Healthy and Gluten-Free Orange Cookies

Some recipes win you over with their aroma — and these orange cookies fill the house with an irresistible scent of comfort and freshness. Made only with natural ingredients, without gluten or refined sugars, they are perfect to accompany tea, coffee or a snack for the little ones.

Oats provide fiber and energy, oranges offer a citrus touch and are rich in vitamin C, and dates replace sugar, sweetening naturally. A healthy and simple snack, ideal for taking advantage of seasonal oranges and preparing something homemade, nutritious, and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 100g of rolled oats (or almond or rice flour, for oat-free versions)
• 100 ml of fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 5 dates
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder

Preparation method:

1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2️⃣ Grind the rolled oats in a food processor until you get a coarse flour.

3️⃣ Add the orange juice, yeast, dates, and orange zest. Blend again until you obtain a smooth and consistent dough.

4️⃣ In the middle of the grinding process, it's advisable to stop the food processor and stir the mixture with a spatula to remove large pieces of date (this depends on the food processor).

5️⃣ Form small balls about 1.5 cm in diameter (you can use an ice cream scoop) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6️⃣ Using a moistened fork, lightly flatten each cookie to give it shape.

7️⃣ Bake in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes (or about 15 minutes if they are for younger babies, to make them softer).

8️⃣ Remove from the oven and let cool completely — or try them while still warm if you can't resist! 🍊

✨ Extra tip: Try adding cinnamon or ground ginger for a more aromatic version, or swap the dates for dried figs. They're equally delicious!

These healthy, gluten-free orange cookies are slightly soft in the center and crispy at the edges, with a perfect texture to enjoy with natural yogurt, herbal tea, or fresh fruit. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—they'll stay fresh and delicious.

If you want to prepare simple and flavorful recipes with fresh fruits and vegetables, discover the Horta da Maria baskets — delivered directly from the producer to your table. Because the difference is in the taste! 🍊🍪

Recipe inspired by the sharing of Criar Comer e Crescer — adapted by Horta da Maria.