Whole grain biscuits

Whole Grain Cookies with Candied Fruits

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 cookies

Whole grain cookies are an excellent choice for a healthy and delicious snack. This recipe is inspired by the tradition of using simple ingredients to create treats that bring joy with every bite. Today's cookies are crunchy, packed with nutrients, and perfect to enjoy with a glass of milk or a cup of aromatic tea.

Ingredients:
- 10 tablespoons of whole wheat flour
- 8 tablespoons of dark flour
- 4 tablespoons of wheat bran
- 4 tablespoons of oats
- 4 tablespoons of corn flakes
- 2 tablespoons of candied fruits, diced
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 4 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon of flax seeds
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon of grated orange peel
- a pinch of salt
- a glass of milk (or milk at room temperature)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the milk is slightly warmed, but not hot, or you can use milk at room temperature. This step helps to homogenize the dough.

2. Grinding the dry ingredients: In a mixer or food processor, add the oats, corn flakes, sunflower seeds, and sugar one at a time. Blend everything well until you achieve a coarser flour. This step will add a crunchy texture to your cookies.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a larger bowl, add the whole wheat flour, dark flour, bran, flax and sesame seeds, the flakes mixture, grated orange peel, melted butter, candied fruits, and salt. Gently mix the dry ingredients to combine them evenly.

4. Adding the milk: Start adding the milk gradually, mixing well. The dough should be dense but slightly sticky. If it is too dry, you can add a little more milk.

5. Shaping the cookies: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and prepare a baking tray with parchment paper. Use your hands to form dough balls the size of walnuts, then flatten them slightly as if making patties. Place the cookies on the tray, leaving space between them to expand.

6. Baking the cookies: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the cookies bake for 10-15 minutes. At 10 minutes, you can check one cookie. If it is golden and crunchy, you can take them out. If you prefer firmer cookies, leave them for a few more minutes, but remember they will harden as they cool.

7. Cooling and storing: After taking them out of the oven, let them cool on a rack. They can be stored in a larger jar with a lid, to prevent them from becoming too hard, although they are so delicious that they may not last long!

Suggestions and variations:
- Instead of candied fruits, you can add nuts, almonds, or even grated chocolate for a more decadent taste.
- If you enjoy more intense flavors, you can add cinnamon or vanilla to the dough.
- The cookies are delightful if served with a cup of warm milk or a fragrant tea.

Nutritional benefits:
These cookies are high in fiber due to the whole wheat flour and bran, while the seeds provide a boost of protein and healthy fats. The candied fruits offer natural sweetness and essential vitamins, making them an excellent choice for a healthy snack.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, you can replace the whole wheat and dark flour with gluten-free flour blends, but the texture may vary.
- How long do the cookies last? If stored properly, the cookies can last up to a week, but it is best to consume them fresh.
- Can I freeze the cookies? Yes, you can freeze uncooked or baked cookies. Before eating, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly.

This is a quick, simple, and healthy dessert, perfect for breakfast or a snack between meals. So, unleash your imagination and start enjoying these whole grain cookies with candied fruits! Enjoy!