Chewy Oatmeal Almond Butter Cookies

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the maple syrup, chia or flax seed, vanilla, brown rice syrup, almond butter, oil, and zest, if using. Blend for a minute or two until well mixed.In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients, sifting in the baking soda, and stirring in the fruit and chocolate chips until well incorporated.
2. 2
   Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Churn with the mixer for a minute or so, until the mixture has come together.Using a cookie scoop, transfer rounded tablespoon-sized mounds onto baking sheet.
3. 3
   Bake for 11 to 12 minutes.
4. 4
   Remove from oven and let cool a minute or two on baking pan and then using a metal spatula, transfer to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely to firm up.