Peanut & Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

After many attempts at various oatmeal cookie recipes all using different flours, and different added “goodies” I’ve finally come up with one that ticks all the boxes for me. Crunchy on the outside, slightly softer on the inside, sweet with some salty peanut buttery hints. The added flavor of the toasted sunflower seeds and nutritional yeast (although it may sound strange) add a lovely savory flare.

 

I think my slight obsession with oatmeal cookies started when I realized that you can actually eat cookies for breakfast and still feel fantastic as you’re not compromising your health in any way because you’re still eating a whole foods, health-supportive, and delicious diet. But you’re eating cookies. For breakfast. Say what? Yes. Thank you, come again (dear inner child cookie monster).

 

These are also the perfect afternoon tea snack or post/pre workout snack as they are filled with good, hearty and satisfying energy. And can we just take a moment to appreciate oatmeal? One of the most satisfying and healthy additions to ones’ diet due to the fact that oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate, the digestion process starts in the mouth with an enzyme called amylase. This process starts when we first begin chewing food, the saliva carries amylase which starts to break down the complex carbohydrates which initiates the process of converting complex carbohydrate molecules into glucose which is the form of energy that the body most easily and readily uses for energy.

 

Ingredients:

·      2 small bananas

·      1 cup Jungle Oats (not rolled)

·      ¼ cup chopped raisins

·      2.5 tablespoons toasted sunflower seeds

·      1 tablespoon peanut butter

·      2 tablespoons agave nectar

·      2 tablespoons chickpea flour

·      1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

·      1.5 tablespoons organic brown sugar/coconut sugar/maple sugar

·      ½ teaspoon Himalayan pink sea salt

 

Method:

1.  Preheat the oven to 180 degree celsius. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.

2.  Mash the bananas well, until there are no lumps. Add the salt and mix well.

3.  Add the oats, sunflower seeds, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, peanut butter, agave nectar, sugar and chopped raisins

4.  Using a 1 tablespoon measure, scoop 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into balls, flatten and place on the parchment paper. Continue until the mixture is finished. It should be about 12 cookies (may vary depending on how full of a 1 tablespoon scoop you use).

5.  Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden and crunchy on the outside.

6.  Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

 

These guys are also perfect for a little homey-gift, one that has thought and a little more time and dedication put into it, which in my opinion is a much more loving gesture than the generic store bought cookies or gift. They’re perfect to have on hand if you’ve got a busy work day or if you’re studying or traveling.

 

Extra Nutritional Information

 

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is very nutritious. In my opinion, it is highly underrated. It is filled with many beneficial vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Some examples of prevalent vitamins found in oatmeal is Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B5. Some examples of minerals found in oats are manganese, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, folate and magnesium. Oats also contain a powerful soluble fiber called Beta-Glucan which is known to increase feelings of satiation, increase growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract as well as reduce cholesterol levels. There are so many fantastic ways of incorporating oats into your diet – in smoothies, in baked goods, in the form of overnight oats, granola and even toasted with some spices for a savory sprinkle on salads for a nice textural addition instead of the classic crouton.

 

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are one of the most nutritious and delicious foods on the planet. They are complete nutrient powerhouses. They are very high in vitamin B complex, and vitamin E. In terms of minerals, sunflower seeds pack a punch, too. Containing high levels of manganese, folate, copper, magnesium, phosphorus as well as the antioxidant selenium. Sunflower seeds are good for inflammation and cardiovascular health. Eating them regularly also helps to calm your nerves, muscles and blood vessels due to the high magnesium levels in them.