Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
4. Combine Mixtures:
   • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
   • Fold in the raisins and nuts if using.
5. Shape Cookies:
   • Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
   • Flatten the cookies slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
   • The cookies should be soft but not doughy.
7. Cool:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These oatmeal cookies are not only hearty and filling but also packed with healthy ingredients that offer fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. They make a great snack for any time of the day or can be packed into a lunchbox for a treat. Enjoy your baking!