Carrot Oatmeal Cookies (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• ¾ cup almond flour (or oat flour for nut-free)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 egg (or flax egg: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water)
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted (or applesauce for oil-free)
• ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup grated carrots (about 1 medium carrot)
• ¼ cup raisins or chopped dates
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine oats, almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Stir in grated carrots, raisins, and nuts.
5. Scoop & shape: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and gently flatten them.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Cool before enjoying!

These cookies are soft, naturally sweet, and packed with fiber and healthy fats. They also make a great post-workout snack! Would you like any modifications, like a nut-free version? 😊