Healthy Oat Cookies With Dried Fruit & Nuts Recipe

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You got it! Here’s a long, wholesome, deliciously chewy recipe for Healthy Oat Cookies with Dried Fruit & Nuts—perfect as a snack, breakfast-on-the-go, or a nourishing treat that feels indulgent without refined sugar or white flour.

Healthy Oat Cookies with Dried Fruit & Nuts

Category: Wholesome Snacks / Guilt-Free Treats

Makes: 18–24 cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: 12–15 minutes

Total Time: ~30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Flavor Profile: Nutty, fruity, chewy, slightly sweet, warmly spiced

Why You’ll Love These Cookies:

These oat cookies are naturally sweetened, packed with fiber-rich oats, heart-healthy nuts, and chewy dried fruit. They’re golden on the outside, soft in the center, and totally customizable based on what you have in your pantry.

Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ¾ cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Optional: ¼ tsp nutmeg or allspice

Wet Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup or honey
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana (for extra moisture)

Add-ins:

  • ½ cup chopped mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios)
  • ½ cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots, cherries, figs)
  • Optional: 2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseed meal for extra fiber
  • Optional: ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or coconut flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Preheat (5 minutes)

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients (2–3 minutes)

In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • Rolled oats
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Nutmeg (if using)

Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients (2–3 minutes)

In a separate bowl:

  1. Whisk together melted coconut oil and maple syrup (or honey).
  2. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and applesauce or mashed banana.
  3. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry (2 minutes)

  1. Pour wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients.
  2. Stir gently using a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined.
    • The dough will be thick and sticky.

Step 5: Fold in the Goodies (2 minutes)

  1. Stir in the chopped nuts, dried fruits, and any extras (like seeds or chocolate chips).
  2. Make sure everything is evenly distributed without overmixing.

Step 6: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

  • Chill dough for 15–30 minutes if you want thicker, puffier cookies.
  • You can also prep the dough a day ahead and refrigerate overnight.

Step 7: Scoop & Shape (5 minutes)

  1. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  2. Gently flatten the tops with your fingers or the back of a spoon (they won’t spread much).
  3. Optional: sprinkle a few oats or chopped nuts on top for visual appeal.

Step 8: Bake (12–15 minutes)

  1. Bake cookies for 12–15 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set but still soft.
  2. For crispier cookies, bake an extra 2–3 minutes.
  3. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy!

  • Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
  • These cookies store beautifully and taste even better the next day.

Storage Tips:

  • Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Fridge: Up to 10 days (especially if using banana or applesauce).
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw at room temp or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Variations & Ideas:

Make It Vegan:

  • Use flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water)
  • Choose maple syrup over honey

Make It Gluten-Free:

  • Use certified gluten-free oats
  • Swap wheat flour for oat flour or almond flour

Low Sugar / Diabetic Friendly:

  • Reduce maple syrup to ⅓ cup
  • Add more mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce
  • Add chopped medjool dates for natural sweetness

Flavor Twists:

  • Add ½ tsp orange or lemon zest for brightness
  • Use cardamom or ginger for a spiced twist
  • Add peanut butter or almond butter to the dough (2 tbsp)

Serving Ideas:

  • Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a mid-morning boost
  • Crumble over Greek yogurt or oatmeal bowls
  • Wrap in parchment for lunchbox snacks or post-workout fuel

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