Vegan Cranberry-Orange-Nut Cookies

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. Add to that a load of healthy ingredients and you have a win-win cookie! These cookies travel well, making them a great choice for gift-giving and lunchboxes.

INGREDIENTS
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 organic sugar, divided
1/2 cup smooth, unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup light vegetable oil
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
3 tablespoons orange juice

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.

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.

Yield: 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Nutrition per cookie: 102 calories; 5 g fat (0 g saturated fat, 1g mono unsaturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 15 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber; 94 mg sodium; 24 mg potassium.

1 Carbohydrate Servings

Exchanges: 1 other carbohydrate, 1 fat

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Lisa D.

2:41PM PST on Jan 31, 2012

Awesome! Can't wait to try it!

send a green star

Jennifer C.

12:46AM PDT on Aug 25, 2011

Amazing! Great recipe. Love it. Thanks.

Samantha M.

9:45PM PST on Dec 9, 2010

Think I might have to make these wee treats on xmas day!!! Lovin the vegan baking!!!

Teckla W.

10:22PM PDT on Oct 22, 2010

Do you think I can use an all purpose gluten-free flour in place of the whole wheat pastry flour?

Kath R.

4:50AM PDT on Oct 21, 2010

The comment by Maeve C about refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before rolling made these cookies easier to handle. I would like to see the use of plastic wrap taken out of this recipe replacing it with a healthier alternative.

Natalia P.

3:17PM PST on Jan 17, 2010

loks great

Jan S.

7:46AM PST on Dec 19, 2008

These look really tasty and pretty. Can't wait to try them!

Maeve C.

8:28PM PST on Dec 17, 2008

I had to refrigerate for almost an hour for these to roll properly. But other than that, this was a simple recipe! And these are perfect for gifts, or just enjoying on a wintry day!

Leela S.

5:51AM PST on Dec 11, 2008

it is easy, tasty, healthy. I added almond powder too