Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
These healthy oatmeal cookies are a delightful treat that combines wholesome ingredients with a touch of sweetness. Perfect for family baking days, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour or almond flour for gluten-free
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or nuts optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven is heating up, you can prepare the dough.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easier cleanup. If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the baking sheet with a bit of coconut oil or cooking spray.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats: Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture.
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or almond flour for gluten-free): This adds fiber and nutrients.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients until well combined. This ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients:
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup: This acts as the primary sweetener.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted: Coconut oil adds a lovely flavor and texture. You can melt it in the microwave in short intervals (about 15-20 seconds) until fully melted.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For added flavor.
- Mix well until smooth and fully combined. The mixture should be slightly warm if you melted the coconut oil, which helps incorporate it smoothly into the batter.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to carefully combine the ingredients.
- Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough. The dough should be thick but slightly sticky.
Step 6: Add Mix-Ins
- If desired, fold in your choice of add-ins:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or nuts (like walnuts or pecans): This is optional, but it adds extra flavor and texture.
- Make sure the add-ins are evenly mixed into the dough
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
- Scoop out the dough using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop. Aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter for each cookie.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This provides space for the cookies to expand while baking.
Step 8: Flatten the Cookies (Optional)
- If you prefer a flatter cookie, gently press down on the dough balls with the back of a spoon or your fingers. This will give them a more traditional cookie shape.
- Step 9: Bake the Cookies
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Keep an eye on them; they should still be soft in the center when you take them out, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
Step 10: Cool the Cookies
- Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes transferring easier.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps preserve their texture and prevents them from getting soggy
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once cooled, gather your family to enjoy these delicious, healthy oatmeal cookies. They make an excellent choice for snacks, desserts, or even a quick breakfast on the run!
