Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
Indulge in the delightful taste of healthy oatmeal cookies that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. These cookies are a perfect snack for any time of the day, combining wholesome oats, natural sweeteners, and add-ins like nuts and dried fruits. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative for a wholesome treat that supports your health goals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup mashed banana or applesauce
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 12 cookies. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 15-20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 120 calories, 4g of fat, 18g of carbohydrates, 2g of protein, and 2g of fiber. This is based on one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix honey (or maple syrup), mashed banana (or applesauce), and melted coconut oil until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute whole wheat flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, replace honey with agave syrup or stevia for a lower-sugar alternative. Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like dried fruits or seeds.
Serving and Pairings
Enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk, yogurt, or a cup of tea. They also pair well with fresh fruit for a balanced snack.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can alter the texture.
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Baking at the wrong temperature may result in uneven cooking.
- Using stale oats can affect flavor and texture.
- Not allowing cookies to cool on the pan can cause them to break.
Helpful Tips
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
- Experiment with different nut butters for flavor.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, by using maple syrup instead of honey and ensuring the chocolate chips are dairy-free, you can easily make these cookies vegan.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the whole wheat flour with gluten-free flour blends, almond flour, or oat flour for a gluten-free version.
How long do these cookies last?
In an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can last up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them.
Can I add protein powder to the recipe?
Yes, you can add protein powder to the dry ingredients. Just be mindful of the overall texture and adjust the wet ingredients if necessary.
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
You can use unsalted butter, vegetable oil, or any other neutral oil in place of coconut oil.
Conclusion
Healthy oatmeal cookies are a versatile and nutritious treat that combines wholesome ingredients with delicious flavors. Perfect for snacking, these cookies are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Enjoy them guilt-free, knowing you’re treating yourself to something wholesome and delightful!
Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup mashed banana or applesauce
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix honey, mashed banana, and melted coconut oil until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
