There is something so great about experimenting in the kitchen and having your final product work out--and better yet taste great. I originally thought I was going to bake granola bars when creating this recipe, but decided to make "cookies" instead. I use quotes because they are a bit healthier than your average cookie might be. These cookies are packed with protein from the peanut butter, almonds and chia seed. Also, the oats are a great source of fiber and a whole grain!
Most of the ingredients used in this recipe came in the mail yesterday from one of my favorite places to shop online--Brandless. They are an online retailer that sells all of their products for 3$. All of their products are non-GMO and over half of their food products are organic! They also give back to help fight hunger, how awesome is that? Check out their site by following the link below.
Ingredients
1 & 2/3 cups quick rolled oats
1/3 cup oat flour (or quick oats blended or processed until finely ground)
2/3 cup almonds (blended or processed until finely ground)
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
6 tbsp butter (3/4 stick)
1/2 cup chia seed
How to make it
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a blender or food processor combine 2/3 cup quick rolled oats and 2/3 cup of almonds and blend until finely ground
Combine oats, ground oats, ground almonds, sugar, salt, chia,
Set aside dry ingredients
Combine melted butter, honey, and peanut butter
Combine wet and dry ingredients
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Coat parchment paper with a non-stick baking spray
Form granola mixture into cookie shapes and place each cookie on the parchment paper… I usually fit12 on the baking sheet (I recommend rinsing your hands with water in order to prevent the mixture from sticking to you hands)
Bake cookies for 17-20 min at 350 degrees in oven
Remove from oven and let cool before eating
Store at room temp. in sealed container for 1 week, or store in freezer until needed
Finished product
For next time...
Like I said, I am pretty pleased with how these turned out. Because I absolutely love chocolate, next time I might add some mini dark chocolate chips (maybe 1/2 cup). I also want to experiment with cutting down the sugar to 1/4 cup.
Variations
These cookies are a great base recipe and leave lots of options to add in your ingredients of your choice. You could try adding the chocolate that I mentioned above, or 1/2 cup of dried fruit or chopped nuts (i.e.: almonds, cashews, walnuts). If you are looking for a gluten free option make sure to use gluten free oats.
All in all
These so called cookies are a great breakfast option to eat on-the-go in the morning. They could also be a great healthier dessert option. Thanks to my readers for being patient with me and checking out this recipe! I am hoping to post recipes more often in the future, so stay tuned!