I actually really want to call these “healthy soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookie muffin tops” but I thought that would be the longest recipe name ever. That’s the best way I could think to describe these delicious treats though. They’re like a hybrid between oatmeal raisin cookies and a muffin. I bake ‘em like cookies on a cookie sheet, but they’ve got that softer almost muffin-like texture – so would “muffin tops” be the right terminology?
I don’t know, but semantics aside, these are my new favorite thing to bake on the weekend. They’re soft, chewy, sweet, and are quick to bake. They’ve got a somewhat better nutritional profile compared to many baked goods, since you use whole wheat flour and oats rather than white flour, and switch out some of the added sugars for naturally occurring sugars in fruit. They are also dairy-free and egg-free for anyone with allergies to those foods, and are vegan (as long as sugar is used that doesn’t use bone char for processing).
While this recipe is for everyone, athletes in particular should take note – this is a great option for those of you looking for new fueling choices. You can use these as a pre-race option about an hour or so before a race. 2 to 3 of them will meet most people’s needs for pre-race carbohydrate. Some people might find them convenient for fuel during exercise as well, eating 1-2 per hour of endurance exercise. Just be careful if you’re sensitive to fat or fiber (neither of which are particularly high overall in this recipe, but are certainly higher than in something like a gel or sports drink). Or you can try these as a part of a recovery snack. Just combine them with a source of protein, like a tall glass of milk (that’s right, you get permission to have cookies and milk!) or a few slices of turkey (I know, that one is not as exciting).
If you’re not using them around exercise or you don’t consider yourself an ‘athlete’, that’s ok too! You can certainly enjoy as a quick & convenient snack or dessert option. Take note of the portion size though – limit yourself to one and then put the rest away for later. 🙂
Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies {“Muffin Tops”}
Makes 12 large cookie muffin tops
Ingredients:
“Flax egg” – 1 tbsp ground/milled flax mixed with 2.5 to 3 tbsp hot water
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup whole “white wheat” flour (or whole wheat pastry flour)
1 cup oats
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup raisins
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Make flax egg and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, combine banana, applesauce, coconut oil, and brown sugar. Add flax egg and mix well.
4. Add flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined. Fold in raisins.
5. Drop by the spoonful onto a cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
Nutrition Analysis (approximate per serving):
170 calories, 5 grams fat, 29 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber, 15 grams sugar, 3 grams protein
Vitamin C: 5%, Calcium: 2%, Iron: 5%, Potassium: 5%
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Wow, what a great option for fuel before and during runs! I’m adding this to my list of foods to try. Looks delicious 🙂
Yes, I love them. And it would be easy for me to eat about 12 in a row if I let myself, haha, so I feel like eating 2-3 before a race would sit well.
Those cookies look devine. I’m glad you didn’t put raisins in them, those aren’t my favorite. I’m always looking for good healthy dessert recipes, send any more my way if you have them!
I did put raisins in ’em, but I know the pics look like I didn’t haha. You could totally leave the raisins out though!
These look AMAZING!!! I have to try them!
They are super tasty. I love that I can eat one and it still feels like a treat, but I still know the ingredients are pretty clean!
Love all your posts about running & fueling! It actually makes me want to sign up for another half marathon just to experiment with different fueling options. #nutritionnerdalert.
Love me some oatmeal raisin cookies too! I’m training for a 10k right now, so while I may not need it mid-run it would be a welcome treat after a long run. 🙂
You could always join me for RnR Brooklyn in October! 🙂 And yes, they definitely make an awesome post-run treat.
Wow! These look amazing! I will definitely be trying these soon. I’ll have to pin these and let you know when I make them. Thank you for sharing!
You’re so welcome! I hope you’ll pop back over after you make them and let me know what you think 🙂
We can’t have coconut oil. What can I use as a replacement?
Butter or a vegan butter replacement should both work. 🙂
I love baking this kind of cookie and they are perfect before a run or for any day breakfast. Easy to take for travel runs too! Thanks for the recipe!
Yes, so true Diane!!
oatmeal raisin cookies are my fave! I need to make these!
I hope you’ll give them a try Nicole! 🙂
Yummy! I will definitely give these a go. I’ve been thinking about recipes for our office’s healthy potluck, and this might be the one!
Let me know how you like them! I like that they have that really soft kinda different texture. My husband really likes them too.
Yum! These would have been perfect for my recipe roundup!!
I loved your roundup Sue – it had so many great ideas!
I love the idea of a cookie as a prerace fuel! I’d substitute chocolate chips for the raisins, tho! Not a fan of raisins and chocolate is my jam!
Mmmmm, chocolate…that sounds like a substitution I can get down with.
Wow! I love oatmeal raisin and these look divine!
I love oatmeal raisin too! 🙂
Drooling. I want one right now!! You can see the moistness in the awesome photos. Pinning!!!!
Aw thanks Natalie!! I hope you enjoy them!
How did you know I’ve been craving cookies? I’m sure I can easily make them gluten free without losing the yumminess. Thanks!
Yes, I think you could definitely do a g-free version Jill!
These look delicious, and I love that you made them without raisins. I don’t have much of a taste for them.
They do have raisins in them, but you could totally leave those out if you don’t like them.
I love oatmeal raisin cookies. To be able to fuel with these would be awesome.
Awesome Gina! I hope you give them a try (then come back and let me know what you think!).
Those cookies look purely delicious. And yes, I think you should call them muffin tops 🙂
Chrissy – I just love this cookie recipe. It’s amazing how healthy delicious cookies can be! Pinning!
So happy that you like it! 🙂