Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a proper oven temperature ensures even baking. While the oven heats up, gather all your tools and ingredients.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. You can also lightly grease the sheet if you prefer.

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, apple puree, melted butter, ground flaxseed, and maple syrup until smooth.

This mixture creates a moist base for the cookies. The apple puree adds natural sweetness and moisture, while the butter provides richness.

In another bowl, mix the quick oats, whole wheat pastry flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and sea salt. Ensure everything is well blended. This mixture is your dry foundation, providing structure and flavor to the cookies.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! The dough should be slightly sticky and chunky.

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in your chocolate chunks, dried cranberries, and nuts. These add-ins not only enhance the flavor but also provide texture and nutrients.

You can customize based on your preferences—add raisins for a chewy bite, for instance.

Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie as they will spread slightly while baking.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. The cookies might look a bit soft in the middle, but that’s perfect—they'll harden as they cool.

Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This is where the magic happens! They’ll crisp up a little while cooling.