Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These oatmeal raisin cookies are a great snack to make for yourself and family. They are healthier than your average cookie, and they taste just as good!

• 2 large bowls
• 1 whisk and/or 1 large mixing spoon
• measuring cups
• 1/2 cup of canola oil
• 1/2 cup of salted butter
• 3/4 cup of honey
• 2 eggs (preferably room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract (yes, tablespoon!)
• 1 tablespoon of honey, heated
• 1 cup of whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup of all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of ginger (optional)
• 3 cups of rolled oats
• 1 cup of raisins
• optional: 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (e.g. walnuts, macadamia nuts, almonds, etc.) or other dried berries (e.g. cranberries, cherries)
• parchment paper
• baking pan

Make sure you have all of the ingredients listed before you start!

In a large bowl, whisk together the canola oil, butter (softened) and ¾ cup of honey (microwave the honey for 20-25 seconds).

Crack the eggs in a small bowl to make sure there are no shells. Add them to the mixture and whisk until combined. Add the vanilla and remaining honey (1 tablespoon, microwaved for 5-10 seconds) and mix together. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger (if using). Add this to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.

Mix in oats, raisins, and any additional nuts or fruits you would like with a large mixing spoon (batter will get stuck in the whisk). The dough should be thick and sticky. If the dough is not thick enough, add up to 3 tablespoons of extra flour (I added 1 tablespoon to this batch).

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Roll balls of dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.

Bake for 10-13 minutes or until lightly browned on the sides. The centers will look very soft and under-baked, but this will keep them soft after cooling. It is important not to over-bake them. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.