๐ช Apricot Oatmeal Cookies (Vegan) ๐ฑ
What is it?
Apricot Oatmeal Cookies are delightful vegan cookies that combine the wholesome goodness of oats with the natural sweetness of apricots. These cookies are not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, thanks to their plant-based ingredients.
History:
The history of oatmeal cookies can be traced back to the 19th century in the United States. Oats were a staple in American diets, and people began incorporating them into various recipes, including cookies. The addition of dried fruits like apricots adds a unique twist to this classic treat, making it a favorite for those who prefer vegan or plant-based options.
Components:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (or vegan butter), melted
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (or agave nectar)
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or vegan butter), maple syrup (or agave nectar), almond milk, and vanilla extract.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
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Add Apricots: Gently fold in the chopped dried apricots into the cookie dough.
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Shape the Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can flatten them slightly with the back of a fork if you prefer thinner cookies.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
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Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Total Time:
Preparing these apricot oatmeal cookies will take approximately 30-40 minutes, including prep and baking time. It’s a quick and easy recipe that yields scrumptious vegan cookies perfect for snacking or dessert!
Enjoy your homemade Apricot Oatmeal Cookies, and feel free to experiment with different dried fruits and nuts for added flavor and texture. ๐ช๐๐ฑ
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for Apricot Oatmeal Cookies (Vegan):
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1 Cookie):
- Calories: Approximately 130 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 2g
Health Information:
- Heart-Healthy Oats: Oats are a great source of dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
- Vegan-Friendly: These cookies are entirely plant-based, making them suitable for vegans and those looking to reduce their consumption of animal products.
- Moderate Calories: With around 130 calories per cookie, they can be enjoyed in moderation as a snack or treat.
- Low in Cholesterol: Being vegan, these cookies contain no cholesterol, which is beneficial for heart health.
- Natural Sweetener: The use of maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener provides a more natural alternative to refined sugars.
- Healthy Fats: The coconut oil used in the recipe provides healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
- Protein Content: While not particularly high in protein, these cookies do provide a small amount of this essential nutrient.
- Dried Apricots: Dried apricots are a source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, potassium, and dietary fiber.
Remember that the nutritional content may vary slightly based on the specific brands of ingredients used and the serving size. These cookies can be a healthier alternative to traditional cookies when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
