Deliciously Nutty & Fruity Healthy Oat Cookies

Hey there, cookie lovers! Are you craving a sweet treat that doesn’t leave you feeling sluggish and guilty? Then you’ve landed in the right place! These healthy oat cookies are bursting with flavour, texture, and goodness. They’re packed with nutritious nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Imagine the delightful crunch of peanuts and hazelnuts, the chewy texture of cranberries, and the subtle sweetness of banana – all bound together by wholesome oats. This recipe is incredibly easy and quick to prepare, perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend baking project. The wonderful aroma alone will fill your kitchen with a comforting, warm feeling, promising a delicious reward. You’ll taste the wholesome goodness in every bite, and the best part? These cookies are naturally sweetened, requiring no refined sugar! They’re the perfect companion for a cozy evening with a cup of tea or coffee, or even a fun afternoon snack. Prepare to be amazed by how delicious healthy can be! Let’s get baking!

What You’ll Need

This recipe is all about the delicious combination of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, creating a symphony of textures and flavours. Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing cookies:

* 200g peanuts (7 oz): Provides a rich, nutty flavour and satisfying crunch. Use unsalted peanuts for better control over the sweetness.
* 60g hazelnuts (2 oz): Adds a delightful buttery and slightly sweet flavour that complements the peanuts perfectly. Toasting them beforehand enhances their flavour even more.
* 30g pumpkin seeds (1 oz): These little nutritional powerhouses contribute a pleasant, earthy flavour and a delightful crunch.
* 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds: Adds a subtle, sunny flavour and a boost of healthy fats.
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Provides a slightly nutty and earthy flavour with a delightful texture.
* 30g dried cranberries (1 oz): Offers a burst of tart sweetness that balances the richness of the nuts and seeds. Choose unsweetened cranberries for a healthier option.
* 60g rolled oats (2 oz): The base of our cookies, providing a hearty texture and binding everything together. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best results.
* 2 ripe bananas, mashed: Provides natural sweetness and moisture, acting as a healthy binder. The riper, the better!
* 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: Adds a touch of extra sweetness and helps bind the ingredients. Choose your preferred natural sweetener.
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): A warm and comforting spice that complements the other flavours beautifully.
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Enhances the overall flavour profile, adding a touch of sweetness and warmth.
* A pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavours.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking those delicious and healthy oat cookies! Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

2. Nutty Base: In a food processor, combine peanuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds. Pulse until finely chopped but not completely pulverized – you want some texture! You can also roughly chop these by hand if you prefer, but a food processor speeds up the process.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped nuts and seeds with the rolled oats, dried cranberries, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Give it a good mix to distribute everything evenly.

4. Wet Ingredients Magic: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Add the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract (if using). Mix well until combined.

5. Bringing it Together: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until everything is well combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.

6. Shape & Bake: Using a spoon or your hands (slightly wet hands help prevent sticking), form the mixture into small cookie balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Slightly flatten each cookie ball with the palm of your hand.

7. Baking Time: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Ovens vary, so start checking around the 12-minute mark.

8. Cooling Down: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

9. Enjoy! Once cooled, your delicious and healthy oat cookies are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

* Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas are sweeter and will give your cookies a better flavour and texture.
* Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer sweeter cookies, add a little more honey or maple syrup.
* Toast the nuts: Toasting the nuts before adding them to the dough will enhance their flavour. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
* Chill the dough: For even better results, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique versions of these healthy oat cookies:

* Add chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips would be a delicious addition, adding a rich and decadent touch.
* Use different dried fruits: Try raisins, chopped apricots, or chopped dates instead of cranberries.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm and spicy flavour.
* Go nutty: Experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
* Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to make these cookies gluten-free.

Storing and Reheating

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can simply microwave them for a few seconds, or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid over-reheating, as this can make them dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

* Q: Can I substitute the honey/maple syrup with another sweetener? A: Yes, you can try other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar or date syrup, but keep in mind that the flavour and consistency might be slightly different. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your preference.

* Q: How long do the cookies keep? A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week. Freezing them extends their shelf life to about 3 months.

* Q: Can I make these cookies without nuts? A: Yes, you can omit the nuts entirely and replace them with more seeds or even add some extra oats for a nut-free version. However, the texture and flavour will be different.

* Q: What if my bananas aren’t very ripe? A: While ripe bananas are ideal for sweetness and moisture, you can use less ripe bananas but you may need to add a little extra honey or maple syrup to compensate for the lack of sweetness.

The Final Word

These healthy oat cookies are a delightful and guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while nourishing your body. The perfect blend of crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruit, and wholesome oats creates a truly unforgettable flavour and texture experience. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for any occasion. So grab your ingredients and get baking! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your cookies turned out. And if you loved this recipe, please rate it! Happy baking!

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