Quick Recipe of Homemade Eggless and Healthy Oats Cinnamon Walnut Cookies

When crafting these homemade eggless and healthy oats cinnamon walnut cookies, every ingredient serves a purpose, not just in contributing to the flavor but also in enhancing the nutritional profile of the cookies. Here’s a detailed look at the components and their individual benefits.

Oats: The primary ingredient, oats, are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. Oats are also known to help lower cholesterol levels and stabilize blood sugar. Their hearty texture makes them an excellent base for these cookies. Half of the quantity of oats flour used in the recipe can be replaced by almond/ coconut flour as well.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon not only imparts a warm, delightful flavor to these cookies but also boasts numerous health benefits. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Moreover, cinnamon is known to contain antioxidants and may improve insulin sensitivity.

Walnuts: Adding a perfect crunch to the cookies, walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart health and cognitive function. They also provide a good source of protein and healthy fats, enhancing the overall nutrition of the cookies.

Natural Sweeteners: To maintain the health aspect of these cookies, it's crucial to use natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar. Both honey and maple syrup offer a lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar, which helps in managing blood sugar levels more effectively. Jaggery powder can also be used for this preparation.

By thoughtfully selecting and combining these ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that are not only tasty but also nourishing and beneficial to your health.

Ingredients:

1. Rolled/ Quick/ Instant Oats - 1+1/3 cups for flour preparation and 1 cup as such

2. Milk - 3 tbsp

3. Baking Soda - 3/4 tsp

4. Ground Cinnamon - 1 tsp

5. Salt - 1/3 tsp

6. Jaggery/ Honey - 1/3 cup

7. Vanilla Extract - 1 tsp

8. Neutral Oil/ Ghee - 1/3 cup

9. Chopped walnuts - 1/2 cup

10. Chopped raisins/ cranberries - 10 nos. (or more)

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven is heating up, prepare your baking tray by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it, which will prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Use a mixer-grinder to make instant oats flour with 1 + 1/3 cups of oats.

3. In a large mixing bowl, sift the oats flour and then combine all the dry ingredients with hand. The oats will provide a hearty texture, while the cinnamon adds a warm, inviting flavor to the cookies.

4. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients by blending them well using a whisk or a fork until you achieve a smooth consistency.

5. Now, gradually add the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture gently until all components are well combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but firm enough to hold its shape. If the mixture appears too dry, you can add a bit more milk, one tablespoon at a time.

6. Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts into the dough, folding them in carefully to ensure even distribution. Walnuts not only add a delightful crunch but also bring in a mix of healthy fats and nutrients, enhancing the overall healthiness of the cookies.

7. Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking tray. They can be kept close since these cookies don't spread out much.

8. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. To check for doneness, lightly press the center of a cookie; it should feel set but slightly soft.

9. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

To ensure that your eggless and healthy oats cinnamon walnut cookies maintain their freshness and flavor, proper storage is essential. Once the cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. This will help preserve their crunchy texture and keep out moisture which, over time, may affect their quality. They can be kept for a week at room temperature in air-tight containers in a cool, dry place. If you’d prefer to keep the cookies for a more extended period, consider refrigerating them in air-tight containers. Refrigerated cookies can last for about two weeks.

Serve the cookies with a glass of any milk that complements the mild sweetness and nuttiness of the cookies, or a cup of herbal tea that can enhance the warming flavors of cinnamon and walnuts, making for a comforting snack or dessert option. These can also be used as a personalized gifting option! Savor and enjoy!