Description
These Ridiculously Healthy Carrot Oat Cookies are a wholesome, gluten-free treat perfect for a nutritious snack or a quick breakfast. Made with grated carrots, oats, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, they offer a deliciously moist and flavorful bite without any refined sugars. Optional additions like raisins and nuts add delightful texture and extra nutrients, making these cookies both satisfying and nourishing.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour or oat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup raisins or chopped dates
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the grated carrots, rolled oats, almond or oat flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well mixed.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the maple syrup (or honey), coconut oil (or applesauce), and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the batter is cohesive. Gently fold in the raisins and chopped nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Rest the mixture: Let the batter sit for 5 minutes. This allows the oats to absorb moisture, which helps hold the cookies together and enhances texture.
- Shape the cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each slightly using your fingers or the back of a spoon to shape them into cookie forms.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the cookies are fully set.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm as preferred.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- These cookies freeze well; just thaw before enjoying for a convenient healthy snack or breakfast option.
- Use certified gluten-free oats if you need to keep the recipe strictly gluten-free.
- Substitute maple syrup with honey for variation, keeping in mind that honey is not vegan.
- For nut allergies, omit nuts or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
