Baking With Rolled Oats

If you eat oatmeal every morning for breakfast, you’re likely familiar with the many health benefits that go along with eating rolled oats. But, if you’re less familiar with oats, this post covers everything you need to know about baking with rolled oats.

What Are Rolled Oats?

Rolled oats, old-fashioned oats, or whole oats are all the same thing! And they refer to a certain process by which the raw oats are cut and handled. Rolled oats are cut into round, slightly irregular discs. They’re then steamed oh-so-slightly until they’re pliable enough to flatten. And voila, the rolled oats are ready. They’re quicker to cook than steel-cut oats, and better-for-you nutritionally than quick-cut oats. Plus, they make an excellent addition to any recipe. And that’s exactly why we use rolled oats in several of our cookie recipes. 

Are Rolled Oats Healthy?

There’s a reason oatmeal’s a breakfast staple. It tastes amazing, it’s easy to prepare, and...rolled oats are absolutely packed with nutrients. In fact, they’re one of the healthiest grains around. They’re great to eat on their own, but adding them to any recipe instantly boosts its nutritional value. 

Rolled Oats are Fiber-Filled

There are few ingredients that support your digestive health better than rolled oats. They’re full of fiber that works near magic on your GI system. The soluble fiber in rolled oats supports healthy cholesterol levels for a strong heart. It promotes healthy blood sugar levels for an active metabolism. It helps you feel full, so you can support a healthy weight. And it feeds essential bacteria in your GI tract that help keep your immune system strong. 

Rolled Oats Support Your Skin From Within

There’s a reason so many self-care products contain oats. It’s a skin-protective ingredient when you eat it, but it can help out your skin when used topically, as well. Anyone have eczema? Yeah, oats have been shown to help improve symptoms. Have acne? Oats may help you as well. It’s sooooothing. Or, if your skin’s in great condition already, eating oats helps you keep it that way! 

Rolled Oats Can Help If You’re Trying To Lose Weight

All that fiber in rolled oats, yeah, it helps you feel full! No, it’s not a magic weight loss solution, but eating fiber-rich foods that quell your appetite help you avoid overeating. This is exactly why eating an oatmeal-rich diet’s a great way to support weight loss and weight management. 

How To Use Rolled Oats When Baking 

The good news is, it’s easy to bake with oats! They’re a staple in many of our recipes and an added bonus in others. Here’s what you should keep in mind when baking with rolled oats. 

They Add Amazing Texture

Rolled oats help add texture to your baked goods. We especially love including rolled oats in our cookies because they help make our cookies ooey, gooey, chewy, and delicious. We have oats to thank for our soft-baked perfection, in many cases. 

They Add Subtle Flavor

Oatmeal tastes delicious, so it’s no surprise that adding rolled oats to your recipe adds a distinct flavor. It’s a bit nutty, a touch oaty, and all delicious. It pairs well with other flavors and is subtle enough that it won’t overpower your baked good. 

They Can Replace Flour

If you’re gluten-free, you’re no doubt on the hunt for flour alternatives all the time. Enter oat flour. It’s easy to make. It’s nutritious. And, it’s easy to bake with! Simply grind up some rolled oats in your blender, and you’ve got yourself a gluten-free swap you can incorporate into almost any recipe! 

Is your mouth watering for some oatmeal cookies yet? If so, check out some of our favorite oat-inclusive recipes.

• Looking for a rich, high-protein snack that’s full of rolled oat goodness? Almond Butter Cookies sound like the perfect snack for you! 
  
  
• Want to go for a classic oatmeal cookie that’s healthy for you? Grab one of our Oatmeal Cranberry Snack Bags. 
  
  
• Classic chocolate chip cookies with an oat flour twist? Yes, please! Try them here.