Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and place a rack in the center. Line one or two baking sheets with a Silpat or parchment paper.
• In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, apple sauce and maple syrup. Beat until well combined.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and beat until smooth and fully incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, old fashioned oats, baking soda, kosher salt and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
• Fold in the shelled pistachios, dried cherries and flax seeds until evenly distributed.
• Using a small ice cream scoop or a 2-tablespoon measure, drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the palm of your hand to gently press each portion down slightly, since the cookies will not spread during baking.
• Bake on the center rack for 15 minutes.
• Remove the baking sheets from the oven and transfer the cookies to a cooling rack. Cool completely before serving or storing.