Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Dissolve the Honey: In a small bowl, combine 100 g of honey (or jam, if you prefer) with 50 ml of boiling water. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved, creating a sweet, syrupy mixture.
Add the Oil: Once the honey has dissolved, add 20 g (about 2 tablespoons) of oil. You can use any oil of your choice—olive oil, coconut oil, or even vegetable oil will work well in this recipe.
Season with Salt: Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors of the oats and seeds.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Prepare the Oatmeal and Flour: In a large mixing bowl, add 80 g of old-fashioned oats. You can also use quick oats or a combination of oats and flour for a slightly different texture. If you prefer a heartier cracker, go with all oats. For a softer cookie-like texture, include 2-3 tablespoons of flour.
Add the Baking Soda: Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda (or 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder) to help the dough rise slightly and create a lighter texture.
Incorporate the Seeds and Nuts: Now, add 150 g of seeds or nuts to the dry mixture. For this recipe, I recommend using 100 g of pumpkin seeds and 50 g of sesame seeds, but feel free to get creative with your choice of seeds and nuts. Sunflower seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or almonds are all great alternatives. This adds crunch, flavor, and nutritional value to the crackers.
Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Mix the Dough: Pour the honey-oil mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but easy to spread. If it feels too dry, add a little more water (a tablespoon at a time) until you reach the desired consistency.
Let the Dough Rest: Let the dough rest for about 5 minutes to allow the oats to absorb the moisture. This step is essential for achieving the right texture.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a 20×30 cm baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil. This will prevent the dough from sticking and make it easier to remove the crackers later.
Spread the Dough: Evenly spread the dough into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to flatten the dough into a thin, even layer. The thinner the dough, the crispier your crackers will be.
Bake at Two Different Temperatures:
For Soft Cookies: Bake the mixture in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for about 20 minutes. You’ll get soft, chewy cookies with a lovely, moist texture.
For Crunchy Crackers: If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes at a lower temperature of 120°C (250°F). This slow baking process will help the crackers become crispy without burning.
Cool and Cut: After baking, remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Once cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
These oatmeal seed crackers are nutritious and packed with healthy ingredients. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):
Calories: 180 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 8 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 60 mg
These numbers can vary slightly depending on the type of nuts and seeds you use, but overall, these crackers offer a great balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a wholesome snack option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes! You can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave syrup, or even jam. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, try using stevia or monk fruit syrup, though this might slightly alter the texture and flavor.
2. What kind of seeds or nuts can I use?
You can use a variety of seeds and nuts, such as sunflower seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, almonds, or walnuts. Feel free to customize the recipe based on your preference or what you have on hand.
3. Can I make the crackers gluten-free?
Yes! To make these crackers gluten-free, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use more oats in place of the flour.
4. How do I store the crackers to keep them fresh?
If you prefer soft cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For crunchy crackers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
5. Can I add flavors like chocolate or spices?
Absolutely! For a sweeter treat, you can add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the baked crackers. You can also add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a spiced version.
Tips for Making the Best Honey Oatmeal Crackers
Thin and Even Layer: For crunchy crackers, make sure to spread the dough into a thin, even layer in the baking pan. The thinner the dough, the crunchier the result.
Monitor Baking Time: If you want softer cookies, make sure not to overbake them at 170°C. For crunchy crackers, keep an eye on them during the additional baking time at 120°C to avoid burning.
Customize the Recipe: Feel free to experiment with different types of seeds, nuts, and sweeteners. You can also add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a sweet and chewy addition.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Store the soft cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For the crunchy crackers, they will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container.
Freezing: You can freeze both the soft cookies and crunchy crackers for up to 2 months. Be sure to store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature.
Conclusion
These Honey Oatmeal Seed Crackers are a perfect combination of nutritious ingredients and delicious flavors. Whether you prefer them as soft cookies or crunchy crackers, they offer a versatile and satisfying snack that’s easy to prepare. Packed with the goodness of oats, seeds, and honey, these crackers are ideal for any time of the day. Serve them with cheese, spreads, or enjoy them as a standalone treat. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to experiment with various seeds, nuts, and flavors to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a healthy homemade snack!
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