🍪😋Dried Fruit Cookies🍪😋
Dried Fruit Cookies are chewy and delicious treats, made with a variety of dried fruits and a perfect balance of sweetness. These cookies are ideal for a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat, making them a great choice for kids. The combination of oats and dried fruits provides energy, while being soft and easy to enjoy.
Now let’s prepare our Dried Fruit Cookies… 🍪😋
Prepare the Ingredients:
- 150g all-purpose flour.
- 100g rolled oats.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 100g unsalted butter (softened).
- 75g granulated sugar.
- 75g brown sugar (packed).
- 1 large egg.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- 150g dried fruits (like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots).
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor).
Step-by-Step Preparation Instruction:
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This will prevent your cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 150g all-purpose flour.
- 100g rolled oats.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (this will help the cookies rise).
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness).
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor).
- Make sure all the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together:
- 100g softened butter (ensure it’s soft, not melted)
- 75g granulated sugar
- 75g brown sugar
Beat the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies stay soft.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients
- Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture.
- Beat well until the ingredients are smooth and fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients from step 2 into the wet mixture from step 4. You can add a little at a time and mix gently.
- Stir with a spatula or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
6. Add the Dried Fruits
- Gently fold in 150g dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots) using a spatula.
- You can reserve a few dried fruits for sprinkling on top of the cookies later for decoration if you’d like.
7. Scoop the Dough
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread as they bake.
- If you saved some dried fruits, sprinkle them on top for an extra touch.
8. Bake the Cookies
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the cookies—when the edges are golden brown and the centers are set, they are done. They may still look soft but will firm up as they cool.
Tip: Start checking after 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.
9. Cool the Cookies
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy.
10. Serve and Enjoy
- Your Dried Fruit Cookies are ready! Serve them with a glass of milk or enjoy them as a sweet snack anytime during the day.
- These cookies are great for kids because they are soft, chewy, and packed with nutrients from the dried fruits and oats.
Important Notes:
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies dense.
Dried Fruits: Feel free to use your favorite dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots. You can mix different fruits for added variety.
Baking Time: Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. Check for golden edges and slightly soft centers to know when they’re done.
These Dried Fruit Cookies are perfect for kids, offering a chewy texture with a naturally sweet flavor from the fruits. They are a wholesome and delightful treat! 🍪🍇