These Healthy Raspberry Cookies are a tasty treat you can feel good about! Made with oats and fresh raspberries, they are chewy, fruity, and a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Who needs store-bought cookies when you can whip these up in no time? My kids love them, and I love sneaking in some healthy ingredients. Enjoy with a glass of milk for the perfect snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These provide a hearty base and chewy texture. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats will work, but they may give a softer cookie. Instant oats aren’t recommended as they can turn mushy.
Whole Wheat Flour: I prefer whole wheat flour for added nutrition and flavor. If you want a lighter cookie, you can use all-purpose flour instead. Gluten-free flour can also be used, but make sure it’s a 1:1 blend designed for baking.
Coconut Sugar: This adds a mild caramel flavor and is lower on the glycemic index. Brown sugar works in its place if you don’t have coconut sugar. You could also use maple syrup, adjusting the other liquid ingredients for consistency.
Fresh Raspberries: They bring a bright tartness. If you can’t find fresh raspberries, frozen ones work too—just add them frozen to the batter! You can also substitute with chopped strawberries or blueberries for a fruity twist.
Dark Chocolate Chips: These are optional but add delicious richness. If you want to keep it sugar-free, try using cacao nibs. You can even skip the chocolate altogether if you prefer a fruit-focused cookie.
How Do You Get the Right Texture for Your Cookies?
Getting the texture right is crucial for making delicious cookies. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly:
- Mix dry and wet ingredients separately before combining. This prevents overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
- Gently fold in the raspberries to avoid smashing them, leading to a mushy cookie.
- Space the cookies out on the baking sheet. This allows them to bake evenly without sticking together.
- Keep an eye on them while baking. Ovens can vary, so check at the 12-minute mark. You want them golden around the edges, soft in the middle.
Following these tips will help you create a delicious batch of Healthy Raspberry Cookies with the perfect chewy texture!
Healthy Raspberry Cookies
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (gently washed and dried)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for a little indulgence)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes to bake. Plus, a few minutes to cool down. Overall, you’ll have tasty cookies ready in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and coconut sugar. This will be your dry mixture.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another smaller bowl, crack the egg and add the applesauce and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cookies tough.
5. Add Raspberries and Chocolate Chips:
Now, gently fold in the fresh raspberries and dark chocolate chips. Be gentle to avoid smashing the raspberries too much!
6. Scoop and Shape the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart and gently flatten them with the back of the spoon.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. You want them to look delicious and inviting!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your healthy raspberry cookies with a glass of milk or as a delightful snack anytime!
These cookies are a yummy and healthier alternative to traditional cookies, and the combination of oats, fresh raspberries, and optional dark chocolate makes them a perfect treat without the guilt!
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just add them straight from the freezer to the batter without thawing. This will help prevent them from becoming mushy. Keep in mind that using frozen raspberries may cause the cookies to take a minute or two longer to bake.
What Can I Substitute for Applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce on hand, you can substitute with mashed banana or plain yogurt. Both will provide moisture and a hint of sweetness to your Healthy Raspberry Cookies.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
Absolutely! To make these cookies vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, set aside to thicken) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg). This will provide binding without using animal products.