If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious, and quick dessert, these oatmeal cookies are perfect. Made without sugar or butter, they are sweetened naturally with maple syrup and packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, pecans, and raisins. These cookies are a guilt-free treat you can enjoy any time of the day!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

150 g / 5.2 oz oat flakes
(Oats provide fiber and a wholesome base for the cookies.)
1/2 tsp baking powder
(For a light and slightly risen texture.)

A pinch of salt
(Enhances the flavors in the cookies.)
Cinnamon to taste
(Adds warmth and spice. Start with about 1/2 tsp.)
50 g / 1.7 oz pecans
(Pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.)

40 g / 1.4 oz raisins
(Raisins provide natural sweetness and chewy texture.)
30 ml vegetable oil
(Keeps the cookies moist without using butter.)
30 ml maple syrup
(A natural sweetener that gives the cookies a rich flavor.)

1 egg
(Binds the ingredients together and helps create a chewy texture.)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Mix the Oats, Baking Powder, and Spices:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 150 g oat flakes, 1/2 tsp baking powder, a pinch of salt, and cinnamon (add to your taste). Stir well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Add the Pecans and Raisins

Chop the Pecans:
- Roughly chop the 50 g pecans into smaller pieces and add them to the oat mixture. Pecans bring a nice crunch and complement the chewiness of the oats.
Add the Raisins:
- Stir in 40 g of raisins. These will give the cookies bursts of natural sweetness.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Mix the Wet Ingredients Separately:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together 30 ml vegetable oil, 30 ml maple syrup, and 1 egg. The egg helps bind the dough, while the oil keeps it soft and moist.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Create the Dough:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and forms a sticky dough. The oats should absorb the wet ingredients, and the mixture will hold together easily.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Form the Cookies:
- Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough and form small balls. Place them on the lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Gently press them down to flatten into cookie shapes.

Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!

Let Them Cool:
- Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy:
- Enjoy these healthy oatmeal cookies as a snack, dessert, or even a quick breakfast! They’re perfect on their own or with a cup of tea or coffee.

Why These Cookies Are So Great:

No Added Sugar: These cookies are naturally sweetened with maple syrup, making them a healthier alternative to traditional cookies.
Butter-Free: Instead of butter, this recipe uses vegetable oil, making the cookies lighter and lower in saturated fats.
Packed with Goodness: Oats, pecans, and raisins bring a wealth of nutrients, including fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and no complicated steps, these cookies are ready to bake in no time.

Tips & Variations:

Add Chocolate Chips: For a little indulgence, you can add some dark chocolate chips to the mix. Dark chocolate adds a touch of bitterness that balances well with the sweet raisins and maple syrup.
Switch the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, feel free to substitute with walnuts, almonds, or your favorite nuts.

Extra Flavors: If you like experimenting with flavors, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground ginger for a different twist.
Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.):

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: 110 kcal
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 12g

Protein: 3g
Fiber: 2g

FAQs:

1. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens).

2. Can I use a different sweetener?
If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor.

3. What if I don’t have oat flour?
You can easily make oat flour by blending regular oats in a food processor until they turn into a fine powder. It’s a simple and quick solution!

4. Can I add more spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a dash of cloves for a more complex flavor profile.

Conclusion:

These healthy oatmeal cookies are a delightful, wholesome treat that you can whip up quickly. They’re perfect for those who want to enjoy something sweet without the guilt. Happy baking!