Healthy Oat Cookies with Dried Fruit & Nuts

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These wholesome cookies are naturally sweetened, packed with heart-healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein—ideal for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a mid-day energy boost.

Ingredients:

  • 200g peanuts (7 oz) – roasted or raw
  • 60g hazelnuts (2 oz) – roughly chopped
  • 30g pumpkin seeds (1 oz)
  • 1 tbsp sunflower seeds
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 30g dried cranberries – or sub with raisins, dates, or chopped apricots
  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats (135g)
  • 2 ripe bananas – mashed (natural sweetener and binder)
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 1 egg – or flax egg for vegan version (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Toast the nuts and seeds:
    In a dry skillet, lightly toast the peanuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  3. Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add the egg (or flax egg), vanilla extract, and optional honey/maple syrup. Mix well.
  4. Add dry ingredients:
    Stir in the oats, cranberries, toasted nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be moist but hold together.
  5. Shape the cookies:
    Scoop out heaping tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Flatten slightly into cookie shapes and place on the lined tray, spacing about 2 cm apart.
  6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden on the edges and set in the center. They will firm up more as they cool.
  7. Cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Tips & Variations:

  • Swap in other dried fruits like chopped figs, dates, or raisins.
  • Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or dark chocolate chips for a richer version.
  • Make them vegan by using the flax egg and maple syrup.

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