Exploremore Oat Cups: A Healthy Girl Scout Cookie Inspired Treat

Like many, I eagerly await the arrival of Girl Scout cookie season every year. The classic Thin Mints and Trefoils always make their way into my shopping cart, but I am particularly excited to try out any new cookie flavors. This year, it was the Exploremore cookie. Inspired by the rocky road ice cream flavor, I absolutely loved it and decided to make an even healthier version.

That’s how these Exploremore Oat Cups were born! They capture the essence of the Exploremore cookie in a convenient, better-for-you oat cup format. Made with almond butter, oats, cocoa powder, and topped with rocky road favorites like mini marshmallows, almonds, and chocolate chips, they are incredibly delicious and surprisingly healthy.

I often crave Girl Scout cookies, but I always prefer to have healthier options available. That’s why I have created several Girl Scout-inspired oat cup recipes, such as Caramel Delight Oat Cups and Thin Mint Almond Butter Cups. These oat cups offer the satisfying flavors of Girl Scout cookies but with added fiber and reduced sugar content, making them a guilt-free treat.

Recipe: Exploremore Oat Cups

This recipe yields approximately 12 oat cups.

Ingredients

Chocolate Oat Layer:

• 1.75 cups oat flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-natural maple syrup
• ⅓ cup all-natural, creamy almond butter
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 teaspoons water* (see notes below)

Chocolate Almond Butter Layer:

• ½ cup chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ cup all-natural, creamy almond butter

Rocky Road Topping:

• 2 tablespoons chopped almonds, raw
• 2 tablespoons marshmallow bits
• 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oat flour, cocoa powder, maple syrup, almond butter, almond extract, and water. Stir the ingredients together until a dough-like consistency forms. If the dough is too crumbly, add 1 teaspoon more of water at a time until the dough can form a ball.
3. Add a heaping tablespoon of the mixture into each lined muffin cup. If there is any left over, evenly distribute it amongst the cups. Press the dough firmly down into the bottom of each cup with a spoon. Set aside.
4. Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Cook on high for 20-second increments, stirring after each increment, until the chocolate is melted and glossy.
5. Add the almond extract and almond butter to the melted chocolate and stir until smooth and combined.
6. Spoon 1 teaspoon of the melted chocolate mixture on top of each cup. Spread the chocolate evenly over the dough.
7. Add the almonds, marshmallow bits, and mini chocolate chips to a small bowl and mix. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the melted chocolate in each cup.
8. Transfer the pan to the freezer. Let the cups sit for at least 1 hour.
9. Remove and enjoy or transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store in the freezer.

Tips and Notes

• The amount of water you use will depend on the consistency of the nut butter you use. If the dough is crumbly and dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches a cookie-dough consistency.
• I have tested this recipe with peanut butter, and it was delicious! Any nut butter can be used for this recipe, providing a variation on the Exploremore flavor.
• For a vegan version, use vegan chocolate chips and marshmallow bits.
• These oat cups are best enjoyed straight from the freezer.
• You can experiment with other toppings, such as shredded coconut, chopped pecans, or a drizzle of peanut butter.

Nutritional Information (per oat cup)

Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 290 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 17g

Why You’ll Love These Exploremore Oat Cups

These Exploremore Oat Cups are more than just a delicious treat; they are a healthier alternative to satisfying your Girl Scout cookie cravings. Here’s why you will love them:

• Healthier Option: Compared to traditional Girl Scout cookies, these oat cups are made with wholesome ingredients like oat flour, almond butter, and maple syrup, providing a good source of fiber and healthy fats.
• Easy to Make: The recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring minimal cooking time and readily available ingredients.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary preferences and ingredient availability. Substitute peanut butter for almond butter, use different types of chocolate chips, or add your favorite toppings.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These oat cups are ideal for meal prepping. Make a batch on the weekend and enjoy a healthy and satisfying snack throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the delicious combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and almonds.
• Freezer-Friendly: They can be stored in the freezer for several weeks, making them a convenient option for satisfying sudden cravings.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Looking to add a unique twist to your Exploremore Oat Cups? Here are some creative variations and serving suggestions:

• Peanut Butter Version: Substitute almond butter with peanut butter for a classic peanut butter cup flavor.
• Double Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the chocolate almond butter layer for an intense chocolate experience.
• Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter (sunbutter) in place of almond butter to make them nut-free.
• Add a Drizzle: Drizzle melted peanut butter or almond butter over the finished oat cups for extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Serve with Yogurt: Crumble an oat cup over a bowl of Greek yogurt for a healthy and satisfying breakfast or snack.
• Ice Cream Topping: Use crumbled oat cups as a topping for ice cream for a delicious and crunchy treat.
• Gift Idea: Package the oat cups in a decorative box and gift them to friends and family who love Girl Scout cookies.

Enjoy Your Healthy Treat!

I hope you enjoy these healthy and delicious Exploremore Oat Cups! They’re a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health. Let me know in the comments below if you try the recipe and what variations you create. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using the hashtag #HealthyOatCups. Happy baking!