Healthy Oat Cookies with Dried Fruits & Nuts

Description

These Healthy Oat Cookies with Dried Fruits & Nuts are chewy, nutty, and naturally sweetened – the perfect guilt-free snack! Packed with whole-grain oats, crunchy nuts, and chewy dried fruits, they’re rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Great for breakfast on the go, a wholesome snack, or a light dessert without refined sugar overload.

Ingredients For Healthy Oat Cookies with Dried Fruits & Nuts

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup coconut oil or unsalted butter (melted)

• ½ cup honey or maple syrup

• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup chopped walnuts (or almonds, pecans)

• ½ cup dried cranberries (or raisins, apricots, dates, figs)

• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In another bowl, mix melted coconut oil/butter, honey/maple syrup, egg, and vanilla.

4. Pour wet ingredients into dry, stirring until combined.

5. Fold in nuts, dried fruits, and seeds.

6. Scoop 2 tbsp portions onto the baking sheet, flatten slightly.

7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden around the edges.

8. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

• Can be made vegan by replacing egg with flax egg and using maple syrup.

• Cookies will be chewy if slightly underbaked, crispier if baked longer.

• Store in an airtight container at room temp for 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Tips

• Toast nuts before adding for extra flavor.

• Use unsweetened dried fruits to avoid excess sugar.

• Add dark chocolate chips for a more indulgent version.

• Make them mini-sized for kids’ lunchboxes.

Servings

Makes 18–20 cookies (depending on size).

Nutritional Info (per cookie, approx.)

• Calories: 135

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 6g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 8g

Benefits

• High in fiber → aids digestion & satiety.

• Good source of healthy fats from nuts & seeds.

• Natural sweetness from honey/maple syrup and dried fruits.

• Energy-boosting snack → perfect for busy mornings or workouts.

Q&A

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, use oat flour or almond flour instead of whole wheat flour, and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Yes, reduce honey/maple syrup to ⅓ cup or replace with mashed banana or applesauce.

Q: Can I add protein powder?
A: Yes, replace ¼ cup flour with protein powder. You may need 1–2 tbsp extra liquid to balance texture.

Q: Are these suitable for kids?
A: Absolutely! Just avoid whole nuts for younger kids – chop them finely.