While chocolate chips seem to get all the love, oatmeal raisin cookies have plenty of hearty (and heart-healthy) adherents – especially at breakfast time. If you’re looking for cookies that are good for you, and for ingredients you can feel good about, you need this oatmeal and raisin cookie recipe handy.
Find out why these oatmeal cookies offer more nutrition than other recipes and whip up a batch of your own!
Are Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Good for You?
Terms like “healthy” and “good for you” are challenging. Everyone has different dietary needs and preferences, and it can be counterproductive to label any food as a net benefit for all bodies.
It’s somewhat safe to say that oatmeal raisin cookies tend to have more nutritional benefits than other options, especially when made at home.
- Oats: Provide more fiber and improve digestion.
- Raisins: Contain iron and potassium.
These ingredients offer more nutrients than those without.
However, like any cookie, your oatmeal raisin breakfast cookie likely contains plenty of butter and sugar, leading to high fat and calorie counts.
Read More: French Alpine Jam Tarts
How to Make Healthier Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Start by reducing added sugar; swap out plain sugar for ½ cup of maple syrup or one whole mashed-up banana.
You can further improve the nutritional value of your favorite oatmeal raisin cookie by using coconut or avocado oil instead of butter. Even canola oil is a smart option and worthy butter alternative.
As with any food, enjoy cookies in moderation. Breakfast cookies should be an occasional treat, and probably not a part of your daily routine.
Ingredients for Our Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
- 2/3 cup oat or rice bran
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/3 cup amaranth flour
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tablespoon flax seeds
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Step-by-Step
- Mix the oats, bran, raisins, flour, sesame seeds and cinnamon in a large bowl. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and flaxseeds. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened to the consistency of unbeaten egg whites. Remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup, oil, and vanilla.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the oats and stir well. Refrigerate for about 1 hour to firm the dough. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto parchment covered or greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cookies get firmer as they cool. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.
Can You Freeze Oatmeal Raisin Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze baked cookies (just let them cool all the way to room temperature first) or as unbaked dough to use later. If you freeze dough, roll them into small balls first, then let them sit an hour or so to harden up. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
You can bake frozen oatmeal cookies right from frozen; just add an extra one or two minutes to your normal bake time!
Shop Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Ingredients at Oryana
Here, quality matters. Every product we carry undergoes careful research and vetting, so you know you can serve your family, friends, and yourself without worry. Oryana is proud to be Traverse City’s trusted food co-op and fixture in the community; local starts right here! Get more great recipes like this one by signing up for our newsletter today.
