There’s something special about the combination of oats, apples, and dried fruits in these chewy oatmeal cookies. Not only are they delicious, but they also pack a punch in terms of nutrients, offering fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or dessert, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into how to make these chewy oatmeal cookies with apples and dried fruits, along with some helpful tips, variations, and frequently asked questions.
Ingredients
For the Oat Mixture
- 100g oat flakes (approximately 1 cup)
- 100ml coconut milk (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
For the Fruit and Nut Mixture
- 2 medium apples, peeled and grated
- 50g almonds, roughly chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 60g dried apricots, chopped into medium pieces (about 1/3 cup)
- 50g raisins (about 1/3 cup)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional for Serving
- Honey, for drizzling over the cookies before serving
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Oat Mixture
- Combine Oats and Coconut Milk: In a mixing bowl, combine the 100g of oat flakes and 100ml of coconut milk. Stir well to ensure the oats are fully coated with the milk.
- Add Spices and Salt: Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Stir until evenly combined.
- Let It Soak: Allow the oat mixture to sit for 10 minutes. This soaking time helps the oats absorb the coconut milk, making the cookies chewier once baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit and Nut Mixture
- Grate the Apples: While the oats are soaking, peel and grate the 2 apples. This will add natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
- Chop the Nuts and Dried Fruits: Roughly chop 50g of almonds and 60g of dried apricots into medium-sized pieces. This step enhances the texture and flavor profile of the cookies.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the grated apples, chopped almonds, dried apricots, and 50g of raisins.
- Add Lemon Juice and Olive Oil: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the mixture and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Combine the Oat and Fruit Mixtures
- Mix the Mixtures: Once the oats have soaked for 10 minutes, add the oat mixture to the fruit and nut mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Form the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with baking paper. Use a spoon or your hands to form small, thin cookies and place them on the prepared tray, leaving space between each one to allow for spreading.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the tray for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Optional Drizzle
- Drizzle with Honey (Optional): If desired, drizzle honey over the cookies for an added touch of sweetness before serving.
Cooking Tips
- Soaking the Oats: Allowing the oats to soak for 10 minutes in the coconut milk helps create a chewier texture in the cookies. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the cookies may be less chewy.
- Grating Apples: Grating the apples rather than chopping them helps the moisture from the apples better integrate into the dough, making the cookies softer and more flavorful.
- Honey Drizzle: If you like a touch of extra sweetness, drizzle honey over the cooled cookies right before serving. It adds a beautiful gloss and a sweet finish to each bite.
- Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Variations
- Add Chocolate Chips: For a richer flavor, you can mix in some dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks with the oats and dried fruits.
- Use Different Nuts: Instead of almonds, you can try walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts for different textures and flavors.
- Swap Dried Fruits: Feel free to replace the dried apricots and raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries, figs, or dates for a unique twist.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats if you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free. Just make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Make it Vegan: Skip the honey drizzle to keep these cookies fully vegan. You can also use a non-dairy sweetener if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?
Yes, you can use regular milk or any other milk substitute, such as almond milk or soy milk, if you prefer. Coconut milk adds a slight tropical flavor, but the cookies will still be delicious with other milk options.
Can I use fresh apples instead of dried fruit?
Fresh apples would release too much moisture in the dough, potentially making the cookies too soft. Stick to dried fruits like apricots and raisins to maintain the chewy texture. However, if you’d like to add fresh fruit for flavor, you could add a small amount of finely chopped fresh apple, keeping in mind the potential impact on the cookie’s texture.
Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free version, simply leave out the almonds and substitute them with more dried fruits or seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be golden brown on the edges and firm to the touch in the center. If you press lightly on the top and it feels firm, they are ready. You can also insert a toothpick to check for any wet dough; it should come out clean.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. After baking and cooling, place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie)
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one cookie (based on making about 10 cookies from this recipe):
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g (naturally occurring from the fruits and honey)
Conclusion
These chewy oatmeal cookies with apples and dried fruits are not just a treat for your taste buds, but they also provide a healthy balance of natural sweetness, crunch, and chewy goodness. With simple, wholesome ingredients, they make for an excellent snack or dessert. Whether you enjoy them as a cozy treat or share them with family and friends, these cookies will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Happy baking!