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If you’re looking to make lower-cholesterol oatmeal cookies, you can easily adapt a traditional recipe by using heart-healthy ingredients. Here’s a healthier version of oatmeal cookies that’s still delicious but better for your cholesterol levels:
Lower-Cholesterol Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick oats)
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (replaces butter/oil)
- ¼ cup coconut oil (or olive oil for a neutral flavor)
- ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (or 1 flax egg: 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water)
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the unsweetened applesauce, coconut oil, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the egg (or flax egg) and mix until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the raisins or dried cranberries and chopped nuts (if using).
- Scoop and Bake:
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why These Cookies Are Lower in Cholesterol:
- Applesauce: Replaces butter, reducing saturated fat.
- Coconut Oil or Olive Oil: Healthier fats compared to butter.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds fiber, which can help lower cholesterol.
- Oats: Rich in soluble fiber (beta-glucan), which helps reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
- Egg Substitute: Using a flax egg eliminates cholesterol from the egg.
Tips:
- Add-Ins: Use heart-healthy add-ins like dark chocolate chips (70% or higher), chia seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Portion Control: Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
These cookies are a tasty and guilt-free treat that can help support your cholesterol-lowering goals. Let me know if you try them or need more healthy recipe ideas! 😊🍪
