There’s nothing better than a warm, freshly-baked cookie on a chilly, winter day. Especially if that cookie strikes the perfect balance between being heart healthy, but also delicious.
With this easy recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy a soft cookie that’s filled with nuts, oatmeal and raisins, which are all ingredients you can feel good about. Plus, this recipe’s secret ingredient helps to limit the fat and salt that comes from high amounts of butter and oil (hint: it’s applesauce).
Here are a few heart-healthy benefits of these cookies:
- As a type of whole grain, the oats in this recipe provide fiber, which supports healthy cholesterol levels. Plus, their antioxidants can help reduce inflammation.
- Walnuts supply ALA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, which is great for heart health and supports balanced cholesterol and blood pressure numbers.
- While they are somewhat high in sugar, raisins also provide important nutrients, like iron and potassium, both of which are good for heart health.
- 1 1/4 cups quick oats
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup well chopped raw walnuts
- Move a rack to the center of your oven and preheat it to 350 degrees F
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a medium bowl, combine the applesauce, butter, egg, vanilla, and honey. Whisk until blended. Pour the liquid mixture into the flour mixture and stir just until combined. The dough will be wet and sticky. Fold in the chocolate chips, raisins, and walnuts. Place in the refrigerator and let chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days.
- When you’re ready to bake, line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet. Remove the dough from the refrigerator (if it is very stiff, you may need to let it sit out for 5 to 10 minutes). With a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and arrange on the baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space around each. With your fingers, gently flatten each cookie to be about 3/4-inch thick.
- Bake until the cookies are golden and firm around the edges and set on top, about 9 to 10 minutes. Place the baking sheet on a wire rack and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer the cookies to the rack to cool completely.
- Recipe makes 24 cookies
This recipe was created by Well-Plated by Erin
Supporting Lifelong Heart Health
Georgia Heart Institute, our dedicated team of more than 80 cardiologists and advanced practice providers are committed to helping you achieve lasting heart health. This goes beyond providing comprehensive care and utilizing the most advanced treatments to ensure you have the tools and resources you need to lead a healthy life every day. From educational blog posts to personalized guidance from your provider, you can feel confident knowing your heart is in the best hands possible. Request your appointment today!