Okay, I would argue that standard oatmeal raisin cookies are plenty healthy, and this recipe from smitten kitchen is super delicious. However, I can never eat just one, or wait until after 9am to start enjoying them. So, with a few tweeks, I reduced the calories, boosted the fiber, and made them an acceptable breakfast food.
Healthy Oatmeal Cookies (based on thick, chewy oatmeal raisin cookies by smitten kitchen)
Makes 2 dozen cookies
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened organic applesauce
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 pinches salt
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup raisins
Preheat oven to 350
In a large bowl, cream together butter, applesauce, sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth (no electric mixer required, I just give it a real good stir with a wooden spoon). Sift in flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt and stir to combine. Add oats and raisins, stir.
Chill dough in fridge or scoop cookies onto parchment lined cookie sheets and freeze. Cold dough makes thicker cookies and lining your cookie sheets with parchment (or a silpat) is crucial.
Bake 10-12 minutes, a little more if totally frozen. Let cool (if you can) and enjoy, guilt-free!
