Looking for a healthy, simple, and incredibly tasty vegan treat that you can enjoy every morning with your cup of coffee or tea? Look no further! Our Healthy Vegan Nut and Fruit Cookies are packed with nutritious ingredients like walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, and cashews, combined with the natural sweetness of dried fruits and a touch of honey. These cookies are perfect for those who avoid sugar but still crave something sweet and satisfying. With their crunchy texture and rich flavor, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the details and see how you can make these delicious treats.
Ingredients:
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Walnuts
- 60 g (2 oz) Roasted Hazelnuts
- 25 g (0.9 oz) Pure Dried Cranberries
- 25 g (0.9 oz) Pure Raisins
- 30 g (1 oz) Almonds
- 30 g (1 oz) Cashews
- 2 tablespoons Pumpkin Seeds
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Anise Seeds
- 3 tablespoons Honey
- 120 g (4.2 oz) Sugar-Free Chocolate
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- A pinch of Salt (optional)
Preparation:
- Soaking the Dried Fruits:
- Begin by soaking the dried cranberries and raisins in cold water for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial to remove any preservatives and to plump up the fruits, making them juicier and more flavorful.
- Preparing the Nuts and Seeds:
- While the fruits are soaking, prepare the nuts. Roughly chop the walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, and cashews.
- In a dry skillet, lightly toast the almonds and cashews until they are golden and aromatic. This will enhance their natural flavors and add a pleasant crunch to the cookies.
- Also, toast the pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds in the same skillet until they are slightly browned.
- Mixing the Ingredients:
- Drain the soaked cranberries and raisins, patting them dry with a paper towel to remove excess water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted nuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, anise seeds, and the drained dried fruits. Mix them well to ensure an even distribution of all ingredients.
- Adding the Sweetness:
- Add the honey to the mixture. Stir well to make sure all the nuts and fruits are well-coated with honey. This will help to bind the ingredients together and provide a natural sweetness to the cookies.
- Shaping the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper.
- Using round cookie molds with an 8 cm diameter, place them on the baking tray and fill them with the nut and fruit mixture. Press down firmly to ensure the mixture holds together. If you don’t have molds, you can shape the mixture into small round cookies with your hands.
- Baking:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Adding the Chocolate Coating:
- While the cookies are cooling, melt the sugar-free chocolate in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Add one tablespoon of vegetable oil to the melted chocolate and mix well. This will give the chocolate a smooth and shiny finish.
- Dip each cooled cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Place the dipped cookies back on the parchment paper.
- Finishing Touches:
- If desired, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the chocolate-coated cookies. This will enhance the flavors and add a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Place the cookies in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
Cooking Tips:
- Nut Variations: Feel free to substitute any of the nuts with your favorites. Pecans, pistachios, or macadamia nuts would all work well in this recipe.
- Dried Fruits: You can also experiment with different dried fruits such as apricots, dates, or figs. Just make sure to soak them to remove any preservatives and to plump them up.
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of honey or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Benefits:
These cookies are not just delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Nuts like walnuts, almonds, and cashews are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which can help to keep you full and satisfied. They are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. Dried fruits provide natural sweetness and are high in antioxidants and fiber, promoting good digestive health. Pumpkin and sesame seeds add an extra boost of nutrients, including iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Using honey as a sweetener not only avoids refined sugar but also adds antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love these Healthy Vegan Nut and Fruit Cookies for their incredible taste and texture. They are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and the combination of nuts and dried fruits provides a delightful contrast of flavors. The touch of chocolate adds a rich, indulgent element without being overly sweet, making them perfect for those who avoid sugar. These cookies are also very versatile – enjoy them as a quick breakfast, a snack on the go, or a healthy dessert. The recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require any special equipment or ingredients, making it accessible for everyone.
Dietary Information:
- Vegan: This recipe is completely vegan, using plant-based ingredients and no animal products.
- Sugar-Free: There is no refined sugar in these cookies. The natural sweetness comes from honey and dried fruits.
- Gluten-Free: The recipe does not include any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Dairy-Free: These cookies are dairy-free, perfect for individuals who are lactose intolerant or follow a dairy-free diet.
Why This Recipe Works:
The success of this recipe lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The natural sweetness of the dried fruits and honey complements the nutty, roasted flavors of the nuts and seeds. Toasting the nuts and seeds enhances their flavors and adds a delightful crunch. The addition of anise seeds introduces a subtle, aromatic note that elevates the overall taste. The melted sugar-free chocolate adds a touch of indulgence without overpowering the natural flavors of the ingredients. By using simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe creates cookies that are not only delicious but also nutritious and satisfying.
Conclusion:
Our Healthy Vegan Nut and Fruit Cookies are a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. With their rich flavors, satisfying crunch, and natural sweetness, these cookies are a perfect treat for any time of the day. They are easy to make, packed with nutrients, and free from refined sugar, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee, as a midday snack, or as a healthy dessert, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give this recipe a try and discover the joy of baking delicious, healthy treats at home. Thank you for liking, watching, and commenting! Enjoy your baking adventure!