What’s a Flax Egg?

Just two ingredients—ground flaxseed and water—plus five minutes of patience.

Until recently, I had never heard of it! A colleague from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture-Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences, introduced me to this genius swap. It’s a go-to for vegans, but anyone can use it to make delicious, egg-free treats.

Bonus: You Can Eat the Dough!

Flaxseed isn’t just a great egg alternative—it’s packed with fiber and healthy omega-3s. And at eight cents per tablespoon, it’s a budget-friendly option compared to eggs. With rising grocery costs, having a shelf-stable ingredient like ground flaxseed in your pantry is a win.

I’ve long used flax in smoothies, but thanks to my friend Keith, I now know it works wonders in baking, too!

A Sweet Treat for Everyone

This chewy, nutty, tart-yet-sweet cookie is a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike.

Need a treat for American Heart Month? Shape the dough into hearts like I did for my husband! I loved sharing these cookies with my family… instead of hoarding them all for myself. 😉

Try the Recipe: Roasted Soy Nut Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Chilling Time: 20 minutes

Bake: 12 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1 tbsp ground flaxseed

• 2.5 tablespoons water

• ½ cup Vegan Butter, softened

• ½ cup white sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ¾ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 cup craisins

• ½ cup roasted salted soy nuts

• 2 tbsp water

Directions:

Prep: Let your plant-based butter soften and make your flax egg.

• Place one stick (1/2 cup) of plant butter in a mixing bowl and let it set at room temperature until soft.

• In a seperate small bowl or cup, mix 2.5 tablespoons (7 ½ teaspoons) of water with one tablespoon of ground flaxseed and let set for 5 minutes to thicken.

• Get the rest of your ingredients out of the cabinet and ready to use.

Step 1: Mix up the goodness!

In a large bowl using a stand or hand mixer beat the softened butter, brown, and white sugar until creamy (approximately 2 minutes).

• Add the flax egg and vanilla. (Scrape sides of the bowl using a rubber spatula).

• Add the baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and flour (mix for another 2 minutes).

• Stir in the oats, crasins, and toasted soy nuts (mix until all ingredients are incorporated).

• Add in 1 – 2 tablespoons of water as needed to form a dough ball.

Step 2: Prepare to bake and chill for a little while.

• Chill cookie dough in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Baking time!

• Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough onto a prepared cookie sheet using a cookie scoop or spoon. (parchment paper or a sil pat work best).

• Press each cookie ball down (a little) to flatten the cookie.

• Bake for approximately 12 minutes until the cookie is set.

• Let cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes then transfer to cooling rack.

Enjoy!

The cookies will keep for 3 – 4 days in a covered container.