Crisp, moist and chewy, this cookie created by Georgene Egri of Walnut Creek, California, has the essential ingredients for the holidays: citrus, nuts and cranberries. These cookies travel well for gift-giving and lunchboxes.

Servings: 2 1/2 dozen cookies
Total Time: 1 1/2 hours
Ease of Preparation: Easy
Health: Low Sodium, Low Calorie, Low Carb, Low Sat Fat, Low Cholesterol, Heart Healthy, Diabetes Appropriate, Healthy Weight


Ingredients:

Cranberry-Orange-Nut Cookies
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar , divided
1/2 cup smooth, unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup canola oil
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
3 tablespoons orange juice


Steps:

1: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Stir in walnuts and dried cranberries.

2: Whisk 1 cup sugar, applesauce, oil, orange zest and juice in a medium bowl until smooth. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Mix until well blended. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

3: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.

4: Put the remaining 3 tablespoons sugar into a small flat-bottomed dish or pan. Roll the dough with floured hands (it will be very moist) into 1 1/2-inch balls, then roll in sugar to coat. Place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

5: Bake the cookies until barely golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on the pan for 1 minute; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition: (Per cookie)

Calories - 102
Carbohydrates - 15
Fat - 5
Saturated Fat - 0
Monounsaturated Fat - 1
Protein - 1
Cholesterol - 0
Dietary Fiber - 1
Potassium - 24
Sodium - 94

Prepare the dough through Step 2, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Related Links:

  • Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
  • More Healthy Cookie Recipes