Healthy(ish) Kitchen Sink Cookies (Nut-Free)

An easy-to-make, adaptable kitchen sink cookie recipe designed to be healthier and completely nut-free, offering a satisfying chewy texture with thoughtful ingredients. These cookies are packed with wholesome add-ins, making them a delicious and guilt-free treat.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 12 min
Total Time: 27 min
Servings: 4
AmericanVegetarianPescatarianNut-FreeShellfish-FreeFish-FreeSesame-Free

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup Whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 cup Melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup Unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup Light brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons Maple syrup
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if desired)
  • 1/4 cup Dried cranberries (or other dried fruit like chopped apricots)
  • 2 tablespoons Shelled sunflower seeds
  • 2 tablespoons Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 1/4 cup Nut-free mini chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

  2. 2.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Set aside.

  3. 3.

    In a separate large bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, unsweetened applesauce, light brown sugar, and maple syrup. Whisk until well combined and smooth.

  4. 4.

    Add the egg and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is lightened in color and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.

  5. 5.

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

  6. 6.

    Fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

  7. 7.

    Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. This recipe yields about 8-10 cookies.

  8. 8.

    Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set but still look slightly soft. Do not overbake for a chewier cookie.

  9. 9.

    Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips

  • 💡**Customize Your 'Sink'**: Feel free to swap out the dried fruit or seeds. Other great nut-free additions include shredded coconut (unsweetened), flax seeds, or even a sprinkle of orange zest.
  • 💡**Storage**: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
  • 💡**For a Chewier Texture**: Ensure your brown sugar is fresh and packed firmly. Slightly underbaking the cookies will also enhance their chewiness.
  • 💡**Make Them Vegan**: Replace the egg with a 'flax egg' (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes until gelled) and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
  • 💡**Portion Control**: For consistent baking and cookie size, use a cookie scoop.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by Shannon Williams