{good for you} CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL COOKIES

One of my favorite treats are Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies.  Often times I try to avoid them because they are packed full of cholesterol, fat, and empty calories.  Now, don't get me wrong,  I still love that type of chocolate chip cookie from time to time! BUT, for my overall health, weight loss goals, and cholesterol lowering properties....these are AWESOME!!!

We all know (or maybe we don't) that dark chocolate is the better choice of chocolate.  You are better off the higher percentage of cacao (often spelled cocoa) you go.  In this recipe I opted for Ghirardelli Bittersweet 60% Cacao chips and my kids loved them. I, personally, like it sweeter and might just go with half milk and have dark next time around.  

Most people (I'm not one of them) love to wash down a chocolate treat with a big tall glass of milk.  Next time you reach for that glass of milk keep in mind that research shows that washing your chocolate down with milk could prevent the antioxidants from being absorb or used by your body.  

These cookies are cholesterol free AND have ingredients that help lower your cholesterol!!! If you are cholesterol conscious, these little cookies may just be what you are looking for! Pair these cookies with your favorite cup of Joe  and you will forget they are {clean} and healthy.

{good for you} Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 c unsweetened {all natural} applesauce
• 1/2 c organic raw sugar 
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 c organic agave or honey
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 c whole-wheat flour (I recommend Bronze Chief from Wal-mart)
• 1 1/2 c organic rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 c flaxseed meal
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 c chocolate chips, dark is preferred

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. In a mixer, add applesauce and sugar and mix until creamy. Add egg whites, vanilla, honey/agave and olive oil. Mix well.
3. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, baking soda, salt, rolled oats, baking powder and cinnamon. Slowly add the dry to wet, mixing until moist. Add the chocolate chips at the end, stirring gently.
4. Using a teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of mixture to your baking sheet. Use parchment paper or cooking spray to prevent them from sticking. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. Recipe will make about 2 dozen cookies.

NOTE: I used the small scoop from Pampered Chef. If you are looking for a typical chocolate chip cookie recipe this is probably not for you. But, if you are looking for a healthy alternative to the chocolate chip cookie, give it a try.

KID APPROVED??? YES!!! (check out one of my little "taste testers" as he gives them a try...he couldn't stop eating them)