Saturday, February 26, 2011

oatmeal dark chocolate chip cookies (with flax!)


after an extremely long week, i wanted to make a comforting-yet-healthy treat to compensate for the half dozen mini-cupcakes, white wine, and pizza i've consumed recently. i went straight to a crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside cookie with dark chocolate chips (delicious & healthier than the milk version), oatmeal and my secret ingredient - flax.


now that i have you hooked, let's talk about flax. this stuff is one of those hippy foods that i never thought i would have in my kitchen, much less try to somehow pack into everything i eat. seriously - a substitute for bread crumbs, sprinkled in oatmeal and yogurt, it can even be used as an egg substitute! its got omega 3s (lowers cholesterol & blood pressure), works as an antioxidant and has tons of fiber. it's win-win - promise. you can get a big bag at trader joe's for a few dollars. you won't regret it!



these cookies came together super quickly in just a few steps. you can totally adjust the spices to your liking with these, which makes the recipe a great and healthy base that you should keep in your back pocket. a crucial part of this recipe is using sea salt, which i think adds oomph to anything with chocolate - especially cookies.


i used brown sugar in these because, well, i think it's like sugar - but better. i went light brown, but you could totally use dark brown and up the molasses-factor. (side note: this is a half batch that made around 15, so if you do a full batch prepare for about double this size!).


whenever trying a new cookie recipe i like to bake them at different times and with different strategies (i.e. chilling, flattening, etc.) to see what works best with the dough. these i baked in rounded 2 teaspoon portions and in 9 minutes they turned into this gorgeous golden brown. i like mine a little crispier, so i would probably go 10 minutes next time.


these cookies are delicious, wholesome, and for around 90 calories a pop they are a caloric bargain.

onto the recipe!

oatmeal dark chocolate chip cookies (with flax meal!)

makes about 30 cookies
adapted from the nourish network

ingredients:

3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
4 ounces butter, softened
2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

directions:

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.

2. in a medium bowl whisk together flour, flax, oats, baking soda, spices and salt.

3. cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. add egg and vanilla and combine.

4. add dry ingredients 1/2 cup at a time until incorporated but not over-mixed. stir in chocolate chips.

5. drop rounded scoops onto a lined cookie sheet and bake for 9-10 minutes.

nutritional information:


calories: 90, fat: 5g, cholesterol: 12mg, sodium: 39mg, carbs: 11.24g, fiber: 1g, sugar: 7.8g, protein: 1.15g.


thank you for reading & happy baking!


amanda

14 comments:

  1. Hey! I stumbled across your blog via tastespotting, and I just wanted to say your recipes look absolutely amazing. I'm looking forward to your future posts.

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  2. thanks, carly!

    i'm actually prepping another post right now for donuts, so come back soon. they are totally swoonworthy.

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  3. These look so delicious! I always use whole wheat flour in cookies just so I can feel a little less guilt about eating them! Glad I found your blog =) I may have to pick up some flax for the future!

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  4. alicia,

    whole wheat flour is the best! i didn't have any around the house when i made these, but it would a great substitution for ap flour. oh, and for sure grab some flax!

    thanks for reading!

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  5. Your photos are beautiful, and I bet these cookies are delicious. I've been experimenting more with vegan baking--thankfully I have an apprenticeship with the pastry chef at the vegan restaurant/bakery where I work--but I haven't gotten around to learning the secret to making the perfect vegan cookie.
    When I do, I'm making your cookies vegan-ized!

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  6. I found this recipe threw foodgawker and this the second time I'm making them. It's definitely a keeper. Last time I substituted half the chocolate chips for dried cranberries this time I'm trying with raisins.

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  7. I love oatmeal chocolate chip cookies so much! love that you added flax too. perfect

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  8. I randomly found your blog, searching for a chocolate chip cookie recipe with flax... Just have to say I LOVE THESE!!! I don't think I can ever go back to any other chocolate chip recipe after these...the complexity of flavor and consistency is just divine! And even my toddlers love them. Thanks a million for sharing ;)

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  9. Hi there! The cookies look great! But can you taste the flax seed? I've added flax seed to banana bread and the taste was quite strong...and certain family members would not eat it :(

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  10. they are delish. thanks for posting!!

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  11. This is one of my absolute favorite cookie recipes! Thank you! :-)

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  12. Hey, do you use salted butter or unsalted butter? Could rolled/quick oats be used or only one of these 2? Also, is it essential to use a cookie baking sheet or could a regular baking tray lined with oil and flour suffice?
    Really looking forward to baking these cookies so will request you for a reply at the earliest. :-)

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