chocolate chip cookie recipe - Delish Recipes foods

a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe along with some tips for making it more nutritious while still delicious.

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour (can use a gluten-free blend if needed)
1/2 cup rolled oats (adds fiber and texture)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) or unsalted butter (softened)
1/4 cup natural nut butter (like almond or peanut butter for added protein)
1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar (lower glycemic index)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (sweetness with some added nutrients)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher for less sugar)
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for added crunch and nutrition

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, nut butter, coconut sugar, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the dark chocolate chips and nuts if using.
Scoop Cookies: Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look a little underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Use Whole Grains: Whole wheat flour provides more fiber and nutrients than all-purpose flour. Oats add more texture and fiber as well.
Reduce Sugar: You can often reduce the sugar in recipes without affecting taste. Consider using natural sweeteners like mashed bananas or applesauce for moisture and sweetness.
Add Ins: Incorporating nuts, seeds, or dried fruits can boost nutrition and add healthy fats and extra fiber.
Chocolate Choices: Opt for dark chocolate chips, which contain less sugar and more antioxidants than milk chocolate.
Portion Control: Make smaller cookies to help manage portion sizes. You can also freeze cookie dough for quick baking later.
Healthy Fats: Coconut oil or nut butter can replace butter, providing healthier fats and, in the case of nut butter, protein.
Watch Cooking Times: Be mindful of baking times and remove cookies from the oven when they are just set; they will continue to cook a bit as they cool.