2 words: Filling and Delicious!! ?
Once you enjoy one of these small-but-mighty granola bar cookies, we think you’ll agree!
We opted to make these using a cookie scoop because, well, it way easier than forming and cutting bars. However, these are not fluffy and light like a cookie, but rather packed with yummy and filling ingredients. There’s whole grains (rolled oats), nuts (walnuts), seeds (flax & sunflower seeds), fruit (goji berries & dates) and tasty add-ins (cacao nibs & coconut).
The mix of healthy ingredients makes these a perfect on-the-go snack. Or an easy breakfast. Or a favorite addition to your kid’s lunch. Why spend $1-2 on a granola bar (that’s probably sweetened with refined sugar), when you can make 20 of these granola bar cookies in less than 30 minutes??
Or make a double (or triple) batch in the same amount of time! These granola bar cookies will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Ingredients
Let’s chat about a few of the yummy and nutritious ingredients you’ll find in these granola bar cookies.
- Dates – Refined sugar free, dates offer just the right amount of sweetness. We used Deglet Noor dates, found in most grocery stores with the dried fruit. Be sure to buy PITTED dates!
- Walnuts – With antioxidants and omega-3’s, this is arguably the healthiest nut out there. We’ve also made these with raw almonds and were pleased with the end result!
- Flaxseed – A great egg-replacer, this little seed is full of healthy fats and fiber. Ground flaxseed goes rancid quickly, so we recommend buying whole flaxseeds and grinding it on your own in a coffee grinder or blender (*affiliates).
- Coconut – Be sure to choose unsweetened coconut. No added sugar needed!
- Sunflower seeds – Opt for raw sunflower seeds to avoid added oil often found in roasted options. These can be swapped for pepitas to add a little color!
- Cacao nibs – These are simply crumbled bits of cacao beans. Since they’re minimally processed and unsweetened, they’re much more nutrient-rich than chocolate chips.
- Goji berries – Goji berries are highly recommended but raisins or dried cranberries (unsweetened) will work if you’re in a pinch.
As you’ll notice, the dough is not a sticky cookie dough, but rather heavy and firm. This is just what you want to get that filling, granola-bar-like end product.
QUICK TIP: Because the dough is firm, when scooping it we like to use one hand to push the dough into the scoop. This results in a nice and rounded finished product.
We used our trusty food processor to whip up these granola bar cookies. You’ll also need a large mixing bowl, cookie scoop and baking sheet (*affiliate links).
Looking for non-cookie-shaped granola? Check out our Chunky Granola made with Aquafaba, 3-Step Spiced Granola and Goji Granola.
Plant-Based Whole Grain Granola Bar Cookies
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Large mixing bowl
- baking sheet
- cookie scoop
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed
- 3 Tbsp water
- 3/4 cup raw walnuts or other raw nut (almonds, pecans)
- 1 1/2 cup rolled oats divided
- 20 Deglet Noor dates pitted
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut unsweetened
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup cacao nibs
- 1/3 cup goji berries
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Make flax egg by combining ground flaxseed and water in a small bowl or mug. Let sit.
- Place walnuts and 1/2 cup of oats in a food processor fitted with an S-blade and blend for 30 seconds, until no large chunks remain. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Adds dates, water and vanilla extract to the food processor (no need to wash out any oat residue). Let soak.
- Add coconut, sunflower seeds, cacao nibs, goji berries and baking powder to the oat/walnut mixture.
- Blend dates, water and vanilla extract for 30 seconds, or until smooth.
- Add date puree and flax egg to dry mixture and stir until combined.
- Use a cookie scoop to scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until firm. Let cool and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
*We are a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. We use the products and ingredients that we link to and recommend them because we believe they are the best choice for you.
