Diet cookies

Diet Cookies with Dried Fruits - A Healthy Treat

We all look for ways to enjoy something sweet without compromising our health. These diet cookies with dried fruits are not only tasty but also an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight or adopt a healthier lifestyle. This recipe was created together with my friend Izabela, and the result was simply delicious!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 65 cookies

Ingredients:
- 200 g fine oat flakes
- 140 g dried fruits (bananas, dates, almonds, grapes)
- 120 g non-hydrogenated margarine
- 12-14 tablespoons of plant-based milk (or water)
- A pinch of salt
- Wholemeal or spelt flour (as needed)

The History of Diet Cookies:
Cookies have a long history, being a popular snack worldwide. This diet version is a modern reinterpretation that emphasizes healthy and natural ingredients. The cookies are perfect for enjoying at breakfast or as a snack throughout the day, providing nutrients and energy.

Preparing the Diet Cookies: Step by Step

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing all the necessary ingredients. Wash the dried fruits and chop them finely or, for a uniform result, use a food processor to mix them. You can choose your favorite combination of dried fruits, but make sure they are unsweetened.

2. Grinding the oat flakes: Use a blender or food processor to grind the oat flakes until they become almost like fine flour. This will help achieve a finer texture for the cookies.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground dried fruits, oat flakes, softened margarine (which has been left at room temperature), plant-based milk, and a pinch of salt. Start mixing with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients are well integrated. Gradually add the wholemeal or spelt flour until you obtain a dense dough. The dough should be firm enough to roll out.

4. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is essential to make the dough easier to handle and to achieve crispy cookies.

5. Preheating the oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat the oven to 180°C. Make sure you have a baking tray lined with parchment paper so that the cookies do not stick.

6. Rolling out the dough: After the time has passed, take the dough out of the refrigerator and place it on a clean surface sprinkled with a little flour. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to a thickness of about 2 mm.

7. Shaping the cookies: Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out the cookies. Carefully place them on the prepared tray, leaving space between them as they will puff up slightly while baking.

8. Baking the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they turn slightly golden.

9. Cooling and storing: Once the time has expired, take the tray out of the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes in the tray. Then, transfer them to a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for a longer time.

Nutritional Benefits:
These diet cookies are an excellent source of fiber due to the oat flakes and dried fruits. Oat flakes are known for their beneficial effects on digestion and can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Dried fruits provide a boost of vitamins and minerals, making these cookies a nutritious choice.

Serving Suggestions:
The cookies can be served as they are or with a cup of warm herbal tea. You can also pair them with Greek yogurt or a serving of cottage cheese for a hearty breakfast.

Possible Variations:
If you want to customize your cookies, you can add a little cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as almond flour or coconut flour, to achieve a different texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other types of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute margarine with butter or a vegan option, depending on your dietary preferences.

2. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding nuts or seeds will bring extra crunch and nutrients to the cookies.

3. How can I keep the cookies longer?
Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before storing them in an airtight container, preferably in a cool, dry place.

Now it's time to get cooking! These diet cookies are an excellent choice for any time of the day, and making them is a true pleasure. I invite you to share your experience and let us know how they turned out! Enjoy!