Orange & Cranberry Cookies (Sugar free)

Orange... enough said :)

The end of our 4th year rotations and the beginning of our 2 week study period before exams, my flat mate and I have decided to have a competition of who can drink the most cups of tea whilst studying over the 2 week period in an attempt to get through our 400 odd tea bags before we move out of college!! But hey we also get the added anti-oxidant benefits to fight cancer :) Its day 2 and we are already on 4-5 cups a day each, my only problem is every time i have a tea i need something little alongside it such as a biscuit. So i had a 'bake break' and experimented with another batch of healthy sugar-free biscuits inspired by a few extra oranges in the fridge needing eating and cranberries. 

Why cranberries? 
Cranberries are a rich source of dietary flavonoids and other phenolic acids that research has shown may provide a variety of health benefits. A growing body of evidence has linked the phytonutrients found in cranberries to a number of conditions, including the promotion of urinary tract health and the prevention of cardiovascular disease counteracting cholesterol plaques, asthma, certain stomach ulcers and even cancer with its abundance of anti-oxidants. Studies have  also shown that cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs) are the novel compounds responsible for cranberry’s bacteria-blocking antiadhesion properties and can prevent plaques growing on teeth and hence assist with dental hygiene.  In addition, the berries are an also good source of many vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin A, ß-carotene, lutein, zea-xanthin, and folate and minerals like potassium, and manganese. Plus the berries add a little sweetness to these sugar free cookies :)
Well with cranberry health benefits and our tea competition with a few of these yummy treats i may by a little heavier (but healthier) by the end of these 2 long study weeks!! 

Key ingredients

Orange & Cranberry Cookies (Sugar free)

Ingredients

2 cups Oats
1 cup wholemeal SR flour
1 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Bicarb soda
1/2 cup dessicated coconut
2 eggs lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 Tbsp Honey
2 Tbsp grated orange rind
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 
3/4 cup dried Cranberries

Mix dry ingredients, orange rind and coconut in a large bowel. 
Add together egg, milk, honey and orange juice and mix into dry ingredients. 
Roll into drops and lay onto an oven tray lined with baking paper and bake in moderate oven for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. 

Lines up and ready for baking!

And the end verdict? I think the orange and cranberry combination is a win!! Give me these with a tea (or 400??) any day... Yum :) 

Orange & Cranberry Cookies :)