Try these healthy oatmeal cookies for an extra special treat that tastes amazing! From espresso chocolate chip to toffee coconut, we’ve rounded up the best oatmeal cookies for you to sink your teeth into.
Whole grain oats have worked their way into fresh baked cookies and hearty desserts. Buy oats in bulk and feel confident that you will have plenty of excited new recipes to try.
These tasty oatmeal cookie recipes require very little creativity, and are super easy to assemble! Open the door to explore a wide variety of classic cookie combinations that pair nicely with nutritious oats.
Are oatmeal cookies healthy?
Oats are a nutritious whole grain that offers plenty of vitamins and minerals, and is recommended for a healthy diet. The fiber-rich food also contains plant based protein and healthy fats.
Here are some of the health benefits of oats when added into you diet routine:
- Antioxidants: Oats contain beneficial compounds and antioxidants that the body processed to improve immunity.
- Essential vitamins and minerals: Whole grain oats contain essential vitamins and minerals that benefit a healthy and balanced diet. Some core organic compounds include b-vitamins, calcium, iron and magnesium.
- Plant-based protein: Oats contain muscle building protein that help replenish the bodies fibrous tissue.
- Soluble and insoluble fiber: Oatmeal is a fiber-rich food that helps to prevent diseases that affect the heart, diabetes, cholesterol and cardiovascular systems.
Whole grain oats are a fiber rich food that contains core vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that benefit a well rounded diet. Oats also make you feel satiated for longer periods of time which helps reduce hunger cravings during the midday.
The high fiber content can also improve overall digestion. From heart health to lowering cholesterol level, there are many reasons why oats are a healthy addition to a balanced diet routine.
Oatmeal Cookie Tips
Need an answer to your common cookie questions? These tips are going to help you make the best oatmeal cookies you have ever tried!
Can you substitute regular oats for quick oats in a cookie recipe?
When baking with oats, regular rolled oats and quick oats are commonly used interchangeably. Substituting rolled oats instead of quick oats will give a slightly chewy consistency with large flakes dispersed throughout the dough.
If the recipe calls for quick oats and you only have rolled oats, quickly pulse the regular oats in a blender or food processor once or twice for a similar result.
Can you use quick oats for cookies?
Yes, quick oats are commonly used for making cookies. Quick oats add a nice texture to the cookie giving the crumb a slight chewy texture.
Don’t be concerned about only having rolled oats in the pantry. Create a similar result by pulsing the rolled oats in a blender or food processor to resemble quick oats.
What makes cookies chewy vs crunchy?
Adjusting the egg and sugar content will make cookies chewy or crunchy. White sugar makes crispy cookies than brown sugar because it has less moisture and the cookies bake with a crunch.
In addition, using yolks instead of whole eggs can make cookies chewy. Egg yolks have a high fat content that will make chewy cookies, and egg whites make crunchy cookies.
What makes a cookie more chewy?
To make cookies soft and chewy, increase the moisture content and adjust the baking time and temperature to retain a high moisture. Cookie dough made with butter, eggs, and brown sugar (which contains molasses and is 10 percent water) will slow evaporation from the flour.
How do you store oatmeal cookies?
Raw cookie dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It will also freeze well for up to 3 months, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes if the cookie dough is frozen.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Baked cookies will also freeze well for up to 3 months, thaw at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.
Basic Ingredients For Oatmeal Cookies:
Oats are nutritious and fulfilling, but hot oatmeal and overnight oats are not the only way to integrate whole grain oats into your diet. Oatmeal cookies are a great midday snack or healthy dessert option.
Here are a few reasons why each element is so important to the cookie recipes:
- Oats: Old fashioned rolled oats and quick oats are recommended for making oatmeal cookies. Rolled oats are denser and thicker than quick oats, so the cookie dough will have a slight chewiness to the crumb.
- Fruit: Dried fruits are a great way to add natural sweetness to a recipe. Raisins, cranberries, dates, figs and blueberries can be incorporated into the oatmeal cookie dough.
- Nuts: An easy way to increase the overall nutrition of the cookie dough with heathy fats, fiber and plant protein. Nuts also add toasted aroma and delicate crunch to the cookie crumb.
- Sweetener: Coconut sugar, brown sugar and white sugar are granulated sweeteners that add sweetness to kick the craving.
- Spices: Spices enhance the flavor and go well with oatmeal cookies. Spices that are commonly used in these recipes include allspice, almond extract, clove, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and vanilla extract.
Best Oatmeal Cookie Combinations:
The oatmeal cookie base will be very similar across the board, so explore the mix-ins and toppings to make the best oatmeal cookies. Adjust the levels of sweetness, crunch and add-ins to quickly take your oatmeal cookies to the next level.
Here are the best oatmeal cookie toppings and flavor combinations that we have tried:
- Blueberry + Lemon + Vanilla
- Carrots + Walnuts + Raisins + Cinnamon
- Chocolate + Espresso + Vanilla
- Chocolate + Raisins + Cinnamon
- Cranberry + Almond + Ginger
- Toffee + Coconut + Cinnamon
- White Chocolate + Cherries + Pistachios
Chop the dried fruit and crush any nuts if the pieces are too large for the cookie crumb. Sweeten the cookie dough to your liking for a delicious and flavorful baked goods that you’ll fall in love with again and again.
Best Oatmeal Cookies
How do you make the best oatmeal cookies from scratch? Here are oatmeal cookie recipes that are easy to make, healthy and fulfilling. Explore the multitude of flavor combinations and customize your favorite tastes.
The recipes are perfect to make ahead and store the raw cookie dough in the fridge for an easy fresh baked good. Each oatmeal cookie is high in fiber, protein, healthy fats and also contains essential vitamins and minerals.
Enjoy the best oatmeal cookies knowing that you are getting a heart-healthy treat that will compliment your balanced diet.
Accomplish the classic flavors with a soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookie. Follow this recipe for a magical tasty treat!
Combine sliced carrots, crushed walnuts and aromatic spices in the carrot cake inspired oatmeal cookie. The grated carrot holds up well in the cookie dough and the spice compliment the overall flavor profile of this sensational treat.
If you’re looking for a decadent combination, then toffee and coconut will be perfect for you! Bite size toffee melt into the cookie for a sweet, nutty and buttery taste that you will love!
Blend the flavor of sweet blueberries with zesty lemon for a whole and nutritious oatmeal cookie. This healthy dessert is not overly sweet and generously balances the flavor of fresh lemon.
Can go wrong with a classic oatmeal cookie combination like cranberry and almond. The cranberries are semi tart and hold up the to nutty aroma and crunchy texture of the sliced almonds, you will enjoy every bite!
The combination of sweet white chocolate and tart cherries is an absolute home run for your tastebuds. The cookies are soft and chewy with a slight crunch from the crushed pistachios.
If you love rich mocha, then espresso chocolate chip oatmeal cookies will be your new favorite go to! Each bite is packed with coffee flavor and melted chocolaty goodness.
