Chunky Bran Drops
Chunky Bran Drops are hearty, chewy cookies packed with bran, dates, and nuts, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture perfect for snack time or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup unprocessed bran ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup snipped pitted dates or raisins ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sunflower nuts or other nuts
Instructions
- Cream together butter or margarine, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until well blended.
- Mix flour, bran, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture; dough will be stiff.
- Stir in snipped pitted dates or raisins and nuts.
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Top each cookie with a slice of date if desired.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until browned.
- Remove from oven and transfer to racks to cool.
- Store airtight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using applesauce in place of half the butter or margarine. You can also substitute the dates with chopped dried apricots or figs for a different flavor. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the sunflower nuts and replace them with more bran or oats.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies make a delightful breakfast treat or snack and pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a special touch, serve them with a dollop of yogurt or alongside June'S Muffins for a varied brunch spread. They also make a great addition to a cookie platter for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chunky Bran Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Bran Drops contains roughly 126 calories, with 0g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 514mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients. The cookies may have a slightly denser texture but will still be delicious.
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the batter.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly browned around the edges and still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool, so it's okay if they look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).