Oatmeal Cookies with Fall Fruit #DessertChallenge

Sometimes I discover stuff in our pantry that has no rhyme or reason for being there. Case in point: it's been ages since I've used a box mix for anything but Jell-O, but while putting away groceries I found a bag of oatmeal cookie mix squirreled away in the back of the cupboard that was nearing expiry. I know I didn't buy it, but knowing my stepdad it was an impulse purchase while grocery shopping one week when my mom was off on business... odd, given that he doesn't cook at all!

At any rate, I had this mix in my hot little hands and a Dessert Challenge idea formulating. This month's these was Maple & Pears, and since I had some perfect, firm red pears on hand I knew they'd be a player. I always loved pear and apple crisps, especially with raisins or dried cranberries, so I jazzed up the relatively plain oatmeal base with the pear, maple extract, a handful of organic raisins and a (big) handful of dark chocolate chips - everything is better with chocolate! A sprinkle of maple sugar on top of each cookie before baking added an extra layer of rich sweetness too. The result? A fast, lunchbox-friendly treat that is anything but a boring old "box-mix" cookie!

Oatmeal Cookies with Fall Fruit
Makes 24 large cookies
450g Quaker® Oatmeal Cookie Mix (1/2 pkg)
1/4 cup  Amoré Almonds + Dairy
1 tsp maple extract
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup sultana raisins
1/3 cup miniature dark chocolate chips
1 large red-skinned pear, diced (no need to peel)
2 tbsp maple sugar, for topping

1. Preheat the oven to 375F and line two baking sheets with parchment.
2. Combine cookie mix, Amoré, maple extract and vanilla in a large bowl, mixing to combine well.
3. Fold in the raisins, chocolate chips and pear.
4. Scoop onto the cookie sheets and sprinkle with the maple sugar.
5. Bake for 14-15 minutes. Cool completely on the sheets.

Amount Per Serving
Calories: 112.4
Total Fat: 3.8 g
Cholesterol: 0.1 mg
Sodium: 90.1 mg
Total Carbs: 17.5 g
Dietary Fiber: 1.1 g
Protein: 1.5 g