Soft Oatmeal Raisin Delights

Kids Recipe Challenge winning recipe – 3rd place!
Category: After school snacks, grades 1-3

Azrik, from Azilda, “loves that they are packed with good things like oats, raisins and nuts and they are a nice treat before after school play.”

Here is a healthy alternative to the traditional chocolate chip cookie and they taste great!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Serves: 4-5 dozen

If you don’t have cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves you can substitute 1 ½ tsp (7 mL) of pumpkin pie spice. If you don’t want to use nutmeg and cloves increase the cinnamon to 1 ½ tsp (7 mL).
If you don’t have molasses, increase the brown sugar to ½ cup (125 mL).

Ingredients
Unbleached all purpose flour	1 cup (250 mL)
Baking powder	1½ tsp (7 mL)
Ground cinnamon	1 tsp (5 mL)
Baking soda	½ tsp (2 mL)
Freshly ground nutmeg	½ tsp (2 mL)
Cloves, ground	1/4 tsp (1 mL)
Butter, softened	½ cup (125 mL)
Packed light brown sugar	1/3 cup (75 mL)
Egg	1 large
Fancy molasses	2 Tbsp (25 mL)
Unsweetened applesauce	1 1/3 cup (325 mL)
Large flake or quick cooking oats	1 3/4 cup (425 mL)
Raisins	1 cup (250 mL)
Toasted sliced almonds (optional)	3/4 cup (175 mL)
Vanilla extract	1 ½ tsp (7 mL)

Directions

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Clean all countertops and equipment used for food preparation.
In bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and cloves; set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses until combined.
Alternate add the flour mixture and applesauce into the butter mixture (add 3 parts flour and then 2 parts applesauce).
Stir in oats, raisins, almonds (if using) and vanilla.
Drop batter in tablespoonfuls (15mL) onto parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch.