Oatmeal Cookies

The holiday season is a time for many to enjoy scrumptious treats and savory eats. From the office potluck to a family gathering, the celebrations -- and food -- abound! But this seasonal splurge can often mean additional calories. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, Americans gain about 0.4% of their body weight every year in the days surrounding Christmas.

Here’s a healthy alternative that everyone will be sure to enjoy. These oatmeal cookies are packed with the right amount of sweet and crunch. Follow the recipe below from our own Clinical Dietitian Specialist, Sharon Smalling, MPH, RD, LD.

Ingredients

¹/₂ cup margarine spread with zero trans fat

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1 teaspoon cinnamon (or more to taste)

¹/₂ cup granulated sugar

3 cups Old-Fashioned Quaker Oats, uncooked

2 eggs

1 cup Craisins® with 50% less sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

¹/₂ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

1 ¹/₂ cups white whole wheat flour

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 F
2. Beat together margarine spread and sugars until creamy
3. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well
4. Combine flour, baking soda and cinnamon, mix well
5. Add combined flour mixture and pecans
6. Stir in oats and craisins, mix well
7. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet
8. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown
9. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack

Makes about 4 dozen

Learn More

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