Looking at these beautiful cookies, I can tell you that the combination of dark chocolate and tart cherries creates an irresistible blend of flavors while keeping the nutritional benefits front and center. Let me help you create these wholesome treats that look exactly like the image – golden brown, studded with plump cherries and rich chocolate, with a perfectly chewy texture.
The Science Behind These Power-Packed Cookies
These aren’t just ordinary cookies – they’re a carefully balanced combination of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and natural sweeteners. The oats provide sustained energy, while dark chocolate offers antioxidants and cherries contribute natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
- ¼ cup (45g) dark chocolate chunks or chips (70% cocoa or higher)
- ⅓ cup (40g) dried cherries
- 2 tablespoons (14g) ground flaxseed
- Pinch of sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup (60g) almond butter (or peanut butter)
- ¼ cup (60ml) honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Detailed Instructions
Preparation (10 minutes)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Lay out ingredients at room temperature
Making the Cookie Dough (15 minutes)
Step 1: Dry Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Rolled oats
- Dark chocolate chunks
- Dried cherries
- Ground flaxseed
- Pinch of salt
- Mix well to distribute ingredients evenly
Step 2: Wet Mixture
- In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Room temperature almond butter
- Honey or maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Stir until smooth and well combined
Step 3: Combining
- Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients
- Fold together until thoroughly mixed
- Let mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow oats to absorb moisture
Shaping and Baking (15-20 minutes)
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon:
- Portion dough into 12 equal cookies
- Shape into rounds about 2½ inches in diameter
- Press gently to flatten slightly
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until:
- Edges are golden brown
- Centers are set but still soft
- Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes
- Transfer to wire rack to cool completely
Expert Tips
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture
- Choose tart dried cherries for flavor contrast
- Allow almond butter to come to room temperature
- Don’t overbake – cookies should remain chewy
- Let cool completely for best texture and chocolate setting
Nutrition Information
Per cookie (makes 12):
- Calories: 135
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Healthy Fats: 7g
- Iron: 1mg
- Antioxidants: High (from dark chocolate and cherries)
Health Benefits
These cookies provide:
- Sustained energy from complex carbohydrates
- Heart-healthy antioxidants from dark chocolate
- Anti-inflammatory properties from cherries
- Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed
- Protein and healthy fats from nuts
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: 5 days in airtight container
- Refrigerated: 2 weeks
- Frozen: Up to 3 months (thaw overnight)
Perfect for:
- Pre-workout energy boost
- Afternoon pick-me-up
- Healthy dessert option
- Post-exercise recovery
- School or work snack
These cookies perfectly balance indulgence and nutrition, making them an ideal choice for anyone seeking a healthier sweet treat that doesn’t compromise on taste. The combination of dark chocolate and cherries creates a sophisticated flavor profile, while the oats and nuts provide satisfying substance.
