Gluten-Free Naturals makes an exceptional line of gluten-free mixes. Their new bread mix makes phenomenal focaccia among other things. But the stars in their line up for us are the Pancake & Waffle Mix and the Cookie Blend Mix. The cookie blend flour can be used in any gluten cookie recipe. The package explains how to sub out the gluten-free flour correctly and it’s very simple to do.
To date, I’ve tried a couple of ready made gluten-free oatmeal raisin cookies but none of them were good enough to purchase a second time. As far as I can tell, the only way to enjoy amazing old fashioned soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies is to make them yourself. This is assuming you don’t live near a gluten-free bakery that sells them. If you need more information about gluten-free oats, read my recent post about them.
To find a cookie recipe, I searched Recipe Zaar until I found a highly rated oatmeal raisin cookie recipe. Then I used the gluten-free Naturals Cookie Blend flour and certified gluten-free oats from Gluten-Free Oats to make the cookies. As I was making the cookies, everything reminded me of the traditional gluten ones I always loved. But smells and textures can be deceiving when it comes to gluten-free baked goods – most of us have learned that the hard way! These cookies spread out a little more in the oven than the gluten version does but it did not affect the taste one bit.
The result of using the gluten-free Naturals mix to make these cookies was simply exquisite! They could win a bake off contest against gluten containing cookies – seriously! No other brand of oats I’ve tried for these cookies produces the same amazing results as the ones from gluten-free Oats. This is likely because the other brands are all thicker oats. In fact, one brand requires soaking before they can be used in cookies. I guess some people have time to soak oats but I certainly do not.
Last Christmas, I got absolute proof that these cookies are as good (or better!) than any gluten cookie around. Someone on my husband’s side of the family asked for the recipe. They asked another family member – not me. When directed to me – the person asking actually thought I’d made gluten cookies since they were so good. Sure – I made cookies that I could not eat – not likely! When someone who might go out of their way to avoid eating anything that’s gluten-free asks for your cookie recipe – you know you’ve got a winner!
This year I’m making a double batch of these cookies. I’m also keeping mine in a separate tin so I get my fair share – or more – of these incredible old fashioned treats!
Interesting! Oatmeal Raisin cookies were always my favorite and I haven’t found a suitable gluten-free version yet either. I’m not familiar with gluten-free naturals, however, so I may try to order them online and give these cookies a try!