Indulge in a delightful combination of crispy and chewy textures with the Crispy & Chewy Oatmeal Cookies Duo, paired with a Refreshing Apple-Cinnamon Green Tea. This duo offers a cozy, comforting treat perfect for any occasion. The cookies are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, raisins, pecans, and coconut, while the tea offers a refreshing and soothing combination of apple, cinnamon, and green tea. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to create two unique versions of oatmeal cookies that are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Cookies:
- 150g (5.2 oz) oat flakes (divided: 50g ground, 100g whole)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Cinnamon, to taste
- 50g (1.7 oz) pecans, ground
- 40g (1.4 oz) raisins
- 30ml vegetable oil
- 30ml maple syrup
- 1 egg
For the Coconut Oatmeal Cookies:
- 100g (3.5 oz) oatmeal
- 1/3 tsp baking powder
- 30g (1 oz) coconut flakes
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 40g (1.4 oz) peanuts, ground
For Decoration and Flavor (Optional):
- 50g (1.7 oz) apple, sliced
- Dried orange slices
- Cinnamon stick
- Green tea
- 0.9l hot water
Directions
Prepare the Oatmeal Cookies
- Grind the Oats: The first step in making these oatmeal cookies is to grind 50g of oat flakes into a fine flour. This is best done using a food processor or blender. Grinding the oats helps create a smoother, more cohesive dough, which is essential for achieving that perfect crispy and chewy texture in the cookies.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground oat flakes, 100g of whole oat flakes, 1/2 tsp of baking powder, a pinch of salt, and cinnamon to your taste. Cinnamon adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the oats. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon depending on how spicy you prefer your cookies. Also, stir in the ground pecans, which will not only add a crunchy texture but also a nutty, slightly sweet flavor to the dough.
- Add Raisins: Mix the raisins into the dry ingredients, making sure they are evenly distributed. The raisins provide a sweet contrast to the nuts and oats, creating a delicious chewy bite in every cookie.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 30ml of vegetable oil, 30ml of maple syrup, and 1 egg. Whisk the mixture until smooth and slightly frothy. The vegetable oil helps keep the cookies moist, while the maple syrup adds a natural sweetness that balances the flavors.
- Combine and Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined, forming a thick dough. The consistency should be sticky but manageable. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a little more maple syrup or a splash of water to achieve the right texture.
- Shape the Cookies: Take spoonfuls of the dough and shape them into cookies. You can make them as large or small as you prefer, depending on your serving size. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring that there is enough space between each one to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the oven is heated, place the cookies in the oven and bake them for 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the cookies and your oven. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, as they can quickly go from golden brown to overly crispy.
- Cool and Store: After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial for the cookies to firm up and develop their signature crispy texture on the outside while maintaining a chewy inside. Once cooled, you can store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, although they are best enjoyed fresh.
Prepare the Coconut Oatmeal Cookies
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 100g of oatmeal, 1/3 tsp of baking powder, and 30g of coconut flakes. Stir the ingredients until they are evenly distributed. The coconut flakes add a tropical, slightly sweet flavor to the cookies, complementing the oats perfectly.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add 2 tbsp of maple syrup and 2 tbsp of coconut oil to the dry mixture. Stir until the dough comes together. The coconut oil not only adds flavor but also helps the cookies crisp up nicely when baked.
- Add Ground Peanuts: Stir in the ground peanuts. Peanuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies. You can substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews if you prefer.
- Form the Cookies: Take spoonfuls of the dough and press them into cookie shapes. Ensure that the cookies hold together firmly to prevent them from falling apart during baking. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies at 180°C (350°F) for 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake, and remove them from the oven once they are golden and crisp. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Optional Decoration and Flavor
- Prepare the Tea: To complement the cookies, make a refreshing apple-cinnamon green tea. In a teapot, combine 50g of sliced apple, dried orange slices, and a cinnamon stick. Add your favorite green tea to the mix and pour 0.9 liters of hot water over it. Let it steep for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The apple and orange slices infuse the tea with a fruity sweetness, while the cinnamon stick adds a warming spice that pairs beautifully with the cookies.
- Serve: Pour the tea into cups and serve it alongside the freshly baked oatmeal cookies. The combination of the hot, aromatic tea and the crunchy yet chewy cookies creates a perfect pairing for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon to a relaxing evening treat.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Hot Beverage: The Crispy & Chewy Oatmeal Cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of apple-cinnamon green tea. The warmth of the tea enhances the flavors of the cookies, creating a comforting snack perfect for chilly days.
- Serve with Fruit or Yogurt: For a more substantial treat, serve the cookies alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or yogurt. The cookies’ sweetness and the refreshing fruit or creamy yogurt will make for a satisfying snack or light dessert.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are perfect for sharing at a gathering or enjoying with family and friends. Their crispy edges and chewy centers make them irresistible to anyone who tries them.
- On-the-Go Snack: Wrap up a few cookies in parchment paper and take them with you for a portable, wholesome snack. They are perfect for satisfying a hunger craving during a busy day.
Cooking Tips
- Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to swap the raisins for dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or dried apricots for a different flavor. You can also add chopped dates or prunes for a more natural sweetener.
- Add More Texture: For an extra crunchy texture, add chia seeds, flax seeds, or sunflower seeds to the dough. These ingredients will enhance the cookies’ nutritional value while giving them a delightful crunch.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: To ensure that all cookies are the same size and bake evenly, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This tool helps create uniform cookies with minimal effort.
- Store Properly: To keep the cookies fresh for as long as possible, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. When freezing, layer the cookies between parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Nutritional Benefits
- Oats: Oats are a fantastic source of fiber, which promotes digestion and heart health. They also help stabilize blood sugar levels, making them a great option for people with diabetes or anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight.
- Pecans and Peanuts: These nuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. They provide a good source of energy and help support heart health by reducing cholesterol levels.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily converted into energy by the body. It also supports metabolism and can help improve brain function.
- Cinnamon: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, cinnamon not only adds flavor but also provides numerous health benefits, including supporting blood sugar regulation and improving heart health.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Both cookie recipes are suitable for vegetarians.
- Contains Gluten: These cookies are made with oats, which may contain traces of gluten. Use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
- Dairy-Free: Both cookie recipes are dairy-free, making them suitable for those with dairy sensitivities or following a dairy-free diet.
- Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans and peanuts, and replace them with sunflower seeds or another seed of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, for a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats. Be sure to also check that the baking powder you use is gluten-free.
How do I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water), and replace the vegetable oil and maple syrup with other plant-based options, such as coconut oil and agave syrup.
How can I make these cookies sweeter?
If you prefer sweeter cookies, you can add more maple syrup or use a natural sweetener like stevia or honey. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding small amounts at a time.
Conclusion
The Crispy & Chewy Oatmeal Cookies Duo paired with a Refreshing Apple-Cinnamon Green Tea make for a delicious and satisfying treat. The combination of textures from the cookies and the comforting warmth of the tea creates a perfect pairing. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or with friends, this duo is sure to bring comfort and joy to your day. With customizable options, these recipes can easily be adjusted to fit different dietary needs while still delivering a delicious, wholesome treat. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures with these delightful oatmeal cookies and tea!