February is National Snack Food Month as well as National Cherry Month so it’s fitting to post a recipe that honors both – Cherry Power Cookies.
These power cookies are packed with antioxidant rich tart cherries, oats, nuts and seeds. The tart cherries give each bite the perfect amount of sweet/sour contrast to the nuts and seeds. Cherry Power Cookies are the perfect snack for any trail ride.

Cherry Power Cookies

25 minutes – 10 minutes to prep and 15 to cook.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 ripe banana, mashed until smooth
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup dried tart cherries
• 2 tablespoons raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 1/2 tablespoons creamy almond butter
• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch kosher salt

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix together until well combined. Form the mixture into disks either by hand or by using a biscuit cutter/circular cookie cutter and pressing the mixture firmly into the mold to form.
Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown around the edges and on the top.
Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet.
Store in an airtight container.

Recipe & Photograph Courtesy: Running to the Kitchen