Healthy(er) Oatmeal Cookies

Have you ever used the cookie recipe on the inside top of your oatmeal carton? They are pretty good, and live up to their name of "vanishing oatmeal cookies." They are so good, it is too easy to eat 2, 3, 4 cookies in one sitting. Many times, I have little self control so this becomes a problem. A solution? Making a slightly healthier version...

For some time now, Callie and I have perfected our oatmeal cookie recipe. Our tricks have been under wraps for a while, but I think it is time to share the secrets (which probably are not so secret, but we like to feel creative).

Your Quaker Oats call for:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 3 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
• 1 cup raisins

Our Healthy(er) Oatmeal Cookies call for:

• 8 oz mashed up banana or plain applesauce
• 3/4 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup egg beaters
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 cups old fashioned Quaker Oats 
• 1 cup peanut butter chips
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• A splash of milk if it needs moisture
• Coconut (optional)
• Salt (optional)
• Other mix-in variations: ground coffee and heath bar bits, white chocolate and dried cranberries, walnuts and chocolate, trail-mix, be creative because the possibilities are endless!

For both recipes:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, beat the banana or applesauce, egg beaters, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients. Mix well. Add mix-ins and milk if the dough looks too dry.

Drop dough by heaping spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet (or sprayed with Pam).

Bake 8-10 minutes or until light golden brown along the edges. Cool almost completely, because the best kind of cookie is warm and just out of the oven!

Making the simple substitutions of banana or applesauce, egg beaters, and whole wheat flour make these cookies a bit healthier, and just as tasty. They are soft, moist, and filling! Did I mention, most definitely VANISHING! 

Enjoy!