Granola Cookies

Another fabulous weekend at home... the weather was almost summer like. I spent a few hours gardening with my husband. And after the little workout, I was in the mood to do some baking. I had all the ingredients at hand so I decided to make  a batch of granola cookies.They are utterly delicious! 

Don't be intimidated by the long list of ingredients. They are actually very easy to make (similar to oatmeal cookies), but with the added goodness of whole grains and nuts. 

Granola Cookies

Makes about 2 dozen

Ingredients:

2 Cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup all purpose flour

1/4 cup wheat germ

1/4 cup flax seed meal

1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup almonds coarsely chopped

3/4 cup (1 and 1/2 sticks) butter softened

1 cup packed brown sugar (I prefer dark-brown sugar, but you can use light-brown if you prefer)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). In a large bowl stir together oats, flour, wheat germ, flax seed meal, coconut flakes, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, sunflower seeds, almonds and set aside.

2. Using an electric mixer at medium speed beat together the butter and the sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Reduce speed to low and slowly add the oat mixture and continue mixing until well incorporated. Mix in the cranberries.

3. Using and ice cream scoop, spoon the dough onto baking sheets covered with parchment paper. Using your fingers flatten the dough slightly. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Remove from the oven and let cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. 

Enjoy!

Martha.