These Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies with Lemon Zest cookies are a delightful and healthy treat, combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of dates and the crunch of walnuts. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these cookies are easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients. The hint of lemon peel adds a refreshing twist to the flavor.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 40 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup oatmeal (90g)
- 50g cranberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (30g)
- 1/4 cup dates, chopped (35g)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (30g)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of oatmeal, 50g of cranberries, lemon zest, 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1/4 cup of chopped dates. Mix well.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat 1 egg and add 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Form Cookies: Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening each slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and set.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Serve as a healthy snack for kids.
- Pair with yogurt for a nutritious breakfast.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the butter is fully melted for easy mixing.
- Adjust the amount of lemon zest to your preference for more or less citrus flavor.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
Nutritional Benefits
- Oatmeal: High in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you full.
- Cranberries: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
- Walnuts: Provide healthy fats and protein.
- Dates: Natural sweetness and a good source of energy.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Contains no meat products.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free oatmeal if necessary.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, based on 12 cookies)
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 20mg
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Nutritious and satisfying, perfect for any time of the day.
- Versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite add-ins.
Conclusion
These oatmeal cookies are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, offering a healthy and delicious treat that you can enjoy anytime. Whether you need a quick snack or a wholesome dessert, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings while providing essential nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I substitute the cranberries with other dried fruits? Yes, raisins, dried cherries, or apricots would work well.
- What can I use instead of walnuts? You can use any nuts you prefer, such as almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts.
- Can I make these cookies vegan? Yes, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter.
- How do I make the cookies sweeter? Add a bit more dates or a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
- Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe? Yes, chocolate chips would be a delicious addition.
- Do I need to soak the dates before using them? If the dates are very dry, soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes can make them easier to chop and mix.
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats provide more chewiness.
- How can I make the cookies crispier? Bake them a little longer until they are golden brown.
- Is it necessary to add lemon zest? No, but it adds a nice citrus flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet? Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will help prevent sticking.