Wholesome Zucchini Spice Oatmeal Cookies

Add-Ins and Substitutions

If you don’t have any applesauce on hand, use pumpkin, carrot, parsnip, or sweet potato puree.

The golden raisins adds a touch of sweetness which allows less maple syrup or sweetener of your choice. Try replacing the golden raisins with any dried fruit such as currents, cranberries, dates, blueberries… The list is really endless!

Instead of measuring out cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger separately, you can use 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice. Maybe now is a good time to make up a batch of pumpkin pie spice mix to have on hand for the upcoming holiday season.

Storing

Best if consumed within 2 days. After 2 days freeze for up to 3 months.

This is a great recipe for batch cooking and freezing 2 in each snack bag for a quick grab and go in the morning as you head to work.

Nutrition 411

Zucchini is rich in several vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial plant compounds. It also contains small amounts of iron, calcium, zinc, and several other B vitamins. In particular, its ample vitamin A content may support your vision and immune system. Raw zucchini offers a similar nutrition profile as cooked zucchini, but with less vitamin A and more vitamin C, a nutrient which tends to be reduced by cooking. Zucchini boasts several antioxidants that may provide various health benefits. The highest levels are found in the fruit’s skin. It is rich in water and fiber, two compounds which can promote healthy digestion by reducing your risk of constipation and symptoms of various gut disorders. (trusted source).

Oats (and Oat Flour) is mostly starches and fiber. Oats pack more protein and fat than most other grains and are a good source of beta-glucan, a unique, soluble fiber linked to multiple health benefits. Oats also offer high amounts of many vitamins and minerals, such as manganese, phosphorus, copper, B vitamins, iron, selenium, magnesium, and zinc. They are the only dietary source of powerful antioxidants called avenathramides. They also contain ferulic acid and phytic acid. Oats offer many potential benefits, including reduced cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They are very filling and naturally gluten-free — but may be contaminated with glutenous grains. (Trusted source.)

Tomatoes are low in carbs. The carb content consists mainly of simple sugars and insoluble fibers. These fruits are mostly made up of water. They are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K, and folate. The lycopene in tomatoes is one of the most abundant plant compounds in tomatoes. It’s found in the highest concentrations in tomato products, such as ketchup, juice, paste, and sauce. Studies show that tomatoes and tomato products may reduce your risk of heart disease and several cancers. This fruit is also beneficial for skin health, as it may protect against sunburns. (Trusted source.)