These Carrot Oatmeal Cookies are a wholesome, delicious treat that combines the goodness of oats, walnuts, raisins, and fresh carrots. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy. They’re a great option for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert, and they’re easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 50g (1.7 oz) raisins
- 150g (5.3 oz) oatmeal (1 ½ cups)
- 1 tbsp sunflower seeds
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- Nutmeg (to taste)
- 50g (1.7 oz) walnuts, chopped (about ½ cup)
- 150g (5.3 oz) carrots, grated (about 1 ½ cups)
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1-2 tbsp honey (depending on desired sweetness)
- 1 egg
- Pumpkin seeds (for decoration)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 150g oatmeal, 1 tbsp sunflower seeds, 1 tbsp sesame seeds, 50g chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until well mixed. - Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk 1 egg. Add 3 tbsp melted butter, 1-2 tbsp honey (adjust sweetness to your liking), and 50g raisins. Stir well to combine. - Add the Carrots
Fold in the 150g grated carrots into the wet mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined and a dough forms. - Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and shape them into cookies. Place them on the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each cookie. Press a few pumpkin seeds on top of each cookie for decoration. - Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. - Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
- Enjoy with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Pair with a side of fresh fruit for a nutritious breakfast.
- Add a drizzle of nut butter for an extra indulgent treat.
- Serve alongside a smoothie for a wholesome snack.
Cooking Tips:
- If you prefer a lighter texture, you can replace half the oatmeal with almond flour.
- For a bit of crunch, add a handful of chia seeds to the dough.
- Make sure to not overbake the cookies to maintain a chewy texture.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Oats provide fiber, which supports digestive health.
- Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health.
- Carrots are high in vitamin A, which supports good vision.
- Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds offer essential minerals like magnesium and zinc.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free: Yes (if using certified gluten-free oats).
- Dairy-Free: Can be made dairy-free by substituting the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Vegan: Can be made vegan by replacing the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water).
Nutritional Facts (per cookie, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 7g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 40mg
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can freeze these cookies for up to 2-3 months; just place them in a freezer-safe bag and thaw when ready to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple and quick to make with pantry staples.
- Healthy and filling with a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
- Versatile, so you can adjust the sweetness and flavor profile as desired.
- Ideal for meal prepping, as it makes a batch that can last for several days.
Conclusion:
These Carrot Oatmeal Cookies with Walnuts and Raisins are the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a light breakfast, or a guilt-free treat, these cookies check all the boxes. With their soft texture, spiced aroma, and crunchy toppings, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy them on their own or paired with your favorite dips or drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use rolled oats instead of oatmeal?
Yes, rolled oats work well in this recipe. Simply use them as a 1:1 substitute for the oatmeal. - Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Yes, dried cranberries, apricots, or dates would make great substitutes. - Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Yes, you can leave out the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free version or substitute them with seeds. - Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, keeping in mind that it will add a slightly different flavor. - Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) or chia egg. - How do I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, simply use a plant-based butter substitute and a flax egg in place of the regular egg. - How can I make these cookies less sweet?
Reduce the amount of honey or opt for a sugar substitute like stevia. - Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies. Store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and thaw when ready to eat. - Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, chocolate chips would be a great addition for a sweet twist. - How can I make these cookies more crunchy?
For a crunchier texture, increase the baking time slightly or add more seeds like pumpkin or chia seeds.