Nutty Apricot & Cranberry Oatmeal Delight
Indulge in these irresistibly chewy and flavorful oatmeal cookies, loaded with the goodness of dried apricots, cranberries, and walnuts. With the natural sweetness of brown sugar and the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies are perfect for a healthy snack that doesn't compromise on taste. Originally a first-place winner at the Virginia State Fair, these cookies boast a wholesome allure that's cholesterol-free, except for the naturally occurring fats in the nuts. Ideal for health-conscious cookie lovers!
40
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canola oil
3/4 cup (none)
Brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
Granulated sugar
1/4 cup (none)
Egg whites
3 (beaten)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Oatmeal
1 cup (rolled)
All-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups (sifted)
Wheat germ
1 cup (toasted optional)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Dried apricots
3/4 cup (chopped)
Dried sweetened cranberries
1/2 cup (none)
Walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, blend together the canola oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg whites, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the oatmeal, all-purpose flour, wheat germ, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4
4. Add a spoonful of the flour mixture to the chopped dried apricots, cranberries, and walnuts. Stir to ensure the fruit and nuts are well coated, which helps to separate them and distribute evenly in the batter.
5
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Then, gently fold in the fruit and nut mixture.
6
6. Drop rounded tablespoons (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each) of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten the dough slightly.
7
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8
8. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before storing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Nutty Apricot & Cranberry Oatmeal Delight?
These cookies are chewy and flavorful, combining the sweetness of dried apricots and cranberries with the earthy crunch of walnuts and warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 40 servings.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
Are these cookies cholesterol-free?
Yes, these cookies are cholesterol-free, except for the naturally occurring fats found in the walnuts.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of canola oil.
Can I use whole eggs for this recipe?
The recipe specifically requires 3 beaten egg whites to maintain its healthy profile.
What kind of oatmeal should I use?
You should use 1 cup of rolled oatmeal.
Is wheat germ necessary for these cookies?
The recipe uses 1 cup of wheat germ, which adds to the wholesome texture; toasting it is optional.
Why should I coat the dried fruit and nuts in flour before adding them to the batter?
Stirring the chopped apricots, cranberries, and walnuts with a spoonful of the flour mixture helps to separate them and ensures they distribute evenly throughout the dough.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
How much brown sugar is required?
You will need 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
Should I sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe recommends using 1 3/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What spices give these cookies their warmth?
The warmth comes from 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How should I prepare the dried apricots?
The 3/4 cup of dried apricots should be chopped before being added to the mixture.
What size should the dough portions be?
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough, approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons each, onto the baking sheet.
Do I need to flatten the cookie dough before baking?
Yes, after dropping the dough onto the baking sheet, flatten each portion slightly.
How far apart should I place the cookies on the baking sheet?
Space the dough portions about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Should I use a greased cookie sheet?
The recipe recommends lining your baking sheets with parchment paper for the best results.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe was a first-place winner at the Virginia State Fair.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What type of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
Can I use regular cranberries?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dried sweetened cranberries.
What is the first step in mixing the dough?
Start by blending the canola oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg whites, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt.
What leavening agent is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
While the recipe specifies walnuts, you could likely use pecans or almonds, though it may change the original flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for health-conscious diets?
Yes, it is designed as a healthy snack that is cholesterol-free and utilizes wheat germ and canola oil.
What is the texture of these cookies?
These cookies are described as irresistibly chewy.
How much granulated sugar is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in addition to the brown sugar.