Oat and Seed Chocolate Medallions
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Bake time: 12–15 minutes
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Yields: 10–12 cookies
Ingredients
The Base:
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1 ½ cups rolled oats
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½ cup almond butter (or any seed butter)
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¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp cinnamon
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A pinch of salt
The Mix-ins:
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¼ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
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¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
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¼ cup slivered almonds
The Topping:
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1 cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips
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1 tsp coconut oil (for a smooth finish)
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Extra seeds and nuts for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the almond butter, applesauce, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until smooth. Fold in the rolled oats until they are fully hydrated by the wet ingredients.
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Fold in Textures: Gently stir in the pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, and slivered almonds. The mixture should be sticky and hold together when pressed.
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Shape the Cookies: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Place them on the baking sheet and press them down into flat discs, about ¼ inch thick. These cookies do not spread during baking, so shape them exactly how you want them to look.
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Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are slightly firm and golden. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet; they will firm up significantly as they cool.
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The Chocolate Layer: Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until glossy. Spoon a generous amount of chocolate over the top of each cooled cookie, spreading it to the edges.
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Decorate and Set: While the chocolate is still wet, press a few extra nuts and seeds into the top for that “jeweled” look. Place the cookies in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to allow the chocolate to snap-harden.
Questions & Answers
Q: Can I make these without a nut butter? A: Yes! You can substitute the almond butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version that still provides that rich, creamy bind.
Q: My cookies are a bit crumbly. How can I fix that? A: This usually means the oats were a bit dry. You can add an extra tablespoon of applesauce or a splash of water to the dough next time. Also, ensure you let them cool completely before moving them, as they “set” during the cooling process.
Q: How do I get the chocolate to look professional and shiny? A: Adding a tiny bit of coconut oil helps with the shine. For the best look, avoid overheating the chocolate; melt it slowly and stir often.
Q: How should I store these? A: Since these have a chocolate coating, they are best kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the base chewy and prevents the topping from softening.