Are you craving a delightful, wholesome treat that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! These dry fruit cookies are the perfect answer. Packed with the goodness of nature's finest ingredients and a touch of sweetness, this easy recipe is ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned cooks alike. Perfect for afternoon tea, a quick snack, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are guaranteed to become a family favorite. This recipe offers a healthy twist on a classic, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped mixed dry fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc.)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans – your choice!)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for perfectly fluffy cookies.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, contributing to the cookies' texture. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Bring it Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Add the Dry Fruits and Nuts
Stir in the chopped dry fruits and nuts. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; feel free to adjust the types and quantities of fruits and nuts according to your preferences.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
Step 6: Baking Time
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 7: Cooling and Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy your delicious homemade dry fruit cookies!
Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will help create a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar to ¼ cup or even less.
- Add a Zest of Flavor: A teaspoon of orange zest or lemon zest adds a delightful citrusy note.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a delightful twist.
- Spiced Cookies: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warm, aromatic cookies.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 5-7g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This delicious and easy dry fruit cookies recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings while enjoying the wholesome goodness of natural ingredients. It's a versatile recipe that allows for creative customization, making it a great option for both experienced bakers and those just starting their culinary journey. Enjoy!