Healthy No-Sugar Nut and Fruit Cookies

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the **unsweetened applesauce** (or mashed banana), **peanut butter** (or almond butter), and **egg** (or flax egg). Stir well until everything is combined. The applesauce or banana provides natural sweetness, while the nut butter adds healthy fats and helps bind the ingredients together.

#### Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the **rolled oats**, **chopped mixed nuts**, **dried fruit**, **ground flaxseed** (if using), **cinnamon**, and a pinch of **salt**. Stir until everything is evenly distributed. The oats provide fiber, the nuts give protein and healthy fats, and the dried fruit adds a natural sweetness and chewy texture.

#### Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until fully combined. The dough will be thick, but it should hold together well. If it feels too dry, add a little more applesauce or a splash of water to help bring everything together.

#### Step 5: Form the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to form a cookie shape. These cookies don’t spread much during baking, so flattening them helps ensure even cooking.

#### Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about **10-12 minutes**, or until they’re golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them toward the end to prevent burning. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem soft when you first remove them from the oven.

#### Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up and hold their shape. Once fully cooled, enjoy these healthy, delicious cookies!

### Tips and Variations:

– **Nut Butter Options:** If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor, you can swap the peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
– **Fruit Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits like figs, raisins, or chopped dates. If you prefer a slightly different sweetness, use mashed bananas in place of applesauce.
– **Add Chocolate Chips:** For an extra treat, add some dark chocolate chips to the dough. The rich flavor of dark chocolate complements the nuts and fruit beautifully.
– **Make it Vegan:** Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) in place of the regular egg to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
– **Customize the Nuts:** You can use any mix of nuts you like. Walnuts, almonds, cashews, and pecans are all great options. For added crunch, consider adding seeds like chia or sunflower.

### Why You’ll Love These Healthy No-Sugar Nut and Fruit Cookies:

These cookies are perfect for anyone looking to cut back on sugar but still enjoy a delicious snack. The natural sweetness from the dried fruit makes them satisfying without the need for any added sugar. Plus, they’re packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and flaxseed, making them a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

What makes these cookies even better is how versatile they are. Whether you prefer raisins, cranberries, or apricots, you can easily swap out the dried fruit to suit your tastes. The same goes for the nuts—you can use whatever you have on hand or whatever you prefer. These cookies are also great for meal prep since they store well and make a convenient snack for busy days.

### Final Thoughts:

**Healthy No-Sugar Nut and Fruit Cookies** are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while fueling your body with wholesome ingredients. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for anyone who wants a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a breakfast on the go, or a guilt-free treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Try them today, and enjoy a delicious, nutritious bite—without the sugar!