Description
Easy Granola Cookies are quick, healthy, and versatile treats combining wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, nuts, seeds, natural sweeteners, and dried fruits. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes, these cookies are customizable to suit various dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan options. They offer a delightful balance of crunchy and chewy textures with rich flavors enhanced by spices and extracts.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
Nuts and Seeds
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (for nut-free alternative)
Sweeteners
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (use maple syrup for vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
Binders and Flavor
- 1/3 cup nut butter (e.g., peanut butter or almond butter; substitute coconut oil for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dried Fruits
- 1/3 cup dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries, or goji berries)
Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking during baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruits, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the natural sweetener (honey or maple syrup), nut butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Bring it all together: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated and the dough starts to stick together.
- Shape cookies: Use a spoon or your hands to form the dough into small, evenly sized rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and flatten each cookie slightly to help them hold their shape.
- Bake to perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely for the best texture.
Notes
- Measure oats precisely: Ensures a perfect chewy and crunchy balance in the cookies.
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined to keep cookies tender and avoid toughness.
- Press cookies firmly: Flatten dough rounds to help cookies maintain shape and bake evenly.
- Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
- Cool completely: Cooling fully helps the cookies set their texture and avoids crumbling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: granola cookies, healthy cookies, easy granola cookies, gluten free cookies, vegan cookies, snack, breakfast cookies
