Digestive biscuits

Whole Wheat and Oat Bran Cookies: A Healthy Treat

If you're looking for a delicious and healthy snack, these whole wheat and oat bran cookies are the perfect choice! This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also provide you with a good dose of nutrients. The cookies are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the combination of ingredients makes them ideal for a quick breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: Approximately 20-22 cookies (6 cm in diameter)

Ingredients:
- 100 g whole wheat flour
- 100 g oat bran
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 80 g brown sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g butter at room temperature
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk or water

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by measuring all the ingredients. Make sure the butter is at room temperature – this will make it much easier to incorporate into the dough.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, oat bran, baking powder, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Incorporating the butter: Cut the butter into cubes and add it to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until you achieve a consistency similar to wet sand. This classic technique helps achieve a tender texture.

4. Adding the liquids: Gradually add the 2-3 tablespoons of milk (or water, depending on your preference) and knead the dough. If you find the dough is still too dry, you can add an extra tablespoon of milk. The goal is to get a non-sticky dough that holds together well.

5. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and leave it in the freezer for 25 minutes. This step is essential as it helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and become crispy.

6. Preheating the oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat the oven to a medium temperature (about 180°C). It's important to have the oven well heated before baking the cookies.

7. Shaping the cookies: On a floured work surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin to about 5 mm thick. Use desired cookie cutters (you can even use a glass to cut the cookies into a circular shape) to cut out the cookies.

8. Baking the cookies: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the cut cookies on it. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until they turn golden around the edges. Be careful, as every oven is different – constant checking is essential to ensure they don't burn.

9. Cooling and storing: Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept good for 4-5 days (if you manage not to eat them all immediately!).

Nutritional benefits: These cookies are an excellent choice due to the oat bran content, which is high in fiber, aiding digestion. Whole wheat flour brings more vitamins and minerals than white flour, and brown sugar provides a deeper flavor and fewer calories per serving.

Possible variations: If you want to add extra flavor to your cookies, you can try adding a few additional ingredients:
- Nuts or seeds: Chop nuts to your liking and add them to the dough for extra crunch.
- Chocolate: Add dark or milk chocolate chips for a more decadent taste.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or vanilla can completely transform the flavor of the cookies.

Serving suggestions: These cookies are delicious served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also pair them with natural yogurt or fruit compote for a healthy breakfast.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a different type of sugar?
- Yes, you can replace brown sugar with white sugar or a natural sweetener, but the final taste will vary.
2. What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
- Gradually add a little flour until the dough becomes non-sticky.
3. Can I freeze the cookies?
- Yes, you can freeze them after they have completely cooled. Make sure to place them in an airtight bag to avoid freezer burn.

In conclusion, this recipe for whole wheat and oat bran cookies is not only simple but also full of benefits, making it perfect for any time of the day. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and enjoy the magic of cooking! Enjoy your meal!