Whole grains are a great way to lower your risk of many chronic diseases. The fiber in whole grains helps to lower your blood cholesterol, decreases risk of heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Whole grains are also good for metabolism. They contain essential B vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin and niacin. These vitamins help the body to get rid of the protein, carbohydrates and fat we don’t need. Some people think of whole grains and instantly think of these boring, bland clumps of nothingness. But we’re here to dispel the myth by providing you with 5 sweet whole grain recipes that will surely delight your palate.
Whole Wheat Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients
- Boiling water
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup apple butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange racks in the lower and upper thirds. Combine the raisins and boiling water in a small bowl. Let this mixture stand for 5 minutes until the raisins become plump. Drain the water and let the plumped raisins cool off. Whisk the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the apple butter, butter and sugar until its light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla to the mixture. Beat the egg until fully mixed. Put the mixer on low speed and gradually flour until it’s combined. Add the oats and raisins.
Using a rounded tablespoon, fill the parchment-lined baking sheets with the cookies(they should be 2 inches apart, 12 cookies per sheet). Bake for 14-16 minutes until the cookies are no longer wet in the center. Be sure to rotate the pans halfway through the process. Let the finished cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.