Oatmeal cookies are one of my favorite type of cookies. They are my go-to when I am not sure what to bake, because they are easy to make and incredibly customizable. You can add just about anything to oatmeal cookies, from nuts to fruits or even vegetables, and they will still taste delightfully delicious.
Since I love oatmeal cookies so much, I have been experimenting with healthier versions that make it acceptable to eat cookies for breakfast, or to simply eat as many oatmeal bites as I want. My main healthy oatmeal cookie hack involves slow cooked apples, which replace the need for lots of butter and sugar. Cooked apples keep these Apple Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Bites moist and somewhat delicate, while lending a subtle sweetness that pairs well with chocolate, nuts or dried fruit.
My preferred additions are walnuts and chocolate chips. I have a recipe for Oat Flour Apple Chocolate Chip Cookies here; it’s nearly identical to this recipe but with some minor changes. However, I made this batch of Apple Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal bites for the fruit and nut lovers out there. Although I don’t understand it, I know that not everyone loves chocolate as much as I do. Also, this version is one of my Mom’s favorites.
Feel free to replace the cranberries or walnuts with your favorite dried fruits and nuts. If you manage not to eat or share all of these Oatmeal Bites immediately, I recommend storing them in a sealed container in a refrigerator.
**Note: I originally published this recipe in 2014, but I updated pictures and made minor tweaks in November 2018
Apple Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Bites
Ingredients
Cooked Apples
- 2 cups diced apples
- 2 tbsp butter
Oatmeal Bites
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or any other nut
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries or any other dried fruit
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Peel and finely chop the apples.
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In a frying pan, add two tablespoons of butter. Turn the heat to low. Add the chopped apples. Cook the apples on low heat until they are tender and nearly paste-like. Add another tablespoon of butter if needed. (The more cooked the apples, the better it helps the cookies stick together)
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In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla.
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Add the cooked apples, cinnamon, oatmeal, nuts, and dried fruit to the beaten eggs. Mix.
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Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet. These oatmeal bites will not spread out, so you will want to flatten them.
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Bake the oatmeal bites for about 12 to 15 minutes or until slightly crisp. Allow to cool before storing in an airtight container. The cookies will soften because of the apples.
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