Mediterranean Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies
Introduction
These Mediterranean-style cookies combine the rustic goodness of oats and walnuts with the sweetness of cranberries and a drizzle of natural honey. Instead of butter, we use extra virgin olive oil — a staple in Mediterranean cuisine — for a tender crumb and subtle fruity aroma.
They’re rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, making them a smart, guilt-free treat for breakfast or snack time.
Perfect alongside mint tea, Greek coffee, or a glass of milk — they bring the flavors of the Mediterranean coast straight to your kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 12–14 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 18–20 cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
1 ½ cups (180g) whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp sea salt
Wet Ingredients:
½ cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
⅓ cup (70g) coconut sugar or brown sugar
¼ cup (60ml) honey (or pure date syrup)
2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan option)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
2 ½ cups (220g) rolled oats
1 cup (120g) dried cranberries (unsweetened or reduced sugar)
¾ cup (90g) chopped walnuts (lightly toasted)
Zest of 1 orange (optional — for a Mediterranean citrus note)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Whisk Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk olive oil, sugar, and honey until smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until creamy.
Combine:
Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Add Oats & Mix-ins:
Fold in rolled oats, cranberries, walnuts, and orange zest. Mix gently.
Chill Dough:
Chill for 20 minutes to help the dough firm up and prevent spreading.
Shape & Bake:
Scoop 2 tbsp portions onto the tray, flatten slightly, and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown at the edges.
Cool & Enjoy:
Let cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Drizzle with extra honey if desired.
Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Cookies
Use high-quality olive oil — its fruity flavor enhances the cookie’s richness.
Add orange zest or chopped dates for an authentic Mediterranean aroma.
For a crunchier texture, bake an extra 2 minutes.
Store in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Q & A
Q1: Can I replace olive oil with butter?
✅ Yes, but olive oil gives a unique Mediterranean touch and a softer texture.
Q2: What can I use instead of honey?
Try date syrup or maple syrup for a plant-based sweetness.
Q3: Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 6 tbsp water).
Q4: Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely — almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts work beautifully too.
Q5: Are these cookies healthy?
Yes! They’re made with whole grains, olive oil, and natural sugars — full of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
Nutrition (Per Cookie)
(Approximate, based on 18 cookies)
Calories: 195 kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 3.5g
Fat: 9.5g
Saturated Fat: 1.2g
Fiber: 2.4g
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 110mg