Oatmeal cookies, right? They remind me of those cozy afternoons when the world outside felt like a never-ending storm, yet inside, the aroma of warm cookies made everything feel right. There’s something about the perfect blend of oats, honey, and maybe a hint of cinnamon that just makes your soul sing—or maybe that’s just the sugar talking. Anyway, these cookies are like a hug for your taste buds; simple, wholesome, and just a tad indulgent.
Steps
- Combine the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. In another bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract before incorporating the honey or agave.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in the raisins. Transfer the dough to the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. After chilling, scoop the dough into 15 rounded portions and lightly flatten each one on the prepared sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 11-14 minutes, ensuring not to overbake them. Once done, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (100g) instant oats, gluten-free if needed
- ¾ cup (90g) whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ? teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (28g) coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120mL) honey or agave syrup
- ¼ cup (40g) raisins
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1500 | Total Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: 185mg | Sodium: 250mg | Total Carbohydrates: 280g | Dietary Fiber: 15g | Sugars: 95g | Protein: 20g
FAQ
- Why is it important to measure oats and flour accurately?
- Accurate measurement of oats and flour is crucial because too much of these dry ingredients can make the cookies dry and crumbly. Oats can absorb a lot of moisture, so precision in measuring helps maintain the desired soft and chewy texture.
- What type of oats should I use for these cookies?
- Use instant oats, also known as “quick cooking” or “one minute” oats. They are smaller and thinner than old-fashioned rolled oats, which helps them soften faster and keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
- How can I ensure the raisins are juicy in my cookies?
- To make the raisins plump and juicy, hydrate them before adding them to the dough. Soak them in water in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and microwave for one minute. Let them sit for at least five minutes before draining and incorporating into the dough.
- What are the alternatives for dairy and eggs to make these cookies vegan?
- For a vegan version, substitute 1 ½ teaspoons of Ener-G egg replacer mixed with two tablespoons of warm water for the egg white. Additionally, add an extra ½ tablespoon of coconut oil or vegan butter for the egg yolk.
- How should I store leftover cookies to maintain their texture?
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy for up to a week. This will help preserve their texture and prevent them from becoming dry.
Tips
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: It’s crucial to measure your oats and flour accurately to ensure the cookies remain soft and chewy. Using too much can make the cookies dry and crumbly. Consider using a kitchen scale for the best results.
- Hydrate Your Raisins: To achieve plump and juicy raisins, hydrate them before adding them to the dough. Simply cover them with water in a microwave-safe bowl, microwave for a minute, and let them sit for at least five minutes.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. If your dough is already stiff, you can skip this step, but otherwise, it helps in achieving the desired texture.
- Avoid Overbaking: For soft and chewy cookies, pull them out of the oven slightly early. Let them rest on the warm baking sheet to finish setting, which prevents the outsides from becoming too crisp.
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale – For precise measurement of ingredients.
- Silicone Baking Mat – An alternative to parchment paper for lining the baking sheet.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl with Lid – For hydrating raisins as per the recipe’s recommendation.
