Coconut Oil Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Delicious and Healthy Treat
The Benefits of Using Coconut Oil in Baking
If you’re a health-conscious baker, you’ve probably become familiar with coconut oil as a substitute for butter or vegetable oil. Not only is it a tasty alternative, but it’s also full of health benefits. Coconut oil is a saturated fat, which means it’s solid at room temperature. Unlike other saturated fats, however, it’s composed of medium-chain fatty acids, making it much easier for your body to digest. These fatty acids are believed to increase the good HDL cholesterol in your body, which can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease.
Coconut oil is also rich in lauric acid, which has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that may help fight off viruses and bacteria in the body. Additionally, it’s high in antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. This can lead to a reduced risk of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes.
When it comes to baking, coconut oil also has a unique ability to add moisture to baked goods without making them feel heavy or greasy. It can be used to substitute for other oils or butter in most recipes without significantly changing the flavor. In fact, many people find that coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor that can enhance the taste of baked goods like cookies or muffins.
Coconut oil can also work as a binding agent, much like butter in traditional baking recipes. This means that it can help hold together ingredients like oats or nuts in recipes like granola bars or oatmeal cookies. And if you’re looking to make a vegan recipe, coconut oil is a great substitute for butter or eggs, providing a rich texture and flavor.
So, the next time you’re baking up a batch of cookies or muffins, consider reaching for the jar of coconut oil instead of butter or vegetable oil. Not only will you be adding a new layer of flavor to your baked goods, but you’ll also be boosting their nutritional value.
How to Make the Perfect Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie
Adding coconut oil to the mix gives a unique and delicious twist to the classic oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Follow the steps below for a guaranteed perfect batch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the coconut oil, white sugar, and brown sugar. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to combine the coconut oil, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing on medium-high speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well-combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and egg. Mix in the vanilla extract and egg until everything is well-combined. This shouldn’t take more than a minute or so on medium speed.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Sift together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl to make sure everything is well-distributed, then add the dry mixture to the wet mixture slowly as you mix with your stand/hand mixer.
- Add the oats and chocolate chips to the dough. Fold in the rolled oats and chocolate chips by hand, making sure that they’re distributed evenly throughout. Don’t worry too much if the chocolate chips clump up a bit, though—this will just create gooey pockets of chocolate in the finished cookies.
- Scoop the cookie dough onto the baking sheet. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie. This recipe should make around 2 dozen cookies, so you may need to bake in batches.
- Bake the cookies for around 12-15 minutes. The exact baking time will depend on your oven, but aim for around 12-15 minutes for a soft, chewy texture. For a crispier cookie, leave them in a bit longer. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
You can serve these cookies warm immediately after baking, or store them in an airtight container for later. Either way, they’re sure to be a hit with coconut oil lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.
Top Health Benefits of Oats for Your Body
Oats are a type of whole grain that is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. The benefits of oats to the body are numerous and impressive.
Here are the top three health benefits of oats for your body:
1. Oats Offer Heart Health Benefits
As one of the healthiest grains on the planet, oats are packed with heart-friendly nutrients like soluble fiber, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants. These nutrients help to lower bad cholesterol levels and improve circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks.
In fact, several studies have shown that regularly consuming oats can lower the risk of heart disease by up to 30 percent. Oats also contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that helps to reduce inflammation in the body, protects the heart from damage, and keeps the arteries healthy and strong.
So, if you’re looking for a natural way to promote heart health, consider incorporating oats into your diet.
2. Oats Can Help Control Blood Sugar
People with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes should consider adding oats to their daily diet.
Oats contain a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which can help slow down the rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed by the body, leading to steadier blood sugar levels. In turn, this helps to prevent spikes in blood sugar, making it an ideal food for people with type 2 diabetes.
Several studies have shown that consuming oats can significantly reduce insulin resistance and improve blood sugar control, making it easier for people with diabetes to manage their condition.
3. Oats Can Help with Weight Management
If you’re looking for a way to shed a few pounds, consider eating more oats.
Oats are a low-calorie, high-fiber food that keeps you feeling full for longer, reducing the urge to overeat. The fiber in oats also helps to slow down the absorption of nutrients in the body, preventing spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels that can lead to weight gain.
In fact, studies have shown that people who eat oats for breakfast have a lower body mass index (BMI) and are more successful at losing weight than those who eat other types of breakfast cereals. So, if you’re looking to manage your weight, try starting your day with a hearty bowl of oatmeal.
In conclusion, oats are a superfood that offers numerous health benefits to the body. Incorporating oats into your daily diet could help promote heart health, manage blood sugar levels, and aid in weight management. So why not try substituting your regular snack with a batch of coconut oil oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, which combines the health benefits of oats with the delicious chocolatey taste?
The Best Way to Incorporate Coconut Oil into Your Cooking
Coconut oil has become one of the most popular ingredients in cooking, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it a healthier alternative to other oils, but it also adds a delicious flavor to your favorite dishes. If you haven’t started using coconut oil in your cooking yet, you’re missing out. Here are some of the best ways to incorporate coconut oil into your meals and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.
As a Replacement for Butter or Oil
One of the easiest ways to start using coconut oil is by replacing butter or oil in your recipes. When baking, replace the butter or oil called for in the recipe with an equal amount of coconut oil. Coconut oil has a lower melting point than butter or oil, so it’s important to melt the coconut oil before adding it to your recipe. This will ensure that it mixes well with the other ingredients and produces a delicious result.
To Roast Vegetables
Another great way to incorporate coconut oil into your cooking is by using it to roast vegetables. Simply toss your favorite vegetables with a tablespoon or two of melted coconut oil, spread them out on a baking sheet, and roast them in the oven until they are tender and golden brown. The coconut oil will add a delicious flavor to the vegetables and help them to cook evenly.
In Smoothies and Shakes
Coconut oil can also be added to smoothies and shakes for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor. Simply blend a tablespoon or two of melted coconut oil with your favorite fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients. The coconut oil will add a creamy texture to your drink and help to keep you full and satisfied for longer.
To Make Homemade Granola
Finally, try using coconut oil to make your own homemade granola. Granola is easy to make at home and is a great way to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. To make homemade granola, combine rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit in a bowl. Toss everything together with a mixture of melted coconut oil and honey, then spread it out onto a baking sheet and bake until it is golden brown and crispy. The coconut oil and honey will give your granola a delicious crunch and a subtle sweetness.
Why Everyone is Crazy About Coconut Oil Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cookies are one of the most loved and enjoyable snacks for people of all ages. You just can’t help but fall in love with cookies no matter what kind of flavor it has. And amongst the favorites is the coconut oil oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. These cookies have taken the baking world by storm, and people can’t seem to get enough of them. In this article, we discuss why everyone is crazy about coconut oil oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
Healthy and Tasty
One of the reasons why everyone is crazy about coconut oil oatmeal chocolate chip cookies is because they’re both healthy and tasty. The coconut oil used in the recipe is a healthier option than butter, and the oatmeal gives your body the necessary fiber. Moreover, the chocolate chips add some sweetness to the otherwise healthy goodness of the cookie. So, it’s a perfect snack for those who need to satisfy their sweet tooth, but also desire a healthier snack.
Easy to Make
Another reason for the popularity of coconut oil oatmeal chocolate chip cookies is how easy they are to make. You can whip these cookies up with a short list of ingredients which include flour, sugar, oats, chocolate chips, coconut oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and baking powder. The dough of the cookie is also quite simple to make, and the preparation process won’t take much of your time. So, even if you’re not much of a baker, you can quickly make these cookies with ease at home.
Comfort Food
Coconut oil oatmeal chocolate chip cookies evoke a feeling of comfort and warmth, especially with their aroma while being baked in the oven. The good thing is that you can pair these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee and wrap yourself in a blanket during the colder months. They’re perfect for those quiet nights when you just want to relax and unwind. And let’s not forget that they’re shareable. So, you can take these cookies to events, family gatherings, or parties, and they’ll sure to be a hit.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Another reason why everyone is crazy about coconut oil oatmeal chocolate chip cookies is that they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s, or Easter, these cookies fit right in. They’re also perfect for bake sales, school events, and as an afternoon snack in your office. You can even make them as a gift for someone special, and they’d be delighted. The possibilities are endless with this cookie recipe, and that’s one of the reasons why everyone is crazy about them.
In conclusion, coconut oil oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are the perfect combination of healthy and tasty. They’re easy to make, evoke a feeling of comfort and warmth, perfect for any occasion, and most of all, they’re delicious. With their chewy texture, nutty flavor, and chunks of chocolate chips in every bite, it’s no surprise that everyone is going crazy about them. So, if you haven’t tried them yet, grab the recipe, whip up a batch, and savor the sweet delights of these cookies.