Healthy Oat Cookies with Dried Fruit & Nuts

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Description:
These Healthy Oat Cookies with Dried Fruit & Nuts are a delicious and nutritious snack packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. Made with oats, dried fruits, and a variety of nuts, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without the guilt. They’re also a great option for breakfast or an on-the-go snack, giving you a boost of energy throughout the day.

Origin:
Oat cookies have long been a staple in baking, particularly in Western countries. The combination of oats, dried fruits, and nuts in cookies is a more recent variation that provides both flavor and health benefits. These cookies can be part of a healthy lifestyle, balancing indulgence with nutrition.

Ingredients Quantity:

  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup (30g) whole wheat flour or almond flour (for gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) coconut oil or olive oil (melted)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) honey or maple syrup
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (75g) mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc.)
  • 1/4 cup (35g) mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, etc.), chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional for added fiber)

Ingredients Optional:

  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (for extra indulgence)
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder or nutmeg (for added warmth)
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (for extra crunch)

Instruction:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
  5. Add in the dried fruit, chopped nuts, chia seeds (if using), and any additional optional ingredients like chocolate chips or shredded coconut. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
  6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cookies are set.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success:

  • Be careful not to overbake the cookies; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.
  • For an extra chewy texture, you can replace some of the oats with shredded coconut.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or maple syrup depending on your preference.
  • If you prefer a crunchier cookie, bake a little longer, but be sure not to let them get too dark.

Recommendation:
Serving Ideas:

  • Enjoy these cookies as a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
  • Pair with a smoothie or yogurt for a more filling snack or light meal.
  • These cookies are perfect for packing in lunchboxes or bringing to picnics.

Make-Ahead Tip:

  • These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To thaw, just let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Nutrition (per cookie, based on 12 cookies):

  • Calories: ~120 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 7g

Would you like to add any specific nut or dried fruit suggestions, or perhaps a suggestion for a vegan option?

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