Healthy Nut and Seed Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, chopped)
• 1/2 cup mixed seeds (sunflower seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds)
• 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, shredded coconut (if using), cinnamon, and salt.
3. Prepare the Wet Mixture:
   • In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated and sticky.
5. Shape the Cookies:
   • Scoop out spoonfuls of the mixture and shape them into cookies, pressing them together firmly. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake:
   • Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
   • Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Serve and Store:
   • Enjoy these cookies as a snack or breakfast on the go. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

This recipe is versatile; you can swap ingredients based on your preferences (e.g., use cashews, pecans, or add chocolate chips). Let me know if you’d like further variations!