Maple-Apple Morning Cookies

Maple-Apple Morning Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup flaxmeal
• 1/2 cup wheat germ, toasted
• 40oz dried apple slices, diced

Preheat your oven to 325. In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Add in the oats, flaxmeal, and wheat germ and mix. Pour the maple syrup mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well. Throw in the apples and mix until evenly distributed. Drop onto lined cookie sheets and bake until firm to the touch, about 18 minutes. The recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Let’s get rid of the elephant in the room and point out the dynamite nutrition these cookies bring to the table; eat one of these and you’re doing good on your recommended daily values of whole grains, Omega-3’s, folic acid, and so much more. That aside, I really liked the flavor these had. They were subtly sweet, with a bit of a nuttiness, and the texture is surprisingly puffy and soft. The apples add a nice tough and sweet contrast to the base. If you’re really looking for something sweet I’d up the maple syrup or add brown sugar. But I think these are perfect breakfast cookies, like the name implies. The Summer can be a not-so-oatmeal-friendly time, so I welcome any new ways to get whole grains in the morning. 1 or 2 of these with some yogurt, fruits, and nuts would make a great and tasty way to start the day.