Healthy Oat Cookies With Dried Fruit & Nuts

These Healthy Oat Cookies are a wholesome, nutrient-packed treat made with hearty oats, crunchy nuts, seeds, and sweet dried fruit. Perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or post-workout boost, these cookies are naturally sweetened and packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Plus, they’re easy to make and customizable to suit your taste preferences!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Nutrient-Dense: Packed with oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for sustained energy.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for variety.
• No Added Sugar: Naturally sweetened by dried cranberries (or other dried fruits).
• Kid-Friendly: A tasty way to sneak in some extra nutrition for picky eaters.

 Ingredients:

• 200g peanuts (7 oz) , roughly chopped or left whole
• 60g hazelnuts (2 oz) , roughly chopped
• 30g pumpkin seeds (1 oz)
• 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 30g dried cranberries (1 oz) (or other dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or cherries)
• 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter (natural, no added sugar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

 Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Toast the Nuts and Seeds

1. Spread the peanuts , hazelnuts , pumpkin seeds , sunflower seeds , and sesame seeds evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Toast in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes , or until fragrant and lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. If using hazelnuts, rub them in a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins (optional).

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted nuts and seeds with the rolled oats and dried cranberries .
2. In a small saucepan over low heat (or in the microwave), gently warm the honey/maple syrup , almond/peanut butter , and vanilla extract until smooth and easy to mix. Stir in a pinch of salt .
3. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well-coated and sticky.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop out about 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture per cookie and shape into rounds or flatten slightly onto the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to press them together firmly so they hold their shape.
2. Leave a little space between each cookie, as they won’t spread much during baking.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
2. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.

Step 6: Store and Enjoy

1. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days , in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks , or freeze for longer storage.
2. Enjoy these cookies as a quick snack, breakfast on-the-go, or a guilt-free dessert!

Tips for Success:

• Add-ins: Experiment with other dried fruits (apricots, dates, raisins) or seeds (chia, flax) for variety.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats if needed.
• Adjust Sweetness: Increase or decrease the amount of honey/maple syrup based on your preference or the sweetness of the dried fruit.
• Extra Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder to the wet ingredients for an extra boost.
• Storage: Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, makes ~12):

• Calories: ~150
• Protein: ~5g
• Carbohydrates: ~12g
• Fat: ~9g
• Fiber: ~2g

Enjoy these Healthy Oat Cookies With Dried Fruit & Nuts as a delicious, wholesome treat that satisfies your cravings while fueling your body with goodness. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a lunchbox addition, or a healthier dessert option, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!