Spring has finally arrived!

One of my favorite first signs of spring is when our apricot tree begins to blossom, and it looks like the tree is covered with popcorn!

I love watching the blossoms turn into apricots and anticipate the sweet goodness they will bring come late spring and early summer.

The only thing I regret is that they just don’t last long enough!

If my tree has a good year and produces a lot of fruit, I take some of the apricots and freeze them to use later in smoothies!

I also like to dehydrate them for a delicious sweet snacking later.

My absolute favorite way to eat a dehydrated apricot is in these delightful gluten-free cookies!

GLUTEN-FREE APRICOT GINGER COOKIES RECIPE

(24 servings)

INGREDIENTS

• 3 T coconut oil, softened
• 1/4 c + 3 T pure maple syrup
• 1/2 c almond butter
• 1 t vanilla
• 1/2 c gluten-free rolled oats
• 2/3 c gluten-free oat flour*
• 1/4 c arrowroot starch
• 1/4 c almond flour
• 1/2 t baking soda
• 1/2 t sea salt
• 1/4 t nutmeg
• 2 t fresh ginger, peeled, and finely grated
• 1/2 c unsweetened, dried apricots, chopped

(*Using a coffee grinder or blender pulse whole rolled oats until they turn into flour.)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350˚
2. Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
3. In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the coconut oil, maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla.
4. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until they are well blended.
5. Shape into balls and place on the cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before placing on a cooling rack to cool completely.

TIPS/SUBSTITUTIONS

• To change things up and have some fun with this recipe, opt for a different dried fruit, such as pineapple or cherries!
• Don’t have almond butter? No worries! You can also use cashew butter, sunflower butter, or any other nut butter of your choice.
• Double the recipe and freeze some cookies for later.
• Feel free to sub the maple syrup for raw honey.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF APRICOTS

Apricots are a powerhouse fruit full of necessary vitamins and essential nutrients. Some include (but there are too many to list) vitamin A, C, E, K, along with vitamins like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus!

Let’s not stop there! These delicious treats also help to…

• Strengthen bones.
• Improve heart health.
• Relieve earaches.
• Offer anti-inflammatory properties.
• Treat skin disorders.
• Reduce risk of anemia.

IN CONCLUSION

Not only will you receive the splendid benefits that these yummy fruits have to offer, but you’ll also be able to enjoy these without having to worry about gluten or refined sugars.

What are your favorite spring recipes? Drop them in the comments below!

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Hungry for more? Enjoy these healthy Creamed-Filled Chocolate Dipped Strawberries!