Almond Butter Oatmeal and Cherry Cookies {Vegan, Refined-Sugar Free}

Almond Butter Oatmeal Spelt Cookies from Veggie and the Beast

Oh 3pm, you’re so predictable. All other hours of my workday at least provide some variety to my thought processes, but not you, 3pm. You’re all about the antsy, boredom, will-this-day-ever-end cravings. No matter how much I stuff myself with a hearty and nutritious lunch, you’re going to make me twiddle my fingers until I find something delicious for them to grasp, aren’t you?

The form of these cravings changes day-to-day. I used to want chips, and then I went through a phase where I would just spoon peanut butter out of the jar (note: dangerous), but lately I’ve been all about sweets. Specifically, I want a baked good. At 3pm. Every damn day. Sure, a decadent midday baked good is fine every-so-often, but everyday? Get your head out of the sugary, cotton candy clouds, Katie.

Almond Butter Oatmeal Spelt Cookies from Veggie and the Beast

I do, however, heartily believe in the power of an afternoon pick-me-up. Sometimes you just neeeed that boost to get through the final couple hours of the workday. Which brings me to these cookies. I made them on Monday night when I realized I shouldn’t deny myself the baked goodness, but perhaps I could make a healthier option than what’s in the cupboards at work (i.e. Famous Amos).

These have everything I love in a cookie: thick, chewy, and full of texture, plus they’re packed with maple syrup and almond butter, which are two of my favorite things. I’ve been eating them around 3pm at work this week and they definitely help me appease the late-afternoon ants in my pants.

Almond Butter Oatmeal Spelt Cookies from Veggie and the Beast

I only recently began baking with spelt flour, and I think I’m in love. It’s a whole grain flour, but it’s high in protein, easy to digest, and packed with nutrients. The flavor is nutty and similar to whole wheat, but I find it slightly more mild, which can make a big difference in the taste of your baked goods.

To boost the benefits beyond spelt, I used a small amount of coconut oil for the fat, then added applesauce, almond butter, and maple syrup for extra moisture and flavor. The oats add fiber and texture, while the dried cherries bring some tartness to the mix.

Almond Butter Oatmeal Spelt Cookies from Veggie and the Beast

These cookies are vegan, but if you’d rather use a regular egg than a chia/flax egg I’m sure that would be fine. The other ingredients can also be tweaked to your liking; swap out the almond butter for peanut butter (or any other nut butter), replace the cherries with other dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips (which I MUST try next). Obviously, if you try any different combinations, let me know!

Almond Butter Oatmeal and Cherry Cookies {Vegan, Refined-Sugar Free}
 
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Thick and chewy almond butter cookies filled with hearty oats, sweet dried cherries, and the nutty flavor of spelt flour. Deliciously vegan and refined-sugar free!
Author:
Recipe type: Cookies, Desserts, Vegan, Healthy
Ingredients
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, measured solid then melted
  • ¼ cup natural applesauce
  • ½ cup natural creamy almond butter
  • ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons warm water plus 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups spelt flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ⅛-1/4 teaspoon salt (depending on if your almond butter is salted)
  • ½ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ⅓ cup dried fruit, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips (I used dried cherries)
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, use a fork to combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and oats.
  3. Mix together the melted coconut oil and the applesauce. Beat in the almond butter and maple syrup, then pour in the chia/flax egg and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Mix until just combined, and then fold in the dried fruit.
  5. Use a heaping tablespoon to scoop the dough, then form into balls. Set onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silpat, then press down to flatten.
  6. Bake for 8-9 minutes.

 

Almond Butter Oatmeal Spelt Cookies from Veggie and the Beast

Take that, 3pm.

Nutrition Information Per Serving (1 cookie): Calories: 125, Total Fat: 6.6g, Saturated Fat: 2.5g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 71mg, Total Carbohydrates: 14.9g, Dietary Fiber: 3.0g, Sugars: 4.7g, Protein: 3.3g

   

7 Responses to “Almond Butter Oatmeal and Cherry Cookies {Vegan, Refined-Sugar Free}”

  1. Kate — May 10, 2013 @ 7:44 am (#)

    I’ve been experimenting with spelt flour as well, with all sorts of recipes and am loving the results; other grains have also made an appearance in my baked goods, too and I’m slowly pushing the container of wheat flour to the back of the cupboard in exchange for these great options.

    I love this recipe. And I’m pretty sure we’d devour those cookies.

    • Veggie — May 10, 2013 @ 9:15 am (#)

      We just joined a co-op and I can’t wait to try some of the different flours they have in the bulk section. What are some of your favorites?

  2. Maggie — May 23, 2013 @ 1:47 pm (#)

    Hi Katie!
    Liam (age 3) and I just made these and they turned out great! We used dried cherries but also added sliced almonds and mini chocolate chips (chocolate chips are a defining characteristic of cookies for Liam, so we had no choice). They are delicious, and I love that they are whole grain and made without refined sugar. Great healthy treat or even breakfast for kids!

    • Veggie — May 23, 2013 @ 1:55 pm (#)

      What a sweet comment! I thought these would be really good with chocolate chips – I’ll have to try that next. I’m so glad that they were a hit with Liam! :)

  3. Maggie — May 23, 2013 @ 1:58 pm (#)

    Oh, and we used a real egg!

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