Red Velvet Oatmeal Cookies
I am still on a red velvet kick. I had bought a box mix to make a red velvet cake for Valentine’s Day, but then decided to use it to make some fun cookies. I had seen recipes for red velvet banana bread and red velvet oatmeal cookies, so I kind of combined the two and made these with Red Velvet Oatmeal Cookies with bananas. I wasn’t too sure about the taste of bananas and red velvet together, but O.M.G, these came out so good. They even have a double dose of chocolate with semi-sweet chocolate chips inside and half-dipped in dark chocolate on the outside. I even threw in a Red Velvet M&M for decoration.
This recipe does call for ripe bananas and as you can see, mine are not there yet. However, I have learned a little trick and have been using it for awhile. Just place the bananas you need in the oven while it is warming up and watch them turn brown/black. How long it takes depends on how ripe they were to begin with. Mine took about ten minutes. I usually flip them at least once to get them brown all over. You can place them directly on the oven rack or in an oven safe dish. You will need to let them cool off a bit before slicing them open.
I did make these cookies three different ways to see which I liked best. The first way was just to place scoops onto a parchment lined cookie sheet and pressed three Red Velvet M&Ms into the mounds before baking.
They were not very visually appealing and the colors of the M&Ms bled into the cookie, especially the white. You can try just using the red and burgundy colors if you prefer to make them this way.
Next, I tried my Wilton Heart-Shaped Whoopie Pie pan. I used the same amount of dough, but I had to press the dough into the shape because these cookies do not spread much. It was a little messy, but doable (I would suggest using a greased piece of waxed paper to press the dough). They looked really pretty after they were dipped and decorated. Don’t forget to grease your pan if you plan on using this method. (You may need to press the dough down again after they bake, if they rise too much.)
The easiest way to make these cookies, is to stick with the original scoop onto a cookie sheet method. It’s less trouble and the cookies still come out pretty once decorated.
I dipped these cookies in dark chocolate, but you can use semi-sweet if you prefer. I do recommend Ghirardelli chocolate chips because they melt so beautifully in the microwave. I used the same Wilton sprinkles that I had used for my Red Velvet Brownie Krispies last week. I found them at Walmart, along with the Red Velvet M&Ms.
These Red Velvet Oatmeal Cookies are moist and chewy like an oatmeal cookie should be. They are filled with plenty of chocolate, banana, and red velvet flavors. You can taste each flavor separately, but they magically all come together smoothly and seamlessly into one incredible flavor sensation for your taste buds.
I am trying to save some of these for Valentine’s Day on Saturday, but we can’t stop eating them. Guess I am going to have to stock up on red velvet cake mixes for future cookie making.
Red Velvet Oatmeal Cookies
by The Sweet Chick
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Keywords: bake dessert snack healthy red velvet cake mix quick oats coconut oil banana Valentine’s Day cookie American spring
Ingredients (36 cookies)
For the cookies
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 (15.25 oz.) package Betty Crocker Red Velvet Cake mix
- 2 cups quick oats
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Additional toppings
- 1 package (10 oz) Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)
- 1 container (2.5 oz) Wilton’s Chocolate Hearts Mix sprinkles
- 1 package (9.90 oz) Red Velvet M&Ms
Instructions
For the cookies
Preheat oven to 350º F.
In a stand mixer, mix together the oil, bananas, vanilla and eggs on low speed, until well blended.
Add the dry cake mix a little at a time, continuing to mix on low. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Next add the quick oats and mix on low until all incorporated.
Then add chocolate chips and continue to mix on low until evenly distributed
With a regular cookie scoop, drop by scoopful onto a greased or parchment lined cookie sheet at least 2 inches apart.
Bake at 350º for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. (Mine only needed 10 minutes.)
Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet, then move to a cooling rack to completely cool.
For the additional toppings
Melt chocolate chips according to instructions on the back of the package.
Dip half the cooled cookie into the melted chocolate and place on a sheet of wax paper to allow the chocolate to harden. ( I left mine out a room temperature to harden.)
Add sprinkles and M&M candies to the chocolate before it completely hardens.
Notes
I kept my finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you feel the need to refrigerate yours because you are making them far in advance, I suggest you leave out the M&M’s because they lose their color when refrigerated. You can always add them later with a dab of melted chocolate if you wish.
Are Quesadillas Healthy? [5 Surprising Reasons]
A quesadilla is a mouthwatering Mexican dish with tasty stuffing wrapped in a soft tortilla shell. It’s found in most restaurants and easy to make at home as well. It’s understandably a popular appetizer.
But, you might be wondering, are quesadillas healthy?
The simple answer is, yes. Quesadillas are healthy if you make them with healthy elements. It’s the ingredients like flour tortilla and cheddar cheese that make them unhealthy in the first place. So, choose all the healthy goodness to stuff inside it instead of the unhealthy ingredients.
However, there’s a reason they’re considered unhealthy by most people. Keep reading as we covered all about the benefits and risks of eating quesadillas in this article.
Are Quesadillas Healthy For You?
Yes, quesadillas are healthy for you. They contain veggies, proteins, and some fats too. However, you need to make the choice to make them healthy with the right ingredients. So, unless you go wild on the fat and sugar loaded condiments, it should be fine.
No matter what kind of quesadillas you like, they’re all the same at the core. So, unsurprisingly, the health factors remain more or less the same for a regular quesadilla.
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Nutrient Values Of Quesadillas
Here’s the nutritional content of a regular quesadilla (180g) found in restaurants –
| Nutrients | Amount |
| Calories | 528 |
| Total Carbohydrates | 43g |
| Total Fats | 27g |
| Saturated Fats | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 66mg |
| Protein | 27g |
| Sodium | 1.34g |
| Potassium | 329mg |
| Calcium | 269mg |
These macro and micronutrients all come from different kinds of food which compose a quesadilla.
Now let’s talk about the elements of quesadilla. The following are the elements which make up a quesadilla-
The Tortilla
The tortilla is what wraps up all of your ingredients and completes the quesadilla. They’re rich in carbs and fiber.
Corn and flour tortillas are the most preferred options among the tortillas.
The Stuffing
There is a wide range of options you can choose from to fill up your quesadilla.
Carbohydrates
Most of the carbs in a quesadilla come from the tortilla. However, some of it also comes from vegetables. You can put in tomatoes, onions, spinach, or any vegetable you prefer.
Fats
You can’t just make a quesadilla without any cheese in it. Cheese is full of fats, saturated or unsaturated depending on what cheese it is. It makes up most of the fat content in your quesadilla.
Proteins
Your quesadilla protein can come from a variety of sources. Chicken, beef and sausages are the most popular meat options. You can go for beans or soy if you don’t eat meat.
Now that you know about the contents of quesadillas, let’s see if you should be eating it.
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5 Quesadillas Health Benefits
The versatility of the stuffings make it easier to get a lot of nutritional benefits from quesadillas. These are some health benefits you can get from your quesadilla-
Full of Fiber
Tortillas are made of wheat, either processed or whole grain. And, that makes them high in fiber. Fiber is really important for your gut health. It prevents constipation and softens your stool.
Keeps You Full
Quesadillas are packed with macronutrients. It makes a hearty meal that can keep you full longer. Which means, less cravings and less calories.
Contains a Lot of Calcium
Cheese is an integral part of quesadillas. And, it’s full of calcium. Calcium is essential for your bone health. It also helps your heart and muscles function properly.
Packed with Protein
You can’t just have a quesadilla without any protein. You can put eggs, chicken, beans- anything at all. It can have protein to meet your daily demand. That also makes quesadillas good for bulking.
Filled with Vegetables
Vegetables are your best friend when it comes to healthiness. And since quesadillas are filled with vegetables, they’re full of nutrients. The nutrients can range from vitamin C to minerals essential for your overall health.
5 Downsides of Quesadillas
Despite having healthy ingredients, it still has some limitations. So, you should watch how much you’re eating them. These are some health risks you should look out for-
High in Calories
The main ingredients of a quesadilla- the cheese and the tortilla, are both high in calories. Too many calories are bad for a number of reasons. They can cause unwanted weight gain and they’re bad for your heart.
Contains Saturated Fats
The cheese normally used in quesadillas are high in fats. Cheddar contains 104% saturated fats of the daily value. That’s way too much to consume in one meal. It increases bad cholesterol and may cause cardiovascular diseases.
Can Cause Indigestion
Quesadillas can contain beans, onions, garlic, fatty meat- all of which can trigger indigestion. Beans, especially, can make you gassy if you eat too much.
Full of Carbs
Tortilla has a lot of carbs and there’s more inside the quesadilla. That’s bad if you’re trying to lose weight or have diabetes.
Contains Excess Sodium
Quesadillas contain a lot of sodium in them. That much sodium can raise your blood pressure and make you bloated. It also increases risk of stomach cancer.
Who Should Avoid Quesadillas?
As tasty and nutritious as quesadillas are, it’s not really good for everyone. People with certain health conditions should skip this appetizer. Avoid eating quesadillas if you fall under these segments-
Diabetic Patients
Quesadillas are full of starchy ingredients. And, you know what’s bad for diabetes? Starch. It causes the sugar levels in your blood to suddenly spike.
You can still eat quesadillas if you cut down on the extra carbs. But, avoid them if you have type-2 diabetes.
Heart Patient
Quesadillas being loaded with cheese is honestly the best part of them. But, that might not be such great news for people with heart problems.
Cheese contains saturated fats. These raise your cholesterol levels and increase risks of premature heart attacks.
Obese or Overweight People
If you’re trying to lose weight, then maybe ditch the quesadillas. Quesadillas are fattening because of their high calorie and fat content.
You should watch how much calories you eat when you’re obese. Quesadillas will ruin your calorie deficit diet and put you in surplus instead.
Gastric Problems Patient
Quesadillas contain irritating ingredients for your stomach. If you’re already suffering from gastric problems, it will worsen your symptoms.
Beans contain a type of indigestible sugar that’ll cause acid reflux. Onions and garlic also cause gas because they have soluble fibers.
Lactose Intolerant People
Cheese and sour creams are staples in making quesadillas. Guess what they both have in common? Lactose. That makes it bad for you if you’re lactose intolerant .
Eating quesadillas with lactose intolerance means you’re looking forward to gas, loose bowel, and bloating. The severity may vary from person to person. But, it’s uncomfortable for everyone regardless.
Gluten Intolerant People
Most flour tortillas used for quesadillas contain gluten. If you’re allergic to gluten, then keep an eye out for your quesadilla shells.
When you eat gluten with gluten intolerance, the symptoms will be similar to that of lactose intolerance. Constipation, diarrhea, fatigue are some of the common symptoms you’ll be facing.
Pregnant People
You don’t really need to avoid quesadillas if you’re pregnant. Just look out for unpasteurized and uncooked soft cheese in them.
Soft cheese can increase your chances of getting foodborne infections. They contain a type of bacteria called listeria which can potentially harm your unborn child.
Now you know all about how healthy quesadillas are for you. So, let’s move on to how you can turn your unhealthy quesadillas into a nutritious meal.
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How to Make Your Quesadilla Healthy?
Now, the good news about quesadillas is that you can choose to make them healthy. Ditch that greasy quesadilla from your favorite Mexican restaurant and go for homemade ones instead.
Here are some healthy ingredients you can use to swap out the unhealthy ones-
- Go for whole grain tortillas made from whole wheat, quinoa, millet or brown rice flour. Try to avoid hydrogenated oils and preservatives as well. This ensures you get more fiber than just refined carbs.
The best tortilla alternative is making the tortilla yourself. You can choose what goes in it that way.
- Avoid high-fat cheese and try low-fat options. Part-skim mozzarella, feta, ricotta- all are great options which are low in saturated fats.
We picked out the best low fat cheese options which will be perfect for your quesadillas-
| Sargento Off The Block Reduced Fat 4 Cheese Mexican | Check details |
| Good Culture Cottage Cheese 2% Low-Fat Classic | Check details |
- Go wild with the vegetables. The more the merrier. You can get your nutrients by filling up your quesadilla with vegetables instead of sauce and cheese.
- Swap out that high calorie sour cream for greek yogurt, fresh cream, soy cream, etc. You can also make some homemade mayonnaise to avoid the preservatives.
- Be careful with what kind of protein you put inside your quesadilla. Red meat doesn’t really have a lot of health benefits.
Opt for lean meat or plant protein instead. Chicken, eggs, beans, tofu- these are all better options than red meats like beef.
- Try incorporating healthy fats instead of saturated fats. Use olive oil to cook your ingredients. Put some guacamole instead of stuffing it with cheese. Get better versions of cheese and cream.
These are some simple ways you can make your very own healthy quesadillas at home. So, try them out and see if you still think they’re tasty.
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FAQs
Are Quesadillas Good After A Workout?
Yes, quesadillas can make perfect post-workout meals. Fill it up with berries and bananas. Use plant butter instead of those high-fat cheeses. This will give you a sweet, crunchy snack to get you back on your feet.
Can You Eat Quesadillas Cold?
Yes, you can eat quesadillas cold. Most people prefer them straight out of the stove, all warm and fresh. But, if you want to eat it cold, that’s completely fine too. You can have them cold or warm them up in the microwave.
What Kind of Oil Do You Use For Quesadillas?
Lighter oils like Canola oil are better for cooking quesadillas. They’re not too strong and make the crust nice and crunchy. Whereas, olive oil can be too flavorful and butter will make it soggy and flat.
Conclusion
Hope we answered all your queries about the question “are quesadillas healthy?” Now you know that their healthiness depends on what goes inside them.
Do you think quesadillas still fit into your diet?
Feel free to share your opinions on them. Till next time!