Sometimes I just need a cookie.  In the afternoon, I frequently enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee, and occasionally want something chewy and sweet to nibble on while I sip.  But packages of store-bought processed cookie dough with questionable ingredients and dangerous trans-fats are out of the question.  Fortunately, cookies are easy to make from whole ingredients in my pantry.  And yes, they can even be part of a healthy diet.

These fluffy oatmeal cookies use apple and coconut oil for moisture.  Sweetness comes from organic raisins and coconut palm sugar that won’t spike your blood sugar.   And anti-oxidant rich dark chocolate chips make them irresistible.  So if you find yourself in need of a cookie, give these a try.  At around 70 calories each, they are a yummy occasional treat that won’t wreck your efforts to eat better.

Recipe:

Preheat oven to 350° F.

1-1/2 cups rolled oats
½ cup whole wheat flour
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup coconut palm sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
½ cup shredded apple + 1 Tablespoon water
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
1/3 cup organic raisins or unsweetened dried cherries

  1. Combine oats through salt in a large mixing bowl.  Stir well to mix ingredients.
  2. In a separate small bowl, combine the apple, water, oil, egg and vanilla extract.  Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well with a wooden spoon until all of the dry ingredients are moistened and mixture is thoroughly combined.  Stir in the chocolate chips and raisins.
  3. On a parchment paper lined baking sheet, spoon out tablespoon sized balls of dough, allowing 1-2 inches between cookies.  Bake for 12 – 16 minutes, until edges are slightly golden.  Use a spatula to transfer the cookies to a cooling rack.  Makes 2 dozen.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Nutrition Facts