Healthy oat and raisin cookies have a moist and chewy texture. These refined sugar-free oat biscuits are naturally sweetened with applesauce, a small amount of honey, and dried fruit. And they're so delicious that you won't even remember they are healthy!
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What you'll love about recipe
- There is something very satisfying about these healthy oat and raisin cookies. They are a great sweet treat when you need a pick-me-up, but they won't send your blood sugar levels crashing later in the day. That's because of the high fibre oats. Fibre moves through your digestive system relatively slowly, keeping you feeling fuller.
- Healthy oat and raisin biscuits are flourless, so if you use certified oats, it is a gluten-free recipe. They are also eggless, and you can easily use this recipe to make dairy-free vegan oatmeal cookies.
- Refined sugar-free oat biscuits are naturally sweetened with fruit and a single spoonful of honey.
You can also make a more indulgent (but still healthy!) version of these low-sugar oat biscuits with dark chocolate and cranberries. See healthy Christmas cookies for the full recipe.
These oat and raisin cookies have a moist texture, if you are looking for a crunchy texture, try these healthy oat crumble biscuits.
If you like biscuits made with oats, you could also try these healthy Anzac biscuits.
Ingredients
Oats: These healthy, refined sugar-free cookies are made with porridge oats, which are a wholegrain. In addition to fibre, oats are also rich in vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants. B vitamins, iron, zinc and magnesium make them a very healthy grain. Oats are also relatively low in calories, and are a source of protein.
For gluten-free refined sugar-free biscuits, use certified gluten-free oats.
Applesauce: Using unsweetened applesauce is a great hack for reducing the levels of both fat and sugar found in many recipes. In these low sugar oat biscuits, applesauce helps bind the mixture and adds a lovely natural sweetness.
If you cook with applesauce regularly, it's worth batch cooking and freezing.
Butter: A couple of tablespoons of butter add to the moist texture of these healthy oat and raisin cookies. For dairy free oat biscuits, substitute coconut oil or vegan butter instead.
A small amount of honey and cinnamon boosts the natural sweetness of the applesauce in this recipe. For vegan oat and raisins cookies, use maple syrup rather than honey. You could also omit the sweetener or use an alternative such as stevia or xylitol.
If you don't have ground cinnamon, mixed spice will work well.
Raisins add further texture and sweetness to these healthy, refined sugar-free oatmeal cookies. If you prefer, you could substitute another dried fruit such as sultanas or chopped dried apricots.
Or turn the recipe into low sugar chocolate chip cookies with some chunks of dark chocolate:)
Recipe tips
In the recipe card below I've included the measurements in cups as well as grams, as it makes this recipe even quicker. The measurements are not absolutely critical for these cookies. A measuring cup is 240ml.
How to make healthy oat and raisin cookies
These are really easy cookies to make, and quick too. You simply need to mix all the ingredients, shape them into a flattened ball and bake. There's no chilling required, so you won't have to wait too long before they are ready to enjoy;)
It's easiest is to use a food processor to mix the ingredients. That way the oats will be slightly broken down, which makes for a nicer texture.
Put the oats, applesauce, butter, honey and cinnamon into the food processor. Blitz until the oats are starting to break down but not completely turned to flour.
Stir the raisins into the mixture by hand, otherwise they'll become pulverised.
Divide the biscuit dough into 6 balls and place onto a baking tray. Using either a spoon or your fingers shape the cookies into circles about 8mm thick. They won't spread when they are cooking so don't worry too much about spacing them.
The raisins can sometimes go a bit dark in the oven, so push them down if they are sticking out of the biscuits too far.
Bake for 20 minutes in a preheated oven.
If you want to make healthy oat and raisin cookies without a food processor you can replace half of the oats with oat flour. Or simply enjoy them a little more chunky!
Storage
When cool, store your low sugar oat biscuits in an airtight container. They'll keep for a few days. They also freeze well.
Refined sugar-free oat biscuits are ideal for lunchboxes and children. They are also very popular with adults. Rather than reaching for a packaged oat bar after the gym, why not enjoy a homemade healthy oat and raisin cookie?
Frequently asked questions
One of these healthy oat and raisin cookies has 143 calories. That's for a generously sized, satisfying cookie. If you are conscious of calories, you could make them a little smaller.
These oatmeal raisin cookies are naturally sweetened and there's no refined sugar added. However, apples, raisins and honey are still a source of sugar. But this natural sugar is combined with fibre to make it healthier and it won't spike your blood sugar in the same way.
Yes! These oatmeal raisins cookies are healthy. In addition to having less saturated fat and sugar, they are also made with oats. Oats are packed with fibre and contain a specific type of fibre called beta glucans which is good for your heart. You can read more about the health benefits of oats here.
Other refined sugar free biscuits and treats
You might also like these healthy low-sugar gluten-free biscotti. Or browse other healthy low sugar cookies and biscuits.
Recipe
Healthy Oat and Raisin Cookies (Refined Sugar-Free)
Ingredients
- 100 g porridge oats 1 cup
- 120 ml unsweetened applesauce ½ cup
- 30 g soft butter or coconut oil 2 tbsp
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 50 g raisins ¼ cup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 170 degrees (150 degrees fan)
- Add the oats, applesauce, butter, honey and cinnamon to the bowl of a food processor, and pulse several times until the ingredients are mixed. The oats should be slightly broken up, but not turn to flour.
- Add the raisins, and stir in by hand.
- Divide the mixture into 6 balls and place onto a greased baking sheet. (You can use a silicone baking mat if you prefer.) Flatten the cookies with a spoon until they are about 8mm deep. Push any completely exposed raisins into the biscuits so they don't burn.
- Bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway if necessary. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Notes
- For gluten-free, refined sugar-free oat biscuits, ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free.
- For vegan cookies, use coconut oil and maple syrup in the recipe.
Nutrition
Please note nutritional information is per serving and is provided for guidance only.
Trina Hamilton says
I made these using coconut oil as I had some needing using up. They were very, very soft but absolutely delicious. Thank you for the recipe. I will try using butter next time and see if there is a difference.