Nut & Fruit Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

These Nut & Fruit Oatmeal Cookies are a healthy, delicious, and energy-packed treat made from a variety of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. With a perfect balance of sweet and crunchy, these cookies are great for breakfast, snacks, or even as a quick energy boost. Made with oats, these cookies offer fiber and nutrients, making them a perfect guilt-free indulgence.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 12-15 cookies

Ingredients:

  • 200g peanuts (7 oz)
  • 60g hazelnuts (2 oz)
  • 30g pumpkin seeds (1 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 30g dried cranberries (1 oz)
  • 20g raisins (0.7 oz)
  • 20g cashews (0.7 oz)
  • 50g walnuts (1.7 oz)
  • 120g oats (4 oz)
  • 1 egg (or 1 flax egg)
  • 30ml maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for greasing)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the nuts:
    • Roast and peel the peanuts and hazelnuts.
    • Set aside a portion of the nut mixture for garnish or decoration.
  2. Mix the ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, combine the roasted peanuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, dried cranberries, raisins, cashews, walnuts, and oats.
    • In another bowl, whisk together the egg (or flax egg) and maple syrup until well combined.
    • Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly to combine.
  3. Form the cookies:
    • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Lightly grease a baking sheet with oil.
    • Shape the dough into cookie-sized portions (around 8 cm or 3 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake:
    • Bake the cookies in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the edges.
  5. Cool and serve:
    • Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with a glass of almond milk for a wholesome snack.
  • Pack them in lunchboxes as a healthy snack option for kids.
  • Enjoy as a breakfast with a side of yogurt and fresh fruit.
  • Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delicious afternoon treat.
  • Store in an airtight container for a quick snack throughout the week.

Cooking Tips:

  • For extra crunch, you can toast the oats lightly before mixing with the other ingredients.
  • Experiment with different nuts and dried fruits to customize the cookies to your liking.
  • If you prefer a chewier texture, reduce the baking time slightly.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Packed with protein and healthy fats from the nuts and seeds.
  • High in fiber from oats and dried fruits.
  • A great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Dietary Information:

  • Gluten-Free (ensure oats are certified gluten-free).
  • Can be made vegan by using a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
  • Dairy-Free.
  • Refined Sugar-Free (sweetened naturally with maple syrup).

Nutritional Facts (per cookie):

  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Sugar: 7g

Storage:

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • For longer storage, keep in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Packed with wholesome ingredients, these cookies are both nutritious and satisfying.
  • They’re quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings or afternoon snacks.
  • You can customize the recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
  • The perfect balance of crunch and sweetness in every bite.

Conclusion:
These Nut & Fruit Oatmeal Cookies are not only delicious but also packed with energy-boosting ingredients. With a variety of nuts and dried fruits, they make a great snack for both adults and kids. Plus, they’re versatile, so feel free to get creative with the ingredients. Make a batch today and enjoy these wholesome cookies!

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?
    Yes, you can substitute any nuts you like, such as almonds, pistachios, or pecans.
  2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
    Yes, ensure that you use certified gluten-free oats to make the cookies gluten-free.
  3. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
    Yes, honey is a great substitute for maple syrup, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
  4. How can I make these cookies vegan?
    Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
  5. Can I make these cookies without raisins?
    Absolutely! Feel free to omit the raisins or replace them with other dried fruits like apricots or dates.
  6. Can I store these cookies in the freezer?
    Yes, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are in an airtight container.
  7. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
  8. Are these cookies suitable for kids?
    Yes, they’re a great healthy snack for kids, but be sure to check for any nut allergies first.
  9. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
    Yes, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup to make the cookies less sweet.
  10. How can I make these cookies crunchier?
    Bake the cookies a little longer or use more nuts and seeds for added crunch