Oatmeal cookies with raisins and cranberries

In a world filled with sophisticated desserts, oatmeal cookies with raisins and cranberries remain a classic and comforting choice. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for moments when you want to enjoy a healthy yet delicious snack. The cookies are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the combination of ingredients offers a perfect balance between sweetness and flavor. Now, let's begin the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 cookies

Ingredients:
- 150 grams of oats
- 6 tablespoons of hot water
- 50 grams of honey (preferably, but can be replaced with maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 100 grams of brown sugar (or white sugar if you don't have it)
- 100 grams of butter (or coconut oil for a vegan version)
- 50 grams of dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or dried apricots)
- 150 grams of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
- (optional) a pinch of salt

A brief history of the recipe:
Oatmeal cookies have a rich history, being popular worldwide due to the nutritional benefits of oats. They are an excellent source of fiber and protein, making them a healthy choice for breakfast or a snack. Oats have been used in various cultures as a staple ingredient, and the addition of dried fruits provides a sweet flavor and interesting texture.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the oats: In a bowl, add the oats and pour the 6 tablespoons of hot water over them. Stir gently to ensure even hydration. Let sit for about 10 minutes to soften, which will help achieve a soft texture for the cookies.

2. Preparing the caramel sauce: In a small saucepan, add the butter, honey, and brown sugar. Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the butter and sugar melt and the sauce thickens slightly. This step is essential for achieving a rich, caramelized sweetness. Once the mixture is homogeneous, remove it from the heat.

3. Combining the ingredients: Pour the caramel sauce over the hydrated oats. Add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and dried fruits. If you want a more intense flavor, feel free to add a pinch of salt, which will enhance the sweetness. Mix well until all ingredients are integrated.

4. Shaping the cookies: Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes. This step is important as the dough will be easier to handle. With wet hands (to prevent sticking), shape rounds about 4 cm in diameter and 0.5 cm in height. Don't worry if the dough is a little sticky; this is a sign that the cookies will be soft and delicious.

5. Baking the cookies: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to expand during baking. Bake the cookies for 20 minutes or until they turn golden.

6. Cooling: Once the cookies are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack. It is important not to leave them on the tray for too long, as they may become sticky.

Serving suggestions:
Oatmeal cookies with raisins and cranberries are delicious both warm and cold. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look or serve them with a cup of aromatic tea or coffee. They are also wonderful alongside Greek yogurt for a healthy breakfast or snack.

Possible variations:
- Nuts or seeds: Add chopped nuts or pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch.
- Fruit substitutions: Experiment with other dried fruits, such as dates or figs.
- Spices: Try adding a splash of vanilla or nutmeg to vary the flavors.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I make the cookies gluten-free? Yes, use almond flour or gluten-free flour to adapt the recipe.
- How long do the cookies last? The cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week, but they are best consumed fresh.
- Can I freeze the cookies? Yes, the cookies can be frozen. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Nutritional benefits:
Oats are an excellent source of fiber, which helps maintain digestive health. Additionally, dried fruits provide an intake of antioxidants and vitamins, making these cookies not only delicious but also healthy.

Oatmeal cookies with raisins and cranberries are an excellent choice for any time of day. With this simple recipe, you will bring a touch of warmth and comfort to every bite. Enjoy!