Cookies are not typically considered part of a healthy diet because they are often high in fat, calories and sugar. Homemade cookie bars can replace commercially-prepared cookies by supplying several important nutrients without all the unhealthy ingredients. Making cookie bars with whole grains and other nutritious foods is one way to keep your healthy diet on track while also satisfying your craving for something sweet.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
A combination of oats and raisins will increase your intake of fiber and potassium. Combine 2 cups of quick-cooking oats with 1/2-cup of whole wheat flour, 2 tbsp. ground flaxseed and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. In a separate bowl whisk together 1/3-cup honey with 3 tbsp. canola oil and 3 tbsp. unsweetened applesauce. Add to the flour and mix well. Stir in 1/2-cup raisins or dried cranberries, 1/4-cup sunflower seeds and 1/4-cup of your favorite nuts, such as walnuts or pecans. Press into a greased baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.
Cereal and Dried Fruit Bars
Whole grain cereal is packed with fiber and fortified with essential nutrients like iron and vitamin D. Making a cookie bar using whole grain cereal is a healthy addition that will help you create a satisfying and sweet treat. Combine any type of low-sugar whole grain cereal with 3 tbsp. ground flaxseed and 1/2-cup chopped walnuts. Add 1/2-cup dried fruit such as apricots, berries or mangoes. In a separate bowl, combine 1/4-cup honey with 1/3-cup unsweetened pureed apples or pears and 4 tbsp. canola or walnut oil. Add cereal and stir to combine. Grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and evenly spread the batter inside. Bake at 325 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes or until browned around the edges. Allow to completely cool before slicing into bars.
Granola Cookie Bars
Granola bars are often healthier than cookies because they usually have more fiber and protein. Making cookie bars using low-fat granola cereal will increase your intake of fiber and iron and reduce your intake of sugar and saturated fat. Combine 1 cup of quick-cooking oats with 1/2-cup whole wheat flour, 2 tbsp. ground flaxseed, 1/2-cup low-fat granola cereal and 1 tsp. ground cinnamon. Mix well. Add 1 beaten egg, 1/3 cup pureed pears or bananas, 1/4-cup honey, 3 tbsp. brown sugar or sugar substitute and 2 tbsp. canola oil. Mix well. Add 2 cups dried fruit, such as raisins or prunes, and 1/2-cup chopped pecans. Spread in a greased baking dish and bake at 325 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and cut into bars.
Pumpkin Coconut Pretzel Bars
Coconut and pretzels combine sweet and salty tastes to create a cookie bar that supplies fiber and vitamin C, and pumpkin supplies a good dose of vitamin A. Combine 1 cup of quick cooking oats with 1/2-cup whole wheat flour. Add 3/4-cup coarsely broken pretzel sticks and 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice. Gently stir in 1/2-cup shredded coconut. In a separate bowl, mix 3/4-cup canned pumpkin puree with 2 tbsp. canola oil and 3 tbsp. sugar or sugar substitute. Add to the pretzel mix and stir gently to combine. Press into a greased baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes at 325 degrees F, or until it's just beginning to brown around the edges.
References
- "Smart School Time Recipes"; Alisa Marie Fleming; 2010
- "The Ultimate Shortcut Cookie Book"; Camilla Saulsbury; 2009
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