Cranberry Walnut Cookie Bars

By Noor H. Salem, contributing columnist

Almost everyone loves cookies, or sweet treats, but the majority would aspire to eat cookies without the negative health effects. I’ve found that one of the hardest bumps in the road to a healthy lifestyle for the majority of my clients has been staying away from sweet treats. Whether it’s cookies, waffles, or brownies that you’re a fan of, I’d highly recommend you try this recipe as a replacement. You’ll find this easily satisfies your sweet cravings, without the sugar crash that follows. Unlike the majority of store bought or processed treats, these cookies are free of bleached flour. They are free of additives, preservatives, and the ton of chemicals that aid in keeping shelf stable treats soft, fresh, and moist.

Walnuts are extremely high in omega-3 fatty acids, and are known to increase cognitive health and memory alike. They taste delicious, and are personally my favorite nut. It’s best to freeze walnuts to preserve the nutrients and freshness. Whether it’s putting them in this cookie bar recipe or packing a handful for work, I highly recommend you incorporate them into your diet immediately. They are satisfying, aid in preventing cravings, and are a wonderful source of healthy fats. Cranberries are high in antioxidants, dietary fiber, and vitamin C. They give a wonderfully tart addition to these cookie bars, and I find that they help balance the sweet, crunch, and tart taste of these bars, perfectly. As I’ve stated on a number of occasions, there is nothing better than homemade food. You are well aware of what’s in your treat, and can use better ingredients for optimum health. You’ll avoid bleached flour, hydrogenated oils, and preservatives that are all completely unnecessary.

Try this delicious yet simple cookie bar recipe, and it’ll quickly become a family favorite. I occasionally swap the walnuts for pecans, the cranberries for dried blueberries, and omit the chocolate all together. you’re free to play around with the recipe add-ins, and see which you like best.

Ingredients:

2 1/3 cup organic unbleached flour (or gluten-free flour)

1 ½ sticks organic butter

1 teaspoon baking soda

pinch Himalayan pink salt

¾ cup organic brown sugar (or coconut palm sugar)

¾ cup organic evaporated cane juice

2 organic pasture-raised eggs

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (alcohol free)

1 cup organic unsweetened dried cranberries

1 cup raw walnuts, halves and pieces

½-3/4 cup dark chocolate chips (I like 70% cocoa or more)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Combine the flour, salt, and baking soda in a small mixing bowl. Set aside
3. Beat the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until well combined and fluffy. Do not overmix
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Add the vanilla
5. Add the flour mixture; use lower speed while mixing. Don’t overmix the batter
6. Fold in the cranberries, walnuts, and dark chocolate chips (if using)
7. Transfer the cookie dough into a 9-inch spring form pan (buttered)
8. Bake for about 20-24 minutes, or until golden brown
9. Allow it to cool; slice into squares

To make this into individual cookies: scoop the dough into 2 inch balls and place onto a baking sheet. Bake for 13-14 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack. Enjoy.

Noor H. Salem is an author, speaker, and Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, from Michigan. Noor works with clients in better understanding their bodies and healing with natural foods through her wellness practice, Holistic Noortrition. She presents various workshops, school lectures, group coaching classes, and community lectures on the topic of holistic health. Noor recently published her book, SUNNAH SUPERFOODS, a culmination of life-changing recipes and remedies, with a foreword by Dr. Waleed Basyouni. Her book consists of prophetic hadith, modern research, and delicious recipes, and is in the process of being translated into other languages.

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