Whole-Wheat Flax, Fruit, and Spice Cookies
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 5 dozen cookies
Category: Drop Cookies
Keywords: Breakfast, Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, Grains, Kid-Friendly, Under 30 Minutes, Oven
These Whole-Wheat Flax, Fruit, and Spice Cookies are a delightful, chewy, and wholesome treat. A perfect snack for those who aren’t into overly sweet desserts but still crave something indulgent yet healthy. Inspired by the Uncle Sam cereal (a whole-grain cereal made from wheat crisps and flax seeds), this recipe incorporates those same beneficial ingredients, creating a chewy, cake-like cookie with a hint of spice, crunch from the flax seeds, and natural sweetness from dried fruit. Not overly sweet, it’s a perfect cookie to enjoy as a snack, breakfast-on-the-go, or a healthy dessert option.
If you can’t find Uncle Sam cereal, you can always substitute it with a mix of wheat or bran flakes and flax seeds—both of which will provide a similar texture and nutritional value. These cookies are easy to adjust to personal taste: add a little more sweetness with maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar, or try a mix of dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or dates. Plus, they are versatile enough to throw in a handful of seeds, nuts, or wheat germ for an extra boost. Whether you’re baking for a family treat, a quick breakfast, or a lunchbox snack, these cookies are sure to please!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Canola oil | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Orange juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Orange rind (zest) | 1 tablespoon |
| Whole-wheat flour | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried currants | 1/2 cup |
| Dried raisins | 1/2 cup |
| Uncle Sam cereal (or substitute) | 1 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 647.1 kcal |
| Fat | 24.4g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.3g |
| Cholesterol | 84.6mg |
| Sodium | 390mg |
| Carbohydrates | 100.8g |
| Fiber | 3.6g |
| Sugars | 60.2g |
| Protein | 8.9g |
Instructions
-
Cream the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the canola oil and sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together until well-blended and smooth.
-
Add the Eggs:
- Crack the eggs into the mixture and beat them in for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
-
Add Flavorings:
- Mix in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange rind (zest) to infuse the dough with a refreshing citrus flavor.
-
Sift the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the whole-wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This helps prevent clumping and ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually beat the sifted flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Continue mixing until the dough comes together.
-
Fold in the Cereal and Fruit:
- Gently fold in the Uncle Sam cereal (or your substitute of wheat flakes and flax seeds) along with the dried currants and raisins. The dough will be thick and a little sticky, which is perfect for this recipe.
-
Shape the Cookies:
- Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Each spoonful will spread out during baking, so leave space between them.
- If desired, gently flatten the cookies with a moistened fork for a more uniform shape.
-
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. (Note: In some ovens, baking at 375°F for 7-8 minutes may yield better results, so adjust depending on your oven’s behavior.)
-
Cool and Store:
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool briefly on the baking sheet. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
Customization Tips:
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer sweeter cookies, you can add 1/2 cup of brown sugar or drizzle in some honey or maple syrup to enhance the natural sweetness of the dried fruit.
- Fruit Mix-ins: Feel free to change up the dried fruits based on what you have on hand. Dates, cranberries, golden raisins, or dried apricots work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Nutritional Boost: For added nutrition, mix in a tablespoon or two of wheat germ, chia seeds, or sunflower seeds. They’ll not only add texture but also pack in additional vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
These Whole-Wheat Flax, Fruit, and Spice Cookies are the ultimate snack for those who are looking for a chewy, healthy treat that’s not too sweet. They make the perfect addition to a breakfast spread, an afternoon snack, or a lunchbox surprise. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in whole grains and fiber while keeping things light on the sugar. Whether you’re baking for kids, family, or just yourself, these cookies can be personalized to suit your flavor preferences. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or keep a stash for when you need a nutritious bite on the go.
