Oatmeal cookies: a classic comfort food that evokes memories of childhood and warm kitchens. But can these sweet treats fit into a healthy lifestyle, particularly when aiming for weight loss? The answer is a resounding yes! This article explores the nutritional benefits of oatmeal cookies and provides a guide on how to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.
The Nutritional Powerhouse: Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a nutritional powerhouse, full of health benefits. One cup of oats contains 13 grams of protein, making it a filling and warming breakfast go-to.
The Truth About Cookies and Weight Loss
Are cookies with fat and sugar good for you? Hmm, not really, but they add some joy to our lives. We all need a bit of a sweet treat in our lives! But how to make them not wreck our diet is what we need to learn.
Low-Calorie Oatmeal Cookies: A Guilt-Free Pleasure
Enjoying cookies without derailing your diet is possible with low-calorie recipes that stay under the 200 kcal mark. These recipes allow you to indulge in a light snack while still achieving your calorie goals.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Healthier Choice
Homemade cookies are better than factory-processed ones that are pumped full of trans fats and sugars. As homemade cookies do not have any preservatives in them, they have a very short shelf life. Store them in an airtight container for no more than 3-4 days.
Read also: Benefits of Oatmeal Drinks for Dieting
The Ultimate Healthy Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
These are the Ultimate Healthy Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. They’re chock full of hearty oats, sweet raisins, and lots of warm cinnamon. They’re also just 100 calories with no refined flour or sugar.
Key Ingredients and Their Importance
- Whole Wheat Flour or Gluten-Free Flour: Avoid refined all-purpose flour.
- Instant Oats: Use instant oats (also called “quick cooking” or “one minute” oats). Instant oats are smaller and thinner than traditional old-fashioned rolled oats. This means they soften faster, which keeps your ultimate healthy oatmeal raisin cookies supremely soft and chewy!
- Coconut Oil or Butter: Use just 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or butter, unlike traditional recipes that usually call for a full stick (or more!) of butter.
- Honey, Agave, or Pure Maple Syrup: Sweeten your ultimate healthy oatmeal raisin cookies with honey, agave, or pure maple syrup, unlike traditional recipes that use refined granulated sugar.
- Raisins: Don’t add your raisins into the cookie dough straight from the package! Instead, hydrate your raisins first. This is super simple to do! Add them to a microwave-safe bowl, cover them with water, and place a lid or plastic wrap on top. Microwave them on high for 1 minute. Let them sit for at least 5 minutes (or while you measure and mix together the rest of the ingredients!). By the time you’re ready to drain them and stir them into the cookie dough, they’ll be exceptionally plump and juicy… Which definitely creates the best healthy oatmeal raisin cookies imaginable!
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
- Whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, egg, and vanilla. Stir in the honey or agave.
- Add in the flour mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Fold in the raisins.
- Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Drop the cookie dough into 15 rounded scoops onto the prepared sheet, and flatten slightly.
- Bake at 325°F for 11-14 minutes.
Important Baking Notes
- Measuring: It’s extremely important to measure both the oats and flour correctly using this method or a kitchen scale.
- Baking Time: For the best soft and chewy texture, do NOT overbake these cookies! They're actually done baking when the centers still feel slightly soft and underdone.
Flour Alternatives
White whole wheat flour, whole wheat pastry flour, or all-purpose flour may be substituted for the regular whole wheat flour.
Oats Note
Instant oats are also called "quick cooking" oats or "one minute" oats. They're smaller and thinner than old-fashioned rolled oats, and they only contain one ingredient: oats! They come in large canisters, just like old-fashioned rolled oats.
Sweetener Alternatives
If you prefer, pure maple syrup may be substituted in place of the honey or agave. You may also substitute ½ cup (96g) of coconut sugar or brown sugar plus ¼ cup (60mL) of milk.
Raisin Note
For the best ever oatmeal raisin cookies, hydrate your raisins first! It makes them SO plump and juicy, which makes your cookies taste incredible! To do so, add the raisins to a microwave-safe bowl, cover them completely with water, and top with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on HIGH for 60 seconds. Let the raisins sit and absorb water until just before you’re ready to add them to the dough.
Read also: Oatmeal: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free instant oats and the following gluten-free flour blend: ½ cup (60g) millet flour, 2 tablespoons (15g) tapioca flour, 2 tablespoons (15g) brown rice flour, and ½ teaspoon xanthan gum. Many store-bought gluten-free flour blends will also work, if measured like this.
Vegan Version
Substitute 1 ½ teaspoons Ener-G + 2 tablespoons warm water for the egg white AND add an additional ½ tablespoon of coconut oil or stick-style vegan butter for the egg yolk.
Exploring Different Oatmeal Cookie Variations
The world of oatmeal cookies extends far beyond the classic raisin variety. Here are some exciting variations to explore:
- Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies: Soft and chewy with plenty of juicy blueberries and dark chocolate chunks inside.
- Healthy Oatmeal Banana Cookies: Healthy, nutritious, and crazy delicious, these sugar and flour-free cookies made with instant oats are packed with bananas, sunflower seeds, raisins, and coconut.
- Banana & Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: A healthier version of a classic oatmeal cookie. They are flourless, made with no butter, and can easily be made vegan.
- Golden Raisin Oatmeal Cookies: Just the right amount of crispy and chewy all at the same time.
- Vegan Oatmeal Cookies: Soft and chewy, made with almond flour and sweetened with maple syrup.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies: A delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- Orange Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Healthy, thick, easy, and made with coconut oil instead of butter.
- Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: So easy to make!
- Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies: Chewy and flavorful, packed with bits of dark chocolate and amazing oats.
- Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies: Delicious breakfast cookies or healthy snacks.
- Apple Oatmeal Cookies: Made with whole wheat flour, rolled oats, fresh apples, and brown sugar.
- Sweet Potato Cookies: Chewy, delicious, and gluten-free.
- Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies: Soft, chewy, and packed with fresh strawberries, and incredible flavors. They are wholesome, easy to make, and made without refined sugars.
- Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies: Bursting with pumpkin spice flavor!
Quick and Easy Oatmeal Banana Cookies
For a super simple and healthy snack, try these oatmeal banana cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Mash 2 ripe bananas in a bowl.
- Add 1 cup of rolled oats and any optional ingredients like cinnamon, raisins, walnuts, or sesame seeds.
- Stir until everything is nicely mixed.
- Place baking paper on a tray and scoop a decent amount of the mixture onto the tray.
- Bake until golden brown.
Tips for Incorporating Oatmeal Cookies into a Weight Loss Plan
- Portion Control: Be mindful of serving sizes. Enjoy one or two cookies as a treat rather than indulging in a large amount.
- Healthy Ingredients: Choose recipes that prioritize whole grains, natural sweeteners, and healthy fats.
- Mindful Eating: Savor each bite and pay attention to your body's signals of fullness.
- Balance: Incorporate oatmeal cookies into a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
- Timing: Enjoy your oatmeal cookie as part of a post-workout snack or as a treat with a cup of tea.
Read also: Is Oatmeal Safe for Kidney Patients?