Healthier Chocolate Chip Cookies

Is there anything better than a warm chocolate chip cookie on a cold winter night? How about cookies that cut back on sugar and fat but not on flavor. This recipe also calls for fiber rich whole grains. If you want to add protein, you can replace the rolled oats with one cup of almond flour. The oil can also be replaced with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat. Whole oats lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels and they contain unique antioxidants called avenanthramides that are believed to protect against heart disease. Oats are also a great source of resistant starches that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

Makes: 30 cookies
Time to cook: 35 minutes

Ingredients

· ¾ cup rolled oats

· 1 cup whole-wheat flour

· ½ teaspoon baking soda

· ½ teaspoon salt

· ¼ cup butter, softened

· ¼ cup canola oil or unsweetened applesauce

· ¼ cup granulated sugar

· ⅓ cup brown sugar

· 1 large egg

· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

· 1 cup chocolate chips

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray.

2. Grind oats in a blender or food processor. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add oil or applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg and vanilla; beat until smooth and creamy. With the mixer running, add the dry ingredients, beating on low speed until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

3. Drop the dough by heaping teaspoonfuls, at least 1 inch apart, onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, until firm around the edges and golden on top, about 15 minutes. Cool the cookies for 2 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make Ahead Tip: The cookies will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.Storage smarts: To extend the life of your baked goods, store them in an airtight container in a single layer or between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Nutrition per serving – 1 Cookie
89 calories; 5 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 3 grams monounsaturated fat; 4milligrams cholesterol; 11 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 8 grams sugar; 1 gram protein; 55 milligrams sodium

Recipe from Beverley Sharpe, Eating Well

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