Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

I recently spent a couple of days in Houston to visit family (and get a few wedding to-dos crossed off of the list), and y’all know I never see loved ones empty-handed. Since my sister is always nice of enough to let me crash at her place when I’m in town, I knew whipping up a batch of her favorite cookies would be the perfect hostess gift.

But for those who might not be as into Oatmeal Raisin Cookies as we are, let this recipe change your mind! It only requires a few simple ingredients that you likely already have sitting in your pantry.

Of course, raisins are are a key ingredient here, and as a dried fruit lover through-and-through, I’m all about it. But for those who don’t feel the same, you can most definitely swap these out for chocolate chips, nuts or other dried fruit of your choosing.

Just note that when choosing any type of dried fruit, be sure to look for a version that’s free from any added sweeteners. They simply don’t need it!

Likewise, oats are a necessity in these tasty treats. If you can find gluten-free and sprouted rolled oats, then bonus points for you! But anything you have on hand or can find at the store will work just great.

Not only do oats add great texture and chew, but they also provide lots of great gut-loving fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

If you love oats as much as I do, also be sure to check out these delicious ways to put them to use:

• Healthy Apple Crisp
• Banana Oatmeal Blender Pancakes
• Healthy Pumpkin Oat Cookies
• 6-Ingredient Healthy Peach Crisp
• Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
• Cranberry Sauce Overnight Oats
• PB&J Maca Overnight Oats
• Creamy Stovetop “Zoats”
• Chai Eggnog Stovetop Oatmeal

Unlike regular oatmeal raisin cookies that typically use bleached white flour and refined brown sugar, this version swaps out the above with simple but just as delicious ingredients.

Almond flour is my personal favorite alternative to bake with thanks to the healthy fats it provides. If you have a nut allergy, I’d recommend swapping this out with oat flour.

Maple syrup likewise gives a similar, caramelized quality that we typically get from brown sugar with more naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals. Swapping out sugar for maple syrup or honey is such a simple way to keep your sweet tooth satisfied on the healthier side!

Plus, the almond butter (I love Georgia Grinders – use code GOODNESSWITHG for 20% off) and apple sauce are the perfect, simple binders for this dough, making this recipe egg-free, vegan, and all that jazz.

Bake these perfect little bites until slightly golden and ready to be devoured. I highly intend on whipping up another batch this week, and I hope you do too!