Oatmeal Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Now that the temps have dropped a bit, I find myself craving a cup of tea every afternoon and something sweet (without too much guilt) to go with it.  As much as I love muffins and breads, the best thing about cookies are that they are ready in no time.  So, the other day, I decided to experiment with a traditional recipe and tweak it a few different ways to come up with these healthy oatmeal cranberry chocolate chunk cookies.  Yes, it’s quite the mouthful, I know!  But, once these tasty little treats come out of the oven, they are so worth the effort (which is minimal, I promise).  I suggest eating them when they’re still warm and gooey and dunking them into a frosty of glass of milk…pure heaven.

Ingredients: 

2/3 cup natural applesauce

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 large eggs at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 tablespoons ground flax seed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 package dried cranberries

2/3 cup chocolate chips

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Using an electric mixer, beat applesauce and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl for 2 minutes.  Add eggs and vanilla mixing well. Combine oats, flour, baking soda, flax and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Add to applesauce mixture in several additions, mixing well after each addition. Stir in dried cranberries and chocolate chunks.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls (I like to use an ice cream scoop) onto cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack.

Makes approximately 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

* Another favorite recipe are these traditional oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

Some Cute Tray Ideas: