Wholewheat Goji Berry Walnut Cookies Recipe – Easy & Healthy

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Wholewheat Goji Berry Walnut Cookies Recipe – Easy & Healthy

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. These wholewheat goji berry walnut cookies are a little slice of sunshine – healthy, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. I first stumbled upon a similar recipe while trying to sneak more superfoods into my kids’ diets, and it’s been a family favourite ever since! They’re perfect with a cup of chai, or just as a little pick-me-up during the day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average cookies. We’re talking wholesome goodness packed into every bite! They’re made with wholewheat flour, naturally sweetened, and loaded with nutritious ingredients like goji berries, walnuts, and chia seeds. Plus, they come together quickly, making them ideal for a weekend baking session or when you need a homemade treat in a hurry.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful cookies:

• ½ cup coconut oil
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup wholewheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
• ⅓ cup goji berries
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• A pinch of salt

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Coconut Oil: Benefits & Substitutions

Coconut oil adds a lovely subtle flavour and keeps the cookies wonderfully soft. You can use refined coconut oil if you prefer a neutral taste, or unrefined for a more pronounced coconut flavour. If you don’t have coconut oil, melted butter (about the same amount) works beautifully too.

Wholewheat Flour: Choosing the Right Kind

I prefer using wholewheat flour for the added fibre and nutty flavour. But, you can experiment with different types! Stone-ground wholewheat flour has a coarser texture, while regular wholewheat flour is a bit finer. Both work well. (1 cup wholewheat flour is approximately 120g)

Goji Berries: A Superfood Boost & Where to Find Them

Goji berries are little powerhouses of antioxidants! You can usually find them in the dried fruit section of most supermarkets, or online. They have a slightly tart and chewy texture that complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

Walnuts: Regional Variations & Flavor Profiles

Walnuts add a lovely crunch and healthy fats. I love using Indian walnuts, which have a slightly more intense flavour. You can toast them lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavour even further.

Chia Seeds: Nutritional Powerhouse

Don’t skip the chia seeds! They add a subtle texture and a boost of omega-3s and fibre. They also help bind the cookies together.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, brown sugar, and egg until everything is smooth and well combined. It should look nice and creamy.
3. Now, add the wholewheat flour, baking powder, chopped walnuts, goji berries, chia seeds, rolled oats, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix!
4. Use a small ice cream scoop (or a spoon) to portion out the dough. Shape them into little cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each one. This recipe usually yields 14-15 cookies.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overbake! These cookies are best when they’re slightly soft in the centre.
• For extra flavour, let the dough rest for 30 minutes before baking.
• If your dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a manageable consistency.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation

To make these vegan, simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes).

Gluten-Free Adaptation (Using Gluten-Free Flour Blend)

My friend, who’s gluten-free, loves these made with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for binding.

Spice Level (Adding Cinnamon or Nutmeg)

A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a lovely warmth to these cookies. About ½ teaspoon should do the trick!

Festival Adaptations (Gifting & Occasions)

These cookies make wonderful gifts! Package them in a pretty tin or wrap them in cellophane with a ribbon for a festive touch. They’re especially lovely during Diwali or Christmas.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re also fantastic with a glass of milk, a cup of chai, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage Instructions

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They also freeze well – just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even cashews would work beautifully.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

What is the best way to store these cookies to keep them fresh?

An airtight container is key! Adding a slice of bread to the container can also help keep them soft.

Can I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar?

You can, but it will change the texture slightly. Maple syrup will make the cookies softer and chewier. Use about ¼ cup of maple syrup.

Are goji berries essential to the recipe, or can I omit them?

You can omit them if you don’t have them, but they do add a lovely flavour and nutritional boost. Raisins or cranberries would be a good substitute.