Healthy Cherry, Almond & Oatmeal Cookies

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When it comes to eating healthy, I strongly believe in balance. I don’t believe in giving up dessert, snacks or specific food groups. I eat everything, but try to in in balance. Whether then is by controlling portion size, swapping ingredients or just making better choices. These healthy cherry, almond and oatmeal cookies are just packed with good-for-you stuff like oatmeal, almonds, almond flour and egg whites. They are cholesterol-free, have no added sugar and are gluten-free to. Doesn’t get better than that.

I’ve made this recipe using ingredients you can be happy putting in your body. Let’s review, shall we?

OATMEAL AND ALMOND FLOUR

Whole oats are a powerhouse when it comes to nutritional value. They are high in dietary fiber and rich in soluble fiber which can help lower cholesterol and promote heart health. Hey, I’m making these during Heart Health February for a reason! The fiber also supports good digestions and can control blood sugar. What’s not to love?

Almond Flour is another nutritious food to add to your diet. It is made up of ground almonds which most know are packed with essential vitamins, magnesium and monounsaturated fats. Those fats are known to be good for your heart and also may help reduce cholesterol. Almond flour is a much better choice than white all-purpose flour which has been stripped of almost all its nutrients. Did I mention, you also get this amazing nutty flavor?

ALMONDS AND DRIED TART CHERRIES

We already talked a little about almonds but eaten whole, the combo of healthy fats, fiber and protein can contribute to weight loss since it gives you the feeling of being full and satisfied. It is a great snack on it’s own, but in this cookie, also a delicious treat. Am I giving you reasons to make this cookie and consider it healthy? Yes, I am. lol

Tart cherries provide another whole set of reasons to include them in a healthy diet. They are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which can help with chronic inflammation, such as arthritis and certain cardiovascular disease. They too are good for the heart and are a natural source of melatonin which helps regulate sleep. These also have potassium which may contribute to blood pressure regulation and weight management. Come on, these cookies are almost a wonder drug!!! ONLY KIDDING, but they certainly do have lots of healthy ingredients.

MONK FRUIT

You’ll note I’ve used monk fruit in this recipe. My sugar substitute of choice is Lakanto Monk Fruit sugar substitute. I like it because there is no after taste and no calories. You can use your favorite sugar substitute in this recipe OR the real thing. The choice is totally up to you.

EGG WHITES

I like using liquid egg whites, but yes, you can use the egg whites from an egg. Save the yolk for another purpose or discard. Egg whites have no cholesterol which is why I chose them for my Heart Healthy February dessert.

To get started on the recipe, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and put to the side.

Using a hand mixer, combine the sugar and butter in a bowl, beating until light and fluffy. (about 3 minutes) Add the egg whites, vanilla and clementine or orange zest and combine.

Note, I used clementine today because that is what I hand on hand. Oranges work great in this and add just the right amount of citrus flavor.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Using a spatula, fold the dry mix into the wet mix and combine completely. Add the cherries and almonds and fold to combine.

Use an ice cream scoop for cookies that are the same size. Form the dough into small balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes and then transfer them onto a rack to cool completely. Enjoy!