These are perfect anytime, for holidays, celebrations and especially everyday moments like treating children to warm oatmeal cookies after school or for dipping in your afternoon tea.

2 sticks (1 cup) vegan butter
1 cup sugar (vegan, evaporated cane juice)
1 cup brown sugar (vegan)
2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
4 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1½ cups oat flour*
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional)
1 tablespoon cinnamon
3 cups rolled oats
¾ cup ground sunflower seeds (pumpkin seeds or almonds may be used)
½ cup nondairy chocolate chips or non dairy chocolate bar cut into small chunks (about 1/4 inch)
Optional: 1/4 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
Optional: ½ cup raisins

Preheat over to 350^oF. Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment paper.

In a small bowl beat together water and flax seeds. Add vanilla.

Cream shortening and sugar, add flax seed mixture.

In a large bowl, mix together flour, rolled oats, sunflower seeds, baking soda, xanthan gum (if using – it makes a softer, chewier cookie) and cinnamon. Add flax/sugar/shortening mixture and mix well. This is a dry, clumpy dough. It is easiest to mix with a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or hand electric mixer. You can also knead it with your hands. Add chocolate chips and coconut and raisins if using.

The cookie dough can be used immediately or refrigerated. If using immediately, scoop out a small amount of dough, roll into a ball in your hands and flatten to a round circle. Do not fret if the dough is too crumbly. Just press it together with your hands so it comes together. Place on the cookie sheet and press together if crumbly. Continue with remaining dough, leaving about 1/2 inch between cookies. If refrigerating dough, first roll dough into a log, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in wax paper. When ready to use, slice dough into 1/2 inch rounds and place on cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on the sheet pan. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

*TIP: Oat flour can be made by grinding rolled oats in a coffee mill, food processor or blender until fine and powdery.