Steel Cut Oats Cookies

Did you know you can use steel cut oats in cookies? And I mean actual cooked steel cut oats in their gooeyest, most spoonable form. You can, and the result is fantastic! These steel cut oats cookies are essentially baked oatmeal you can easily eat with your hand, but taste like an indulgent nutty treat.

Can You Really Make Oatmeal Cookies with Steel Cut Oats?

Absolutely! And this recipe is here to show you just how easy it is. The result is a thick, soft yet chewy cookie that you can guiltlessly enjoy for breakfast. Here’s what you’ll love most about these cookies:

• Healthy and filling 
• Vegan
• Made in one bowl
• Perfect as a make-ahead breakfast
• Easy to freeze

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Steel Cut Oats Cookies

Coconut Oil

For this recipe, it’s best to use refined coconut oil. Non-refined coconut oil has a strong coconut flavour, which can be delicious in some recipes, but for these cookies it’s best to let the natural oatmeal flavour fully shine by using flavourless, refined coconut oil.

Light Brown Sugar

Light brown sugar adds a caramel note to the cookies, but you can also substitute it with granulated sugar.

Granulated Sugar

Using regular sugar works well here. If you prefer your cookies less sweet, you can easily reduce the amount of sugar.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda

They both act as leavening agents in this recipe. It’s important to measure them precisely, and don’t substitute one for the other. 

Sea Salt

Adding salt to sweet recipes helps to bring out the flavours, and it really does make a difference. Use finely ground sea salt, and measure it precisely.

Flax Eggs

Flax eggs are the perfect substitute for chicken eggs. For one flax egg, mix one tablespoon of flax meal (ground flax seeds) with three tablespoons of water. You can read more about why this works in this short post on flax eggs.

Vanilla Extract and Cinnamon

For added flavour and sweetness.

Flour

All-purpose flour works well in this recipe. I recommend using a digital kitchen scale, because flour can be very tricky to measure. But, if you’re using measuring cups, make sure to use the spoon-and-level method. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level off any excess flour with the back of a knife.

Pecans, Walnuts or Coconut

The nutty flavour goes really well with the oatmeal taste and texture of these cookies. Optional, but highly recommended.

Why Add Steel Cut Oats?

Oats in general one of the healthiest grains on earth. They’re a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants.

Steel cut oats are an even healthier variety of oats. They are thicker and less processed, meaning they take a long time to digest, which contributes to a lower glycemic index value. In terms of protein, carb and fat content, all types of oats are the same.

How to Make Oatmeal Cookies with Steel Cut Oats

1. Cook the oats. Boil 3 cups of water, add 1 cup of dry steel cut oats and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Mix wet ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Stir in cooked oatmeal, flour and pecans.
4. Scoop the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15 minutes.
6. Remove the sheet from the oven, and let the cookies cool for about 10 minutes before transferring then to a wire rack.

Steel Cut Oats Cookies Q&A

Are they vegan?

Yes, these oatmeal cookies are made from 100% plant-based ingredients.

Are they gluten free?

No, there is all-purpose wheat flour used in this recipe. If you’re looking for vegan and gluten-free breakfast cookies, I strongly recommend these oatmeal raisin cookies.

Do I have to store steel cut oats cookies in the fridge?

Yes, these cookies are best kept in the fridge.

How long do they last?

When kept in an airtight container in the fridge, these oat cookies can last for 3 to 4 days. This is because of high water content, which causes them to go bad quicker than typical cookies. They actually have more in common with baked oatmeal.

Do these cookies freeze?

Yes, they’re great for freezing. Store them in an airtight container, separated with a layer of parchment paper so that they don’t stick together, and keep them in the freezer for up to three months.

More Ideas for Breakfast On the Go

These easy recipes are perfect to make ahead and grab on your way out on those mornings when a healthy breakfast is the last thing on your mind:

• Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
• Low-Fat Banana Bread Muffins
• Vegan Zucchini Muffins
• No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

More Vegan Cookies

If you’re looking for a different vegan cookie, make sure to check these out as well:

• Cranberry Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
• Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles