These Apple Cookies are a delicious and healthy treat that are perfect for anyone avoiding sugar, wheat, and eggs. Made with wholesome ingredients like grated apples, ground almonds, and oat flour, these cookies are soft, naturally sweetened, and loaded with flavor. The dried cranberries add a chewy texture and a burst of tartness, making these cookies feel like a special treat without any guilt. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or dessert, these cookies are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth naturally.
Ingredients
- 150 g (5.3 oz) apple, grated
- 1 tsp (5 ml) lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil (such as coconut or sunflower oil)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Jerusalem artichoke syrup (or honey/maple syrup)
- 60 g (2.1 oz) dried cranberries
- 1 cup (100 g) ground almonds (almond meal)
- ⅔ cup (70 g) oat flour
- 1 tsp (4 g) baking powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples
Start by grating the apples using a coarse grater. Mix the grated apples with lemon juice to prevent them from browning and to enhance the freshness of the flavor. Set the mixture aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated apple, vegetable oil, and Jerusalem artichoke syrup (or your preferred natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup). Stir the mixture until well combined. The apples will provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the syrup enhances the flavor without the need for refined sugar.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ground almonds, oat flour, and baking powder. The almond meal will give the cookies a rich, nutty flavor and a soft texture, while the oat flour keeps them gluten-free and light. The baking powder helps the cookies rise slightly as they bake, giving them a perfect consistency.
4. Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix the dough until everything is well combined, forming a slightly sticky, pliable dough. Fold in the dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The cranberries add a delightful chewy texture and a pop of natural sweetness.
5. Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Form the dough into small balls (about the size of a tablespoon) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball into a cookie shape, as they won’t spread much during baking.
6. Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges. The centers will remain soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
7. Cool and Serve
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Apple Cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but they also store well in an airtight container for a few days.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- If the dough feels too wet, add a little extra oat flour until you achieve the desired consistency. The dough should be sticky but not too runny.
- For a sweeter cookie, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of Jerusalem artichoke syrup or your chosen sweetener.
- You can substitute raisins or chopped dried figs in place of cranberries for a different flavor twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, makes 10-12 cookies)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g (natural sugars from apples and dried cranberries)
- Protein: 3g
These Apple Cookies Without Sugar, Wheat, and Eggs are a great healthy option for a quick snack or dessert, delivering both taste and nutrition. With the natural sweetness of apples and the crunch of ground almonds, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
