Cooookies!!

I have to admit that I am a closeted sweet tooth. I say I'm not, but I totally am. With the holidays in full swing, I know there's an awful lot of delicious temptation covered in frosting and sprinkles looking oh-so cute and delicious.  If I'm being purely honest, I've given into temptation more than once...or twice...

That being said, it's totally ok to give in a little. Have a few, and then WALK. AWAY. For me, that's no easy feat, so I decided to do some research on building a healthier cookie; something that tastes good that won't give me anxiety about getting into my jeans.  I'm a fan of oatmeal cookies, so I decided to find a healthy variant on those.  Oatmeal- real rolled oats ( the big Quaker cylinder-like package) are what you're after, if you can help it, don't substitute the instant kind, which usually is packed with extra additives and sugar you really don't need.  Real oatmeal is full of fiber, it's a whole grain and it digests slowly in our bodies.  Nutritionally speaking, this means you don't have to eat many to feel satisfied and they'll actually help keep you full until your next meal.

The other curve ball with these cookies is that they don't require any butter or eggs, which will appeal to a great deal of special dietary concerns and also cuts down on the calorie and fat factor.  The binding agent, or glue is simply apple sauce. I used cranberries because they have a seasonal feel, but honestly, raisins or any other dried fruit would be equally delightful. Go crazy.  So without further adieu, here it is.

Oatmeal, Cranberry & Walnut Cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract

 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour ( regular white is ok too if that's what you have on hand)
1 tsp baking soda
1 generous pinch salt
 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Add sugar, applesauce, and vanilla together in a mixing bowl and incorporate well.  Add dry ingredients up until the oats and mix.  If the mix is too dry, don't be shy, feel free to add a bit more applesauce.  Finally, add in all the oatmeal, fruit and nuts and stir.  Portion onto a sprayed or parchment lined baking sheet.  You may wish to flatten with a fork for a more uniform appearance.
Bake for 10 minutes.

Ok, well I think it's about time I pack up a few of these little lovelies and head out for a run, since the temperatures have climbed out of the teens....

Until next time, xo.