“Healthier” Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (95 Calories)

Wait, don’t run away just yet.

Give me a chance.  These cookies taste good, and they are healthy too, well, besides the small amounts of butter and sugar I used.  Aside from that they have raisins, walnuts, whole wheat flour, oats, and ground flaxseed meal. 

I baked these cookies for a friend in need, a friend who means the world to me, unfortunately though, she wasn’t able to try my cookies.  It’s okay though, it’s the thought that counts, right?  And there is always a next time.

I enjoyed these cookies and I didn’t really feel bad eating them since they are – healthier.  My Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are chewy and packed with nutrients so you won’t be eating a ton of them in one sitting.  Next time though, I do want to work on a recipe that results in slightly crispier Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.  Tell me what you think if you bake these. 

NUTRITION: Whole Wheat Flour adds Protein and Fiber to these cookies.  Oats help reduce cholesterol and are a good source of Protein and Fiber.  Ground Flaxseed adds Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Fiber to these cookies.  Walnuts are an excellent source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids.  Raisins are known to be an antioxidant rich fruit. 

APPROXIMATE NUTRITION PER SERVING (yields 20 cookies)

• Calories: 95 cals
• Fat: 3.6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Carbs: 18 g
• Protein: 1.9 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g

“HEALTHIER” & CHEWY OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES (LOW FAT)
~ yields 20 cookies @ 350 degrees using a flat baking tray
~ fat and calories are significantly reduced in comparison to a regular batch of oatmeal raisin cookies which typically consist of 1 stick (8 tbsp) of butter or more. 

INGREDIENTS:

• Unsalted Butter – 2 tbsp (room temperature)
• Light Brown Sugar – 1/2 cup
• Milk 1% Low Fat – 1/4 cup
• Egg – 1
• Vanilla Extract – 1/2 tsp
• Whole Wheat Flour – 1/2 cup
• Quaker Old-Fashioned Oats – 1 cup
• Ground Flaxseed Meal – 1 tbsp
• Baking Soda – 1/2 tsp
• Salt – 1/4 tsp
• Ground Cinnamon – 1/4 tsp
• Raisins – 1/2 cup
• Walnuts – 1/2 cup (chopped)
  

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Grease a baking tray with butter or use parchment paper.

3. In a mixing bowl combine the butter, brown sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.

4. Mix for a couple minutes until well blended.

5. Add the dry ingredients – whole wheat flour, oats, ground flaxseed, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.

6. Mix, but do NOT overmix.

7. Add raisins and chopped walnuts.

8. Combine, do NOT overmix.

9. Using a mini-scoop, scoop the cookie batter onto the baking tray.

10. Should make 20 cookies.

11. Into the oven for 10-12 minutes – mine baked for 12 minutes.

12. Final result – chewy and cake-like delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. 

OVERALL RATING: 4 / 5
Considering these cookies are healthy, I will give these a 4 because you can really taste the butter in them, although I only used 2 tablespoons. Having said that, I would have preferred slightly more crispy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and I will have to work on a new low fat recipe to make that happen.  These cookies are very moist and delicious.  I’ve been snacking on them for breakfast with my coffee and after dinner with my tea.  They are packed with healthful goodies making them so fun to eat. 

TELL ME: Do you prefer chewy or crispy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies?  And What’s your favorite Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe?