Faith's World's Best Fruit Cookies

I have been on a mission of epic porportions! 


Well...not really, but I have been passionate about finding/adapting a recipe to satisfy my daughter's picky palate. 

Faith loves cereal bars. Hasn't really ever turned one down. She would eat one (or more) every day and with her lack of food choces I have to say that she has eaten more than I care to count as part of her dinner. Which makes me Mommy of the Year don't cha think.  ;) 

So, I have been on a quest to come up/find a healthier version, so I don't feel so guilty giving my kid fruit bars for dinner! I found a recipe and decided to make some changes. You can find the original recipe here. http://onceamonthmom.com/homemade-cereal-bar-cookies/

Here is my version!

Faith's Fruit Cookies

1/2 cup butter at room temperature (1 stick)
Just shy of 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 1/2 cups oats (mixed in food processor) *
2 cups Unbleached white flour **
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Jam of choice for filling (I use Pol@nder All Fruit with Fiber)

* This recipe works best if you put the oats in a food processor to create a "flour like" texture. If you are unable to do this then you may need to add a little bit more applesauce.
** I use Wheat Montana brand (you can find at W@lMart) that is a natural white premium all-purpose flour that is unbleached/unbromded and high in protein. You can most definately use wheat flour or a combination of flours.

Mix all the ingredients together. I used my KitchenAid mixer and then use my hands to bring it all together in one big ball. You will probably have to use your hands to mix to some degree because the "dough" can be dry and will need to be incorporated.

Once all mixed, I roll a piece of the "dough" into a ball and then flatten to put in a muffin tin. Please visit the blog listed above for pictures and technique! Once you have the 12 spaces filled then you will use a dollop of jam in the center and then repeat the process to make the top "dough" piece. I like to tuck in the top piece to help hold in the jam.

Set oven to 350
Bake for 20-25 mins (I cooked mine for about 23 mins)
Leave the fruit cookies in the tin for about 5 mins before removing.

Enjoy!!