile the food in a center buffet and eat, chat, and play games of catch with the neighborhood dogs and each other. After each picnic, my son and dog come home happy, full, and exhausted. Win, win!

My son, who insists he's "inherited a baking knack" is the group's resident baker. Today he made his favorite chewy oatmeal cookies for the picnic, and I was inspired to share the recipe with you!

Ingredients

1 cup soy butter, softened
1 cup turbinado sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened apple sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 cups instant oats
1/4 cup raisins or walnuts (optional)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Cream together softened butter and sugars.
3. Beat in applesauce, then stir in vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon .
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients until thoroughly mixed.
6. Fold in oats.
7. Cover and chill for an hour.
8. Scoop in walnut-sized, slightly flattened balls onto cookie sheet.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until slightly browned, cool 5 minutes on baking sheet.

That's it! Easy peasy, super yummy, and a perfect treat for your next neighborhood picnic.