These German-style healthy cookies are packed with dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, making them a delicious and nutritious treat. Ideal for a snack or even as part of a balanced breakfast, they offer a wonderful mix of chewy textures and sweet flavors, all without added sugar. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 80 g (2.8 oz) dried apricots, chopped
- 50 g (1.8 oz) walnuts, roughly chopped
- 100 g (3.5 oz) peanuts, crushed
- 30 g (1 oz) pumpkin seeds
- 30 g (1 oz) sunflower seeds
- 10 g (1 tbsp) sesame seeds
- 50 g (1.8 oz) almonds, sliced or chopped
- 100 g (3.5 oz) dried cherries, chopped
- 50 g (1.8 oz) candied fruits, chopped
- 1 egg white (from a large egg)
- 10 g (2 tsp) honey
Step-by-Step Baking Process
1. Preparing the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped dried apricots, walnuts, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, almonds, dried cherries, and candied fruits.
- Stir the ingredients until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This ensures that every cookie will have a delightful mix of fruits, nuts, and seeds.
3. Binding the Mixture
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg white until it becomes frothy. The egg white acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together.
- Add 10 g of honey to the frothed egg white and whisk again until fully combined. The honey not only helps bind the ingredients but also adds a touch of natural sweetness.
- Pour the egg white and honey mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly until the mixture starts sticking together.
4. Shaping the Cookies
- Take small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and shape them into cookie rounds. You can use a spoon to measure, then mold the mixture into a round shape with your hands.
- Place each cookie onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between them to ensure even baking.
5. Baking the Cookies
- Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the cookies bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they turn a beautiful golden brown color.
- The cookies should feel firm to the touch but not too hard—they will continue to set as they cool.
6. Cooling and Enjoying
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures that the cookies become nice and crisp while cooling.
Now you have a batch of German healthy cookies that are ready to be enjoyed! These cookies are perfect as a mid-morning snack, a pre-workout energy boost, or a guilt-free dessert.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
1. Nutrient-Dense
Packed with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, these cookies are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. The variety of ingredients provides a satisfying chew and crunch in every bite.
2. Low in Sugar
With only a small amount of honey, these cookies are naturally sweetened by the dried fruits and provide a guilt-free indulgence, keeping refined sugars to a minimum.
3. Versatile
This recipe is highly adaptable! You can swap out the dried apricots and cherries for other dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or figs. Similarly, you can experiment with different nuts such as pecans or hazelnuts.
4. Great for On-the-Go
These cookies are a great grab-and-go snack. Whether you’re packing them for a hike, a busy workday, or your kids’ lunchboxes, they provide sustained energy and a delicious treat.
Variations to Try
1. Spice it up
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
2. Chocolate Lovers
For an extra indulgent twist, toss in a handful of dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs for a healthy chocolatey flavor.
3. Vegan Version
To make this recipe vegan-friendly, replace the egg white with flaxseed meal (mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to form a gel-like consistency).
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 5 g
These German healthy cookies offer a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. With a delightful blend of fruits, nuts, and seeds, they’re not only delicious but also nourishing. Perfect for enjoying any time of the day, these cookies will quickly become a household favorite!
