Anna’s Granola Cookies

🍪 Anna’s Granola Cookies 🍪

What is it?
Anna’s Granola Cookies are delicious homemade cookies that combine the goodness of granola with classic cookie flavors. These cookies offer a delightful blend of sweetness and crunch, making them a favorite treat for people of all ages.

History:
The exact origin of Anna’s Granola Cookies is not well-documented, but they likely emerged as a variation of traditional oatmeal cookies, incorporating granola for added texture and flavor. Granola itself has a rich history, with roots in the health food movement of the late 19th century. It gained popularity as a cereal and snack in the mid-20th century, and its incorporation into cookie recipes was a natural evolution.

Components:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda 🧂
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt 🧂
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar 🍚
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar 🍚
• 1 large egg 🥚
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 🌿
• 2 cups of granola (your choice of flavor) 🥣
• 1/2 cup of raisins or chocolate chips (optional) 🍫🍇

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper 📜.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside 🍪.

3. In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy 🧈🍚.

4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined 🥚🌿.

5. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a cookie dough forms. If desired, fold in the raisins or chocolate chips at this stage 🍫🍇.

6. Gently fold in the granola, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough 🥣.

7. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading 🥄.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown 🌟.

9. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely 🍪.

Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Anna’s Granola Cookies is approximately 30-40 minutes, including preparation and baking time. These cookies are quick to make, making them a perfect treat for any occasion! Enjoy the delightful combination of crunchy granola and sweet, chewy goodness. 😊🍪🌟

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Anna’s Granola Cookies:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate values):

• Calories: 150-180 calories per cookie (varies based on size and optional ingredients like chocolate chips or raisins).
• Total Fat: 7-9 grams.
  • Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams.
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams.
• Cholesterol: 20-25 milligrams.
• Sodium: 100-150 milligrams.
• Total Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams.
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams.
  • Sugars: 10-12 grams.
• Protein: 2-3 grams.

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calorie Content: Anna’s Granola Cookies provide a moderate amount of calories per serving, making them a reasonable snack or treat when enjoyed in moderation.

2. Healthy Fats: These cookies contain unsaturated fats from ingredients like butter and granola. While they do have some saturated fat, it’s not excessively high when consumed in appropriate portion sizes.

3. Low in Cholesterol: The cholesterol content in these cookies is relatively low, contributing to a heart-healthy choice.

4. Moderate Sodium: The sodium content is moderate, which is typical for baked goods. Be mindful of your overall sodium intake if you’re on a restricted diet.

5. Carbohydrates: The majority of the calories in these cookies come from carbohydrates. They provide a quick source of energy, but be mindful of portion sizes to manage your carbohydrate intake.

6. Dietary Fiber: While these cookies contain some fiber from the granola, it’s not a significant source. Consider pairing them with fiber-rich foods like fruits or vegetables for a balanced snack.

7. Protein: These cookies offer a small amount of protein, which is common for baked goods. To increase protein intake, pair them with a protein-rich beverage or snack.

8. Customizable: You can make these cookies healthier by using whole-grain flour, reducing sugar, and adding more nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for extra nutrients and fiber.

Remember that the exact nutritional content may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe. Enjoy Anna’s Granola Cookies as an occasional treat and balance them with a variety of nutrient-dense foods in your diet for overall health and wellness. 🍪🌿