Coconut Oat Cranberry Chewy Cookies

I am always trying to make a better cookie. One that everyone likes, no one thinks is healthy and has the least amount of sweetener possible. Well I have come up with a really good one this round. These cookies are yummy! They have it all chew, flavour, the right amount of sweet, texture and approval of my boyfriend. Okay they are missing one thing, chocolate. I really don't think they need it though, hmmmmm not that it would hurt.

Coconut is nice in cookies because it adds natural sweetness, chew and flavour. Be sure to buy unsweetened coconut and preferably organic. Coconut should really be the only ingredient. I realize that the amount of sulfates in conventional dried fruit is minuscule but I really do believe it is best to avoid harmful ingredients when you can. Those minute bits add up when you get them from several different sources many times a day. Accumulation does matter in the big picture. That is also a reason to do seasonal cleansing, see previous posting. As for the dried cranberries, go organic and get the apple juice sweetened ones for less sugar. That being said do your best and pick the best choice that is available to you, even if that means non-organic. The stress of it all has a worse affect on your body.

I used Nature's Path Millet Rice flakes for these cookies. They have a good crunch and are wheat free for those with a wheat sensitivity. You could use any cereal flakes though.

Okay, here is the recipe, I hope you enjoy it! These won't last long so make a double batch and freeze half if you want to be efficient with your time. They are pretty quick to make. You can add some ground nuts as well if you would like a bit more protein. I would say 1/2 cup or you can add hemp seeds as they are an excellent complete protein and a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are good brain food and help you burn fat and lose weight! So enjoy them. Walnuts and ground flax also give you the good omega-3.

Okay really now, enough rambling, get baking.

1/2 cup butter or unrefined sesame oil

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup rice or hemp milk

2 cups quick oats

1 cup coconut

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1 cup crushed cereal flakes

Melt the butter in a small pot and stir in maple syrup and rice milk. If you are using oil instead you can just mix these ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted butter mixture into a large mixing bowl.

Toss in remaining ingredients and stir until everything is all mixed in. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto a a baking stone or onto parchment paper on a baking tray. Bake at 350 for 18 minutes until lightly golden brown.

Let them cool if you can and enjoy them with a nice cup of tea and a Friend or two.

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Enjoy your cookies,

Marissa