Cookies with avocado and cranberries

Cookies with Avocado and Cranberries: A Healthy and Quick Delicacy

Welcome to the world of healthy delights! Today, I will guide you step by step on a culinary adventure dedicated to making cookies with avocado and cranberries. These cookies are not only easy to make, but they are also packed with nutrients, providing you with a delicious alternative to traditional desserts. Let's get started!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Number of Servings: 12 cookies

Ingredients

- 1 ripe avocado (approximately 150g)
- 50g butter (at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts
- 150g flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional, for added texture and nutrients)

Brief History of the Recipe

Avocado cookies are a modern invention, born from the desire to incorporate healthy ingredients into our favorite desserts. Avocado, known for its nutritional benefits, has become a popular ingredient in sweet dishes. Combining it with cranberries, rich in antioxidants, only enhances the flavor and nutritional value of these cookies. These delicious treats are perfect for a quick snack or to impress your guests.

Preparing the Cookies

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients on a work surface. It is important that the butter is at room temperature to mix easily with the other ingredients. Make sure the avocado is ripe, with a soft texture, but not overly ripe.

Step 2: Mashing the Avocado
In a large bowl, mash the avocado with a fork until it becomes a smooth paste. Texture is key here, so take your time. The avocado not only provides a rich flavor but also natural moisture that will help keep the cookies soft.

Step 3: Mixing the Ingredients
Add the butter and brown sugar to the bowl with the avocado. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is a perfect moment to enjoy the enticing aroma of brown sugar, which will add a sweet, caramelized flavor.

Step 4: Incorporating Nuts and Cranberries
At this point, add the chopped cranberries and nuts. These ingredients not only provide a pleasant contrast of textures but also an explosion of flavors. Gently mix to avoid crushing the cranberries.

Step 5: Adding the Flour
Sift the flour into the bowl and mix gently until the dough becomes homogeneous. It is normal for the dough to be sticky, but don’t worry, that’s exactly how it should be! If you prefer a slightly denser texture, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Step 6: Shaping the Cookies
Use a spoon to form dollops of dough and flatten them slightly in your palm. If you have special cookie cutters, feel free to use them! Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them for even baking.

Step 7: Decorating the Cookies
Sprinkle the remaining chopped cranberries and chia seeds on top of the cookies. This detail not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the dessert but also adds extra nutrients.

Step 8: Baking
Preheat the oven to 170-180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until they are lightly golden on the edges and easily detach from the parchment paper. It is important not to leave them too long, as you want them to remain soft inside.

Step 9: Cooling
After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Cover them with a clean towel for 30-60 minutes to keep them soft. This is a trick I’ve learned over the years to achieve cookies with a perfect texture.

Serving and Variations

These delicious cookies can be served plain, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also try pairing them with cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a healthy breakfast. If you want to add an exotic touch, you can replace the cranberries with raisins or chopped dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen avocado?
While it is recommended to use fresh avocado, you can use thawed frozen avocado, but make sure it is well-drained of excess water.

2. How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make the cookies vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a natural sweetener.

3. What are the nutritional benefits of these cookies?
These cookies are rich in healthy fats due to the avocado, and the cranberries provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The nuts add protein and fiber, making them a healthy choice.

Calories: Approximately 100 calories per cookie, depending on size and ingredients used.

I encourage you to try this simple recipe and personalize your cookies with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy the cooking moment and the delicious aroma that will fill your kitchen! Enjoy your meal!