oatmeal raisin cookies

Gwyneth Paltrow might be my favorite celebrity. I know I don’t know her, but she comes off as gracious, beautiful, and friendly. I even enjoy her Goop emails (no, I’m not getting paid to say that). I have been enjoying her cookbook so much. I have tried several recipes and have really liked them. These are my take on her “cookies” and I love them. They are vegan and naturally sweetened. I am not usually a raisin fan, but I love this cinnamon raisin combination. My baby was spooning out the batter as fast as he could. I understand why Paltrow said, “These are my absolute favorite healthy treat.”

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Adapted from My Father’s Daughter:

• 1/2 cup raisins
• 3/4 cup walnuts
• 1 cup whole rolled oats, divided
• 1/2 cup white spelt flour (can substitute for whole wheat pastry flour or all-purpose white flour)
• 3/4 cup whole spelt flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/3 cup grapeseed oil
• 1/3 cup real maple syrup (preferably grabe b)
• 1/3 cup brown rice syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper (or cooking spray).

Place raisins in a small bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside.

Meanwhile, finely grind the walnuts and 1/2 cup of the oats in a small food processor. Combine the mixture with the remaining dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl and then add them to the dry ingredients. Stir to combine. Drain the raisins and fold them into the batter. Spoon batter onto baking sheets. Bake for 13-15 minutes until browned. Let cool. Makes about 18 cookies.