Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Bites

(Soft, festive, low-sugar, and naturally high in fiber)

These Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Bites taste like the holidays in one soft, chewy cookie. They’re bright, citrusy, lightly sweet, and packed with fiber to support blood sugar balance. Perfect for anyone who wants a “real cookie” feel but in a healthier, diabetes-friendly way.

🍊Ingredients (Makes ~16 bites)

• 1 cup rolled oats (or quick oats for softer cookies)

• ½ cup almond flour

• ⅓ cup dried cranberries (choose low-sugar or no-sugar added)

• Zest of 1 orange

• Juice of ½ orange (about 2 tbsp)

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter

• 3 tbsp allulose or 2 tbsp monk fruit or 1 tbsp coconut sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ tsp baking powder

👩‍🍳Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. In a bowl, mix oats, almond flour, cranberries, cinnamon, orange zest, salt, and baking powder.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg, sweetener, coconut oil, vanilla, and orange juice.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients; the mixture will be thick and sticky.

5. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto baking sheet and flatten gently.

6. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

7. Cool completely — they firm as they cool.

💜Why These Cookies Work for Blood Sugar

• Oats provide soluble fiber, which slows glucose absorption.

• Almond flour adds healthy fats that support blood sugar stability.

• Cranberries offer a festive touch with antioxidants — choose low-sugar for best control.

• Orange zest gives sweetness without added sugar.

• Sweetener options allow flexibility (very low glycemic or lightly sweetened).

🌿Functional Medicine Notes

• Oats support gut health and lower LDL cholesterol.

• Citrus contains flavonoids that reduce inflammation.

• Cinnamon may improve glucose metabolism.

🔄Optional Swaps

• Gluten-free: use certified gluten-free oats.

• No dried fruit: substitute chopped nuts for an even lower sugar option.

• Sweeter version: add 1 extra tbsp allulose or a drizzle of maple sugar.

• Vegan: replace egg with a flax egg.

🧊Storage

• Keeps 5 days refrigerated

• Freeze up to 3 months

• Great straight from the fridge — they stay chewy