These healthy oatmeal cookies are a delicious and nutritious snack, perfect for any time of the day. Made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, these cookies are both tasty and guilt-free.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds, optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the raisins and chopped nuts if using.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Drop tablespoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon, as they do not spread much during baking.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
- They make a great on-the-go snack or a healthy addition to lunchboxes.
Cooking Tips:
- For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheet.
- You can substitute the raisins or cranberries with chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Whole Grains: Rolled oats and whole wheat flour provide fiber and essential nutrients.
- Natural Sweeteners: Using honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar adds natural sweetness and some additional nutrients.
- Healthy Fats: Nuts add healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free Option: These cookies are naturally dairy-free.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome and nutritious ingredients.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe quick and easy to prepare.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite mix-ins like dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips.
Conclusion:
These healthy oatmeal cookies are a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. They’re not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a perfect snack for any time of the day. Enjoy the chewy texture and natural sweetness, and feel good about indulging in these wholesome treats. Bon appétit!