There is pretty much no healthy way to make desserts. That's why they're called desserts! However, in order to make them a little less guilt-inducing, I like to find ways to make them a little "healthier". Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, or Oatmeal Raisin, are cookies that are probably the easiest to do this with.

SUPPLIES:

- 1 C Whole wheat flour
- 1/2 C All-purpose, unbleached flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 C Margarine (I use Smart Balance)
- 1/2 C unpacked brown sugar
- 1/4 C sugar
- 1/4 C Applesauce
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 C oats
- 3/4 C chocolate chips or raisins
*You can also add 1/2 C Walnuts if you wish!*

Directions:

- Preheat your oven to 350.
- Mix together the flours, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon in a small to medium bowl. Set aside.

- Beat the sugars and margarine together until there are no clumps left and it's as smooth as you can get it.



- Beat in the egg. Once well mixed, beat in the apple sauce and vanilla.
- Beat in the flour mixture in thirds until well blended. If you can't use your mixer the entire time, don't fret. Use it as long as possible before switching to a spoon or spatula.

- Mix in the oats, then the chocolate chips.
- Use a cookie scooper or spoon to place the cookies on a prepared (greased) cookie sheet. Be aware that if you use a cookie scoop they will turn out like Oatmeal Chocolate Chip balls (like the picture below as well as the first in the post).

- If you wish to use a cookie scoop and then flatten the cookies with a spatula before putting them in the oven, you can! It's what I did for the batches following the first. Just make sure to spray the spatula before taking it to the dough!

- Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes. Move to a cooling rack before helping yourself or serving them to friends, family, or co-workers!


Find this and more treats at: