Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

Healthy oatmeal cookies are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy, making them perfect for any occasion. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with wholesome ingredients like applesauce and honey, ensuring you satisfy your sweet tooth without any added sugar. With the addition of raisins and chocolate chips, they offer a delightful flavor combination that will please both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dessert option or a nutritious snack to enjoy throughout the day, these healthy oatmeal cookies fit the bill.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with oats and fruits, these cookies provide essential nutrients without compromising on taste.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Versatile Flavor: Customize with your favorite mix-ins such as nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch.
• Guilt-Free Indulgence: Enjoy the sweetness from honey and applesauce without any refined sugars.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead of time and store for quick snacks or desserts throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious healthy oatmeal cookies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline your baking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cookie scoop or spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients effectively.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth mixture when blending wet ingredients together.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

Soft and chewy healthy oatmeal cookies with applesauce, honey, raisins, and chocolate chips. No sugar! The best healthy cookie recipe.

Ingredients:
– 1 1/4 cups quick-cooking oats
– 1 cup white whole wheat flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 1/4 cup well chopped raw walnuts or pecans

How to Make Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
1. Combine the quick-cooking oats, white whole wheat flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Ensure everything is well mixed.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine:
1. The unsweetened applesauce, melted butter, egg, pure vanilla extract, and honey.
2. Whisk until all ingredients are blended smoothly.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients:
1. Stir gently until just combined. The dough will be wet and sticky.

Step 4: Add Mix-ins

Fold in:
1. The dark chocolate chips, raisins, and chopped nuts (either walnuts or pecans).

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Place the dough in the refrigerator:
1. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days. This helps in shaping better cookies.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Prepare to bake by preheating your oven:
1. Set it to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 7: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheet

Remove dough from the refrigerator:
1. If too stiff, let it sit out for about 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough into approximately 1 1/2-inch balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie.
3. Gently flatten each ball to about 3/4-inch thick with your fingers.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven:
1. For about 9 to 10 minutes, until golden around edges and set on top.

Step 9: Cool Down

Cool your cookies properly:
1. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your deliciously healthy oatmeal cookies!

How to Serve Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

Healthy oatmeal cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo, these cookies offer versatility and flavor.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. This enhances the flavors and adds creaminess to each bite.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Enjoy these cookies as a quick breakfast option. They are packed with oats and nutrients, making them a great start to your day.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside sliced apples or bananas for a refreshing contrast. The natural sweetness of the fruit complements the cookies perfectly.

Crumbled Over Yogurt

• Add crumbled healthy oatmeal cookies to your morning yogurt. This creates a delicious texture and adds extra flavor to your dish.

As an Afternoon Snack

• Keep some handy for an afternoon pick-me-up. They make for a nutritious snack that will keep you energized throughout the day.

Gift Them

• Wrap some healthy oatmeal cookies in decorative packaging as gifts. They are thoughtful treats that friends and family will appreciate.

How to Perfect Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

To achieve the best results when baking healthy oatmeal cookies, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Quick-Cooking Oats: These oats help create a softer cookie texture that is chewy and delightful.
• Let the Dough Chill: Chilling the dough allows flavors to meld and prevents spreading during baking.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Proper measurements ensure consistent results and prevent dry or overly wet cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; removing them at the right time guarantees softness.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Try different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to customize your cookie flavors according to preference.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for longer periods.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

These healthy oatmeal cookies can be complemented by delightful sides that enhance their appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Nut Butter Dip
   Pairing with almond or peanut butter offers creaminess and protein, making it a satisfying snack.
3. Trail Mix
   A simple homemade trail mix with nuts and dried fruits provides crunch and additional nutrients alongside the cookies.
4. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like mozzarella or brie for a unique sweet-and-savory experience that pairs well with your treats.
5. Smoothie Bowl
   A smoothie bowl topped with granola complements cookies nicely while adding more fruit goodness.
6. Chia Seed Pudding
   This creamy dessert is rich in fiber and makes for a lighter side that balances out the richness of the cookies.
7. Coconut Yogurt Parfait
   Layer coconut yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing dish that matches well with healthy oatmeal cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Healthy Oatmeal Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong type of oats: Quick-cooking oats provide the best texture for these cookies. If you use rolled oats, the cookies may turn out too chewy.
• Overmixing the dough: Stir just until combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough allows flavors to meld and helps create a better cookie texture. Don’t skip this important step!
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. Incorrect measurements can affect the final outcome.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 350 degrees F before baking. Baking at a lower temperature can result in flat cookies.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Healthy Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze them individually before transferring them to a container.

Reheating Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and warm for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie on medium power for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Healthy Oatmeal Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the white whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free Healthy Oatmeal Cookies.

How do I customize my Healthy Oatmeal Cookies?

You can add different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits based on your preference. Try adding coconut flakes or sunflower seeds!

What if I don’t have honey?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener instead of honey in your Healthy Oatmeal Cookies.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown while the center remains soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

These Healthy Oatmeal Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a guilt-free treat!

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