vegan + gluten-free chewy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies // 2 ways

I’ve been kind of quiet around here lately.

Not in the way of rambling on + on about whatever recipe I’ve made, but more in the way of life-things.  This is for a few reasons. 

ONE: I lack confidence in my writing ability, or lack thereof.  If you go back to my old posts from 2-3yrs ago [wait, don’t do that] you will see what I mean.  I was really into using a lot of “!!!!!” and about 27 too many commas in each post.  It has improved overtime, but I’m just not the best at expressing myself through t.y.p.e.d word.  Can you just come over to my house instead?  We can hang out and chat and eat doughnuts.  Sound good?  I hope you like dogs.

TWO: There is still so much that is up in the air with this whole life-career-goal-stuff.  That’s to be expected, though.  Right?  So, sometimes I feel like if “said thing” isn’t for sure happening I should keep quiet about it until it is.  To some extent I should, but I do want to share more.  More of what I’m trying to currently do and wanting to do in the future. 

THREE: Writing about food is easy.  Errr, easier.  I’ve also wanted to really keep the focus on my recipes + photos with just a little bit of life sprinkled in. 

So, I’m going to try to open up a bit more.  Share some things here + there.  It will start small, and hopefully grow a bit as I feel more comfortable typing + expressing. 

Sound good?

Now.

COOKIES!

Vegan + gluten-free chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies to be exact.  As promised!

Because this is very similar to the oatmeal cookie recipe from last week, I made sure to complete a few trials so I could report back with the best possible cookie.

Make that TWO cookies.

We have the standard chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookie and an everything but the kitchen sink chewy oatmeal cookie.

They are thick and chewy and filled with some of my favorite ingredients.

And you know what else?  You can bake them in a mini muffin pan!  Photographed below.  I forgot to mention this last week, but if you looked closely you may have noticed a mini muffin pan in one of the photos.

Print this!

Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies // vegan + gluten-free // 20-24 cookies

• 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons gluten-free rolled oats
• 3/4 cup coarsely ground gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond meal
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup vegan chopped dark chocolate
• 2 tablespoons ground flax meal
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 3 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil, melted + warm
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Everything but the Kitchen Sink Chewy Oatmeal Cookies // vegan + gluten-free // 22-28 cookies

• 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons gluten-free rolled oats
• 3/4 cup coarsely ground gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond meal
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup vegan chopped dark chocolate
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
• 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons ground flax meal
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup banana, mashed until egg-like
• 3 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil, melted + warm
• 1 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions for both recipes:

1. Preheat your oven to 375*F.
2. Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
3. Vigorously whisk all of the wet ingredients together in a bowl until thoroughly combined.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir with a large spoon until combined.  Mixture will be very thick.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Press the dough into 1-inch balls by passing back and forth between both hands until it holds together.
7. Place each ball on a cookie sheet with 1-inch spacing.
8. Lightly press on each cookie with a spatula to slightly flatten to about 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick.  Or, flatten further between your palms for a thinner + larger cookie and then place on the cookie sheet.
9. Bake for 9-12 minutes and let cool for at least 20 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. *Cookies are fragile and very soft until set.  10 minutes was perfect in my oven for the flat and thicker cookies.  The flattened cookie is not crispy.  If using a mini muffin pan make the same 1-inch cookie ball and press into the mold.  Bake time should remain the same.

notes/subs:

• Sucanat or pure cane sugar can be subbed for coconut sugar.
• Unsweetened applesauce will work in place of the pumpkin, but I preferred the texture from the pumpkin. 
• If you don’t like bananas sub pumpkin puree for banana in the 2nd recipe.
• Almond flour can be subbed for almond meal.
• Oat flour can be subbed for coarsely ground oats.  The cookies will have a slightly softer/smoother texture if you use flour.  I preferred the texture with the coarsely ground oats.
• To make the coarsely ground outs: Place a scant 1 cup of rolled oats in a food processor, mini food processor, blender, coffee grinder, etc. and pulse until about 1/2-way to flour. 
• To make almond meal: Grind whole, raw almonds in a high-speed blender or large food processor.  Blend no more than 1 cup at a time until flour-like in texture.  Do not over process.  Sift and store excess in the fridge in a sealed container.

This post is thanks to inspiring and motivating conversations with Maddy, Ashlae, Dana, + Jessica, a great read from Erin, and a good ol’ kick in the pants from myself. Oh, and thanks to you guys for sticking with me all these years and cheering me on in the process. You are a major reason that I am where I am.

Ashley

Comments

[Kelly @ Foodie Fiasco]

Ashely, I so admire you. You are a GREAT writer. Do not ever question that. You are exactly where you are meant to be, and you're headed exactly where you are meant to go. We love you, and I know I would love to get to know you better.
On that note, the cookies look amazing!

[Ashlae]

Big love to you, girl <3

[Liz]

While I love your recipes, I have missed a little bit of your "life-stuff." It's refreshing to hear from someone who's still figuring out what to do with life and who maybe has unsure moments (because the reality is that we all do). So please, know that your readers (or me at least) are out here supporting you!

[Madeline]

I'm a long time reader but a rare commenter- just wanted to let you know that in the past couple of years your blog has consistently been one of my very favorites and my admiration for you only continues to grow. I'm saying this all at the risk of sounding cheesy and overdramatic, but please know that it's 110% heartfelt! Your breathtaking photography, genuine, honest writing, and your passion and true integrity never cease to inspire me. I'm 19 and you've influenced the ways I think about food, photography and passions in ways I can't thank you enough for. For 2 years i've been working on a cookbook by myself and your photography is my #1 inspiration. I'm continually surprised at how much someone i've never met could impact my life and be such a positive role model. You're one of the great ones, Ashley, so thank you so much for your positive influence on me and your contribution to the blogging community. I look forward to wherever you take your blog and can't wait to hear what exciting things are in store for you.

By the way...you're seriously tempting me to go avoid homework and make these cookies in my tiny dorm kitchen! Beautiful recipe and photos as always.

Madeline

[Ashley]

@Kelly - I appreicate you positivity! Thank you!

@Ashlae - Right back at ya.

@Liz - Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate your honesty and definitely agree with what you said!

@Madeline - Your words are beyond appreciated. To know that I've had a positive influence in your life thrills me to pieces. Thank you so very much, and I definitely recommend the cookies. ;) Good luck with school!

[Kathryn]

I love reading your posts; you have such a down to earth and approachable voice and I feel like we are just sitting down and having a chat whenever I pop in here. Please don't ever doubt yourself.

[Lauren]

I just wanted to say that I love your blog and your recipes and I think you write beautifully. Also I've been wanting to tell you that I had a new to me grapefruit recipe this weekend and I thought of you because I know you love a good grapefruit also. You slice the grapefruit in half and broil it for about 5 to 7 minutes just until it starts to "pop" and when you pull it out of the oven you sprinkle it with brown sugar and a touch of cinnamon. Yummo!!!!

[Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama]

I love the looks of this recipe! It's going on my to-try list. :-) (the one with chocolate chips!)

[Erin]

Yup, I've decided. We're best friends now :)

[Abby @ The Frosted Vegan]

Keep on keepin on girl! You photos and recipes are beyond inspiring for me, a newbie blogger, but I love the inspiration and drive behind your blog. Keep the real life stuff coming, we can pretend we're eating cookies and playing with your adorable doggies!

[sarah]

This makes me really happy. I miss seeing more of your personality here. I will say that the old comma habit that you had did bug me a bit, but you've really kicked that habit! Commas or no commas, your writing is miles above so many other blogs. I am also willing to bet you have a lot of readers that are in a similar situation with life/career/goals as you and will appreciate hearing more.

[jo @ including cake]

Great post, love your honesty, and it's also great to hear others feeling that way…er kinda like me! I finally quit my architecture job in December with a view of 'making this thing work' but it's exciting and terrifying all at the same time and i have so many ideas without knowing where to start and then i get overwhelmed. I don't talk about that side of stuff enough either, but i think that's partly because i don't have a huge reader base yet so don't really know who i'm talking to if that makes sense?! I need to work on that and somehow get out there more. I also saw your tweet to Naturally Ella along the same lines, (i'm not a stalker or anything!) One thing I know for sure.. it will all work out. Oh, and what so wrong with exclamation marks!!!! (that and the fact i hate going back and capitalising my 'i's) :-)

[Lori @ forkfuloffreedom]

Ashley - so greatful for your honesty. I think it makes the rest of us feel normal. I also battle daily with wondering what my purpose is and doubting if I'll ever accomplish my dreams. You're blog is the one that I turn to every morning for encouragement and purpose. Keep dreaming, cooking, and inspiring!! :)

[Melanie]

I've just started blogging, and while my blog is no where where I want it to be, I feel motivated by posts like this. We're all trying hard and I'm glad that you're willing to step outside of your comfort zone for us. So thanks! And those cookies look awesome, perfect for winter.

[Kinley]

I'd noticed recently that I was missing reading about "you"! I like reading recipes, don't get me wrong but I really like the behind the scenes stuff too. I have fleeting thoughts about moving and I guess I should add CO to that list so we can hang out then - hehe :) BTW, exclamation points are not bad (says a gold level member of Exclamation Point Over Users Anonymous)

[Ashley]

@Kathryn - Aw, thank you!

@Lauren - Thanks for the kind words. :) I will definitely be trying that grapefruit broiling method!

@Erin - See! I told you!!! :)

@Abby - Thanks for the extra push and your sweet words.

@Sarah - I appreciate your honesty, Sarah. Writing has never been my strong suite, but I've made a point to really work on it this past year. I've even wiped the dust off an old writing book "the everyday writer" as reference. Definitely not perfect, but at least improving! :) This past year I've really been trying to focus on my photography + recipes, but now feel ready to incorporate more of "me" into my posts. Thanks for your feedback!

@Jo - Architecture!? We have the same background! :) That's too funny you saw our tweets. It definitely is comforting to hear others who are in the same boat. I think that feeling of not knowing who is reading, or what the reaction will be to a more personal post, will always be there no matter the how big or small the reader base. I'm going to start slow and ease back into the sharing. Best of luck to you!

@Lori - Thank you, thank you! To hear you come to my blog for encouragement means more than you can imagine.

[Ashley]

@Melanie - Thanks, Melanie. :)

@Kinley - Thanks for your feedback, Kinley. I shifted focus for awhile but now feel ready to start talking about life-things more. Also, the doughnut cookbook took up about 4 solid months of my time, making it hard to sort out much of anything in my head. ;)

[Christa @ Edible Balance]

Ashley, you are an encouragement to so many, I hope that through all these comments you will see an ounce of how you have touched so many lives. Not just through sharing of yourself, but even through your recipes!! I have been reading for such a long time, I feel like we could just sit and have a coffee and chat up a storm :) so much so that my husband thinks we're practically BFFs because I'm always saying 'this is what Ashley at Edible Perspective has been doing', 'did you know that she's writing a cookbook?', 'another fabulous recipe from Ashley!!' (is that creepy?? LOL)

You are making your own mark in this world, don't feel that you have to do anything different. Having said that, it's even more encouraging to new(ish) bloggers that the long time ones struggle as well. I just spent a few months in hiatus from mine, not knowing if I even wanted to continue. But I have decided to stop putting so much pressure on myself to post x number of times per week, or trying to write about things I don't know enough about, or trying to measure myself against amazing women that have been blogging forever and have made it almost their jobs. It all comes back to 'write what you know'. I'm getting there :)

LOVE you girl, and am happy to see more of you, whatever that means <3

PS HOORAY for two types of vegan cookies!! Can't wait to make them, I'm quite confident you have nailed them both, like I knew you could!

[Maria]

YUM! I can't wait to try these!

[kirsty]

Another first time commenter but long time reader. I love reading your recipes, but would equally like to hear more about the pieces of your life that you feel like sharing! I too am going a career/life transition, and don't know whether things are going to work out or not, so I can appreciate the feelings that uncertainty brings... hearing about how others -- especially through creating delicious food -- make these transitions and deal with other challenges is so meaningful, so know that your thoughts would be valued!

[Jodi]

I am so happy I found your blog! I was just thinking yesterday I wanted to find a good recipe for vegan + gluten-free oatmeal cookies ... and here they are. They sound great! I cannot wait to make these!

[deva by definition]

I am excited to read more of the "life" stuff. At a time where I am transitioning my blog to be a mix of life, food, and information, it is refreshing to see other bloggers caught in the same realm. We are all still figuring this out, aren't we?

[Ashley M. [at] (never home)maker]

<3 more you!

[Lisa]

Oh the chewy version looks so amazing! I have never used coconut sugar before OR almond meal but would love to test the results. Beautiful photos!

[Katie]

I'm excited to read more about you!! (ps. you're a good writer) Also, though...I'm down for the just coming over for lunch option. I like dogs. And I already know where you live. (can we have cooookies??)

[natalie]

umm yes, can i please come over?! until then, (because it HAS to happen...sometime!), excited to hear you open up more!

[Christina @ The Beautiful Balance]

I can definitely relate to blog writing. I am an amazing writer, even better speaker, but when it comes to blog writing...forget about it! I end up rushing through my posts with horribly fragmented sentences. I am hoping my blog writing improves overtime :)

PS. The cookies look ridiculously delicious! I am now craving oatmeal cookies.

[Katie @ Talk Less, Say More]

Oh man....those look incredible!

[sheila]

I love reading your blog and hearing about your journey & the unexpected turns you've taken. It is honestly a source of comfort and inspiration to me. It reminds me that my career isn't necessarily going to be one specific track that my grad program is putting me on, but that it may end up being something different- something more creative but equally fulfilling. Thank you for sharing your perspective and your experience!

[Kath]

Your blog has always been one of my favorites! I loved your home improvement posts the best, but of course the recipes and photos are outstanding too. And coming from someone who writes like I'm talking, I like reading all kinds of styles.

[Angela]

I adore you Ashley! And your blog has always been a fav of mine. I can relate to many of the "second guessing" thoughts that you've had. I think it's a natural and good thing for bloggers to question where we are, what we can change, and where we want to go. I have a bit of a dilemma with the whole writing thing myself. While I've never considered myself a good writer either, I find that my "real" writing is when I'm not trying to write perfectly. This is the kind of writing my readers seem to respond best to. I personally enjoy reading all kinds of writing styles and I don't think there is a one size fits all. I've read on blogs before that bloggers shouldn't use more than 1 exclamation mark per post. Pfffffffft. Whatever. You do YOU best and no one can tell you otherwise.

[Kate]

Oh my goodness Ashley - you are one of my absolute favorites. I always look forward to your recipes AND your thoughts. You really do have a gift, and I'm grateful you share it!

[Becca]

Absolutely looooooovvvvvvveeeeee your recipes and photography. I don't frequent EP for the "life stuff and thoughts". It is fine if you move in that direction but just know that you'll still have fans if you still with food and photos. : )

[Ashley]

@Christa - Your positivity is appreciated. Thank you so much! Best of luck to you as well. You'll find your way, I'm sure of it. Glad you like the cookie recipes. :)

@Kirsty - It's always great hearing from people who are in the same boat. Makes me feel like I'm not in this alone! Thanks for saying hello!

@Katie - Thank you, sweet friend. I value our friendship so much. Your easy going + calming personality is such a joy to be around. Can't wait for our next meet up. Cookies will be involved!

@Natalie - YES! Come over!!

@Christina - Thanks for sharing that you struggle with blog writing as well. Always nice eto know I'm not alone. :) Hope you enjoy the cookies!

@Sheila - Your words truly mean so much and it sounds like we have a lot in common. Thanks for sharing a little piece of your life!

@Kath - Thanks, Kath! Hahaaa, the house renovations. I am so.glad. those are over. :)

@Angela - I would have never guessed you questioned your writing. It seems so natural for you. I do always find that when I talk about life-things there is a great response, whether my sentences are refined or not. Thanks for reminding me of that!

@Kate - You are too kind. Thank you so much!

@Becca - Thank you for this comment! It's so refreshing to know people will stick with me no matter what. :) I appreciate it so so much!

[Rose]

Oh my gosh! Why haven't I ever baked cookies in a mini-muffin pan before?! Thanks for the recipe and the idea!

[Mary]

I find your style to be similar to Deb's from Smitten Kitchen, and I find you both sprinkle your posts with some personal anecdotes but mainly focus on the food and photography. And look how successful Deb has been :). I personally love
enjoy the simplicity and focus of your blog, and I think it speaks well of your architecture background.

[Andrea]

Ever since I discovered food blogs, your blog has been and probably will always be my favorite. I feel like I know you just by reading your posts (I've been reading for over a couple of years :) ) and you really don't know who I am at all! As I've told you before, I've made a TON of your recipes. Probably close to 80-90 by now! I'd love to just sit around and play with your pups and chat and eat though! Food + dogs + friends = best days ever. Don't ever doubt your writing ability, you come off as such a genuine person and I think that touches a lot of readers in a good way. As far as talking about life goals, what you are trying to do, etc., on the blog, I say go for it! Everyone seems so supportive around these parts and sometimes it just helps to hear other people's ideas and perspectives. I'm experiencing a lot of that myself right now! Also, thought it might be worth mentioning that I am more than likely (I'm about 75-80% right now) moving to Ft. Collins this summer (from Northern IL). If I do, I really hope to see you around! :)

[Liz]

I'm a new reader to the blog, so I have yet to form an opinion on your life stuff. The articles I've read seem to be very nicely written, it's nice to get a sense of the person behind the recipes, although I confess sometimes I jump right to the "good stuff".

I went gluten free a few months ago, and mostly, I've been simply skipping the baked goods, because so many gluten free alternatives are... disappointing. I was thrilled to find your thoughtful and carefully tested recipes, and I've tried a few things already with great success. I made these cookies tonight, although with raisins because I don't have any chocolate on hand (and also butter, because I'm not vegan and I didn't have coconut oil) and they were delicious. Chewy and pleasant, and delicious warm. For whatever reason, I didn't find them especially delicate coming off the cookie sheets, they were plenty solid after about 5 minutes rest, which was a good thing, because after smelling them, I was not willing to wait any longer!

[Ashley]

@Mary - Aw, thank you! I truly appreciate your thoughts!

@Andrea - Wow! 80-90 recipes! That is impressive. :) Your sweet comments always put a smile on my face. Thanks for the extra vote of confidence. It means so much. Definitely let me know if you end up moving out here!

@Liz - Thanks so much for saying hello! Your feedback is incredibly appreciated. I know what you mean about GF baked goods and my goal is to break that stereotype! I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed the cookies with your adaptations and glad they were ready to eat in 5min! Have a great weekend. :)

[waka network]

Loving the flavor of this cookies. The combination of ingredients is simply perfect! 

[Kel]

I have always enjoyed your writing, and had never noticed too many !!!! or ,,,,.
I appreciate your blog for your honesty, your conversational way of writing, and for not having every post be "sponsored".
Looking forward to hearing more!

[Lisa]

I have to say that while I read a lot of blogs, yours is one of my faves. I love how you do not always try and sell products, and link back in your posts like some bloggers do. That is why i believe you have so many loyal readers. I have unsubscribed to many blogs after having observed fakeness. Best wishes!

[Ashley]

@Kel - Thank you, Kel!

@Lisa - I'm flattered to be one of your favorites and can't tell you how much that means. Many thanks. :)

[teri [a foodie stays fit]]

I think that sounds great. :) I'd love to see more of "you" in your blog. Cuz i really like you. And because I suck at remembering to call you when we are in the same time zone. And can I take you up on your offer to come hang out? (Um, for reals?)

[Ashley]

@Teri - Yessssss. When?????

[Amber @ Slim Pickin's Kitchen]

Yum! Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies have always been one of my favs. Can't wait to try this! As for your writing, I think your fantastic, and I don't think you'd have so many followers if others didn't think so too! Give yourself some credit, girl!

[Ashley]

@Amber - You are too sweet. Thank you, Amber!

[Ben]

Keep writing! And keep being open and pushing yourself. Nothing to be afraid of! And you've got a loving audience here. Authentically you wins.