As the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama’s eating habits and food preferences have long been a topic of public interest. Though she is best known for advocating for healthy eating and living an active lifestyle, Mrs. Obama does have a soft spot for the occasional sweet treat. When it comes to her favorite cookie, most sources point to the White House oatmeal raisin cookie.
The History of the White House Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
The oatmeal raisin cookie has long been served at the White House. The earliest known recipe dates back to the early 1900s and the presidency of William Howard Taft. Over the decades, each new presidential administration and White House chef has put their own spin on the classic oatmeal cookie.
By the time the Obamas moved into the White House in 2009, the oatmeal raisin cookie had earned a reputation as the unofficial “White House Cookie.” First Lady Michelle Obama decided to keep the tradition going and worked with White House pastry chef Bill Yosses to update the recipe with fresh ingredients and a healthier twist.
Michelle Obama’s Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
Chef Yosses put a focus on using natural ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, and olive oil in Michelle Obama’s oatmeal raisin cookies. The First Lady requested smaller cookies, so they would be a lighter portion size while still satisfying a sweet tooth.
Here is Bill Yosses’ recipe for the Obamas’ famous oatmeal raisin cookies:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 8 tbsp |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Light brown sugar | 1/4 cup (packed) |
| Unsulphured molasses | 1/4 cup |
| Eggs | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Oats | 1 cup |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Raisins | 1 cup |
| Chopped walnuts (optional) | 1/2 cup |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla.
- Gradually stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until just combined. Mix in the raisins and walnuts.
- Roll dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned around the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why Michelle Obama Loves Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
The oatmeal raisin cookie has many attributes that appeal to Michelle Obama’s healthy eating philosophy. Oats are high in fiber and relatively low in calories. Raisins provide nutrients like potassium, iron, and antioxidants. The cookie provides sustained energy from complex carbs and fiber, rather than just a quick sugar rush.
In a 2010 Washington Post article about the Obamas’ food, assistant chef Sam Kass explained why the oatmeal raisin cookie became a White House staple: “A lot of times, people want the immediate gratification of chocolate chip… But with oatmeal raisin you get that immediate satisfaction, but you also get the delayed gratification.” The combination of sugars and fiber prevents sharp blood sugar spikes.
Michelle Obama has said these cookies are great for breakfast or as an energy-boosting snack. She would often eat them with tea before her morning workout. The smaller portion sizes the White House pastry team perfected gave a taste of sweetness without too many calories.
Other Favorite Foods of Michelle Obama
Though oatmeal raisin cookies were a go-to, Michelle Obama’s tastes are diverse. She emphasizes not depriving yourself, but focusing on moderation and balance.
Vegetables
Michelle Obama has long promoted fresh vegetables through her Let’s Move! and White House Kitchen Garden initiatives. She highlights dark leafy greens like kale, collards, broccoli, and spinach as nutrient powerhouses.
Fruit
The former First Ladyfrequently snacks on fresh fruit like berries, pineapple, and mangos. Dried fruits like apricots and raisins are also favorites.
Whole Grains
Brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and whole grain bread provide lasting energy in Michelle Obama’s diet. She limits refined grains like white bread or pasta.
Lean Protein
Skinless poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, eggs, and seeds are excellent sources of lean protein without excess saturated fat.
Desserts
For special occasions, Michelle Obama also enjoys darker chocolate, fruit-based ice pops, and fresh fruit pies and cobblers.
Conclusion
While oatmeal raisin cookies have a reputation as a bland health food, the version perfected by Michelle Obama’s White House pastry team is the ideal balance of a lightly sweet treat. The inclusion of molasses and brown sugar gives them warmth, while raisins and oats provide texture. As her longtime favorite cookie, the oatmeal raisin cookie encapsulates Michelle Obama’s approach to healthy eating – satisfying cravings with real ingredients in moderation.