As you may be aware already, I LOVE me a solid cookie recipe that’s easy, comprised of all real food ingredients, quick, foolproof, and positively delicious! And here it is!
There’s nothing too fancy about these cookies, except that they have DRIED APRICOTS, which gives them a unique flavour AND enhances their nutrient punch. In our house, we LOVE organic dried apricots and eat them fairly regularly, partly because of their nutrient value, partly because we simply love them. Nutritionally, what I love about dried apricots is that they are relatively high in iron, as well as vitamin A, both essential nutrients the body needs to get through the diet regularly. They also contain some potassium & calcium, and are a good source of soluble fiber, making them supportive of good digestion. Be sure that you choose ORGANIC dried apricots, as the bright orange, non-organic ones, have been preserved with sulfur dioxide, which irritates the respiratory tract and can contribute to restricted breathing, asthma, and increased risk of respiratory infection. Look for a good organic source (they should be brown in colour) and give them a little smush to see if they are moist and soft.
Better yet, dehydrate some fresh apricots, when in season, and store them to use throughout the rest of the year (you keener you!).
Substitution Ideas:
Nut-free: Although I haven’t tried yet, you could try substituting Oat Flour for the Almond Flour and either omit the Walnuts or replace them with Sunflower Seeds or Hemp Hearts or a mix of both
Vegan: Substitute the egg with either a Chia Egg (1 Tbsp chia seeds + 3 Tbsps water) or a Flax Egg (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp water)
Apricots: Any dried fruit would work well here: dried apples, mango, cherries, or cranberries/raisins
Coconut Sugar: Any granulated sugar will work as a substitute here, although I’m not a fan of white or brown processed sugar. A demerara/turbinado or cane sugar would be a better choice.
Chocolate-free: Not recommended 😉
Easy Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Apricots & Walnuts
Makes about 16 Medium Cookies
1 cup almond flour
1 cup oats
¼ cup ground flaxseed
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 nutmeg
1/2 sea salt
1/3 cup coconut sugar
1 egg (sub a chia or flax egg for vegan)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/3 cup chopped walnut pieces
1/3 cup chopped dried apricots
Preheat oven to 350F.
Whisk together all dry ingredients.
Whisk together all wet ingredients.
Add wet ingredients into dry, then stir in chocolate chips. Walnuts, and apricots.
On a lined pan, place 1-2 Tbsp sized balls, 2-3” apart, and flatten them slightly (mix will be quite wet).
Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, until lightly browned around the edges.
NOM NOM Cookie Time! 🍪
I would HIGHLY suggest doubling the recipe and popping half in the freezer for lunches, snacktime, or a sweet treat hankering!
ENJOY! As always, if you make these cookies, please leave me a comment below and/or take a pic & post on Facebook or IG - don’t forget to tag me!