Health-nut cookies


The other day I had a cookie fix like you couldn't believe. I wanted crisp, light cookies that were tasty but weren't going to make me feel horrid for eating a few. Yeah, there is no such thing as a truly healthy cookie, but an okay-for-you-with-some-healthy-ingredients cookie was possible. I didn't have much in the cabinets, but I knew I had enough of this-and-that to concoct something good.

Health-nut cookies!

I had some wayward pecans hiding in the freezer where they were staying fresh and happy. Pecans are a funny little nut packed with tons of health benefits. From aiding in heart health to keeping the brain working right, pecans contain antioxidants, plant sterols, and vitamin E. So, I figured adding them in with some fiber-fantastic oatmeal, sweet raisins, and brain-boosting cinnamon, I'd have some flavorful and healthy cookies!

Here's what you need

1/2 cup room temperature butter

1/4 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 egg

1 Tablespoon peanut butter

1 cup flour

1 cup oats

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup pecans

How to make the cookies

Start by mixing the butter, sugars, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. You can also pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it's nice and hot.

Now stir in the egg until the mix is nice and frothy and then slowly add the flour, oats, peanut butter, baking soda and baking powder. This cookie dough is pretty dry, so take your time - and work out those arms! Once everything is incorporated, the dough should be bit crumbly but yummy looking.

Sprinkle in those pecans and raisins and mix everything together.

Cover a baking pan with some parchment paper and begin rolling golf-ball sized bits of the cookie dough. Place them about 2-inches apart and then flatten with the palm of your hand.

Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the tops of the health-nut cookies are nice and lightly browned.

We couldn't resist enjoying some fresh from the oven with a nice glass of milk - tasty!

sarahlipoff