Delicious Oatmeal Cookies: A Healthy Treat for Any Occasion
Oatmeal cookies are a classic favorite that offer a delightful balance of flavor and nutrition. These cookies are incredibly easy to make and pack a wholesome punch with their rich ingredients. Today, we’ll guide you through the process of creating your own delightful batch of oatmeal cookies, using both US and European metric measurements. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a quick dessert, these cookies are sure to please friends and family alike.
Ingredients
US Measurements:
- 2 cups (200g) oat flakes
- 1 cup (100g) almond flour
- 1/3 cup (80g) maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60g) coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or dried fruit
European Metric:
- 200g oat flakes
- 100g almond flour
- 80g maple syrup
- 60g coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 100g chocolate chips or dried fruit
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flakes, almond flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined.
- Melt Coconut Oil: In a small saucepan, gently melt the coconut oil over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the melted mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until a cohesive dough forms.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If you wish, fold in chocolate chips or dried fruit at this stage for added flavor and texture.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough by hand into small balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring there is enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 12 cookies
Nutritional Information (per cookie, if making 12):
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your coconut oil to cool slightly before mixing, as it should not be too hot. Room-temperature ingredients will ensure better mixing and texture.
- Experiment with Sweeteners: Feel free to substitute maple syrup with other liquid sweeteners like honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile. Just be aware that the sweetness level may vary.
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw them at room temperature when ready to eat.
Possible Variations
- Nut Butter Addition: Incorporate 1/4 cup of your favorite nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter) into the wet ingredients for a creamier texture and a nutty flavor.
- Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the oats beautifully.
These oatmeal cookies are not only delicious but also offer a healthier option for satisfying your sweet cravings. Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary requirements. Enjoy baking and indulging in your homemade treats!