When you want a cookie, that doesnâ€™t have to mean your options are limited to any old regular cookie with sugar, butter, eggs and flour. And when you want oatmeal for breakfast, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to prepare it every morning. This recipe for vegan oatmeal raisin cookies takes care of all your worries. With only a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge, this cookie is fitting for breakfast, a snack, or dessert and is guilt-free. And let’s be real, after the holidays, a light cookie is just what your body needs to get back in shape for the new year.Why these oatmeal raisin cookies glow:

Oatmeal: lowers cholesterol, boosts the immune system, lowers risk of diabetes, stabilizes blood sugar levels, contains avenanthramides (an antioxidant that protects the heart), doesnâ€™t affect gluten-sensitive people as much (despite containing gluten), and prevents breast cancer

Raisins: increases energy, helps with digestion, contains oleanolic acid which protects against cavities, increases bone health, decreases body acidity, treats infection, protects eyes, stimulates sexuality, treats anemia, and prevents cancer.

Cinnamon: has antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties, is anti-inflammatory, helps people with Type-2 diabetes control blood sugar levels, may lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and fatty acids in the blood, is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron and calcium, and improves memory and performance of certain tasks

Banana: benefits your heart and nerves due to the high dose of potassium, increases the performance of kidneys and bones, acts as a mood enhancer or mild sedative, is one f the highest sources of naturally available vitamin B6, and can help keep you â€œregularâ€.

Letâ€™s toss them together to make something magical.

Easy Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Makes 8-10 cookies

Ingredients:

1.5 cups oatmeal
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 bananas
1/2 cup apple sauce
1/2 cup-3/4 cup raisins

Directions: In a medium bowl stir together the dry ingredients: oats, cinnamon and salt.

In a separate, small bowl, mash the 2 bananas and stir in the apple sauce. Mix until combined evenly. Transfer the wet mixture to the bowl of oats. Add the raisins and stir until all is properly combined.

Form about 2-tablespoons big cookie shapes. You should be able to make about 10 cookies. I like them on the bigger side, so (1) they donâ€™t get too crispy when cooking, and (2) each serving is enough to act as a breakfast replacement or a snack that doesnâ€™t leave me unsatisfied. Lay out the cookies on parchment paper and bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes.