Edible Gift: Oatmeal Cookies with Cranberries and Chocolate

The year is drawing to a close, and the holidays are just around the corner. That means studying for exams, but also spending quality time with your loved ones. Gifts are often part of that festive spirit, and if you haven’t yet decided what to give for Christmas, these cookies are a unique option! The way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone. A homemade gift instantly makes you seem super likable because you’ve put real thought and love into it. And that will definitely come through in the taste of the cookies.

These cookies are made with oatmeal and almonds. As a result, each cookie also contains a number of very beneficial nutrients. Almond flour is rich in protein, vitamin E, and healthy fats. Adequate vitamin E promotes healthy skin and is good for your heart and blood vessels. In addition, vitamin E helps keep our immune system in top shape. ^{1 Oatmeal} , for example, is high in fiber. Fiber is essential for proper digestive function and also reduces the risk of inflammatory conditions and infections. ²

The best thing about these cookies is that they're irresistibly delicious. Happy faces guaranteed!

1 De Groot, I. (December 12, 2023).Vitamin E: Explanation, Benefits, Tips, and a Warning. Nutribites. https://www.nutribites.nl/vitamine-e/

2 Dietary Fiber: The Facts at a Glance. (n.d.). NICE Nutrition Information. https://www.nice-info.be/nutrinews/voedingsvezels-de-feiten-op-een-rij

Ingredients: (20 cookies)

• 100 g almond flour
• 100 g rolled oats
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 50 g chocolate
• 50 g cranberries

Preparation: (30 minutes)

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
2. Mix the almond flour, rolled oats, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
3. Melt 3 tbsp of coconut oil in a small saucepan and add it to the mixture.
4. Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract.
5. Mix well.
6. Add the cranberries.
7. Chop the chocolate into pieces and add it to the mixture.
8. Stir it one more time.
9. Take some of the dough in your hands and shape it into cookies. Place them on the baking sheet. 
10. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. 
11. Let the cookies cool a little longer.