Semi-Naughty Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies and a Cookie Thief

In our little family, chocolate is the ultimate food. Even Nick loves all kinds of chocolate--even the darkest chocolate. But my husband noticed yesterday that his dress pants were a little bit tight. I've been trying to eat healthier as well.

I believe in treating myself, though just in small portions. I suppose I could also call these compromise cookies, since they're slightly healthier without tasting like "diet food." For me, lowering sugar and raising the amount of fiber are dietary goals. This recipe is a combination of several I found online, with a few of my own twists. The whole wheat flour and flaxseed give these cookies some fiber, and I've lowered the sugar somewhat. Don't worry, though, these cookies are very chocolatey. Enjoy!

Semi-Naughty Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Start out by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Cream the following in a metal bowl:


• 1 cup butter, well softened (It's okay if a little of the butter melts--it'll make the cookies chewier.)
• ¾ cup sugar
• ¾ cup baking splenda

Then combine the dry ingredients in a very large bowl:
• 2 1/4 cups white whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 t. baking soda
• 1/2 t. baking powder
• 1/4 t. salt
• 2 cups of oats (I used the old-fashioned kind.)
• 1 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips

In yet another bowl, mix together:
• 2-3 T of ground flax seed
• 7 T of water
• 2 1/2 t. vanilla
• 1 egg

Add the liquid mixture to the butter mixture. Stir.

Pour the wet ingredients into the large bowl with the dry ingredients, and mix it all together. Above you can see what the dough looks like. Be careful not to overmix; that'll make your cookies tough. I used my hands to form small circles with the dough, and then I flattened them on the cookie sheet. These cookies don’t spread much while they bake, so it's okay to put them close together.

Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes. Then you can eat them, and if you only have a few, they're not too bad for you, either.  ;) 

Nick absolutely loved these cookies. I gave him one, and then another, and he just went bonkers, shouting "Cookie!" and stomping his little feet. I bet Greg will do the same when he gets home.




Do you think my boy likes chocolate? 

Yummy cookies. . .  mmmm