Ingredients:

For the Oatmeal Cookies:

• Oat flakes – 150g / 5.2 oz (divided: 50g ground, 100g whole)
• Baking powder – 1/2 tsp
• A pinch of salt
• Cinnamon to taste
• Pecans – 50g / 1.7 oz, ground
• Raisins – 40g / 1.4 oz
• Vegetable oil – 30ml
• Maple syrup – 30ml
• 1 egg

For the Coconut Oatmeal Cookies:

• Oatmeal – 100g / 3.5 oz
• Baking powder – 1/3 tsp
• Coconut flakes – 30g / 1 oz
• Maple syrup – 2 tbsp
• Coconut oil – 2 tbsp
• Peanuts – 40g / 1.4 oz, ground

For Decoration and Flavor (Optional):

• Apple – 50g / 1.7 oz, sliced
• Dried orange slices
• Cinnamon stick
• Green tea
• Hot water – 0.9l

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oatmeal Cookies:

1. Grind Oats: Begin by grinding 50g of oat flakes into a fine flour using a food processor or blender. This will act as a base for your cookie dough.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground oat flakes, 100g whole oat flakes, 1/2 tsp of baking powder, a pinch of salt, and cinnamon to your taste preference. Add in the ground pecans and stir well.
3. Add Raisins: Mix the raisins into the dry ingredients, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 30ml of vegetable oil, 30ml of maple syrup, and 1 egg. Beat until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
5. Combine and Form the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined, forming a thick dough. The consistency should be sticky but manageable.
6. Shape the Cookies: Take spoonfuls of the dough and shape them into cookies. You can make them as large or small as you prefer. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring there is enough space between each cookie.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cookies for 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This will allow them to become crispy on the outside while staying chewy on the inside.

2. Prepare the Coconut Oatmeal Cookies:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 100g of oatmeal, 1/3 tsp of baking powder, and 30g of coconut flakes. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly until you have a cohesive dough.
3. Add Ground Peanuts: Stir in the ground peanuts, making sure they are well combined. The peanuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cookies.
4. Form the Cookies: Take spoonfuls of the dough and press them into cookie shapes, ensuring they hold together firmly. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake: Bake the cookies at 180°C (350°F) for 12 minutes. Let them cool completely on a wire rack after baking. This step is crucial for the cookies to firm up and develop a delicious crispy texture.

3. Optional Decoration and Flavor:

1. Prepare the Tea: Enhance your cookie experience with a soothing hot drink. In a teapot, combine 50g of sliced apple, dried orange slices, a cinnamon stick, and green tea. Pour 0.9 liters of hot water over the mixture and let it steep for about 10 minutes.
2. Serve: Pour the tea into cups and serve it alongside the freshly baked cookies for a comforting and delightful treat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Estimated): Oatmeal Cookies:

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 20mg

Coconut Oatmeal Cookies:

• Calories: 85 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 4.5g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 15mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans and peanuts?
   • Absolutely! You can swap pecans and peanuts with almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Experiment with different nuts to find your favorite combination.
2. Are there alternatives to coconut oil?
   • Yes, if you don’t have coconut oil, you can use butter or another plant-based oil like olive or vegetable oil. Just be mindful of how the flavor might change slightly.
3. Can I make these cookies vegan?
   • Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, set aside for 5 minutes) and use plant-based maple syrup and oils to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

Tips for Making the Perfect Oatmeal Cookies:

• Grind the Oats Properly: Grinding a portion of the oats helps to create a more uniform dough, which leads to a better texture in the final cookies.
• Press Coconut Cookies Firmly: For the coconut oatmeal cookies, make sure to press the dough firmly when shaping. This prevents them from falling apart after baking.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup if you prefer your cookies less sweet. You can also add a small amount of brown sugar or honey for a richer flavor.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They will remain crisp and flavorful.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the cookie dough before baking. Shape the dough into cookies and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Refrigeration: If you like your cookies a bit chewy, keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 10 days.

Conclusion: These Crispy & Chewy Oatmeal Cookies Duo are perfect for those who want a quick and tasty treat that doesn’t compromise on nutrition. Whether you prefer the classic combination of oats, raisins, and pecans or the tropical twist of coconut and peanuts, there is a cookie here for everyone. Plus, the optional apple-cinnamon green tea adds a touch of warmth and aroma that enhances the overall experience. This recipe is easy to customize, so don’t be afraid to play around with different nuts, dried fruits, and spices to create your own unique versions. So, why wait? Get your ingredients ready, and enjoy a batch of these delicious cookies today!