I have searched far and wide for a cookie recipe that includes only healthy ingredients.  Let me tell you, I’ve tried and tested many batches and had an impossible time finding a recipe that was delicious!  Alas, I have combined and created a recipe that is tried and true, a fool proof healthy cookie recipe.

What’s even better?  These cookies have superpowers.

Mood balancing is integral to our well being.  I’m not just talking about reducing stress by eating calming foods.  During these uncertain times, it may be hard for people to find joy, comfort and a sense of being grounded.  Enter, mood balancing foods.  But what if those foods could be really good for you, too?

This recipe includes ingredients that are the superstars of mood balancing.  Below is the nutritional breakdown of these key ingredients:

Cinnamon has been shown to balance blood sugar.  This is particularly helpful for people who experience cravings, often a habit that can form during times of isolation.

Chocolate is high in magnesium which helps to maintain consistent energy flow and promotes quality sleep.  A lack of magnesium can result in symptoms like fatigue and depression (1), so juice up these cookies with a little extra chocolate! 

Oats are complex carbohydrates that are high in soluble fiber.  This type of fiber helps to lower cholesterol and stabilize blood glucose levels (2).  They also provide sustainable energy due to their high carbohydrate levels.

Pumpkin seeds and hemp hearts provide protein, healthy fats and high levels of zinc.  Protein contains amino acids, which make up the chemicals your brain needs to regulate your thoughts and feelings.

Eating healthy doesn’t mean making sacrifices for the things you love to eat.  I believe it’s about finding replacements that fit both needs- nourishment for my body AND soul.

Enjoy these cookies for breakfast, snacks or dessert!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups oats (gluten free)

3/4 cups whole grain flour (option to use gluten free flour if preferred)

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 egg (or 1 flax egg if preferred to keep the recipe plant based)

2 TBsp coconut oil (melted and cooled)

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (sugar free)

1/4 cup raisins

1 TBsp pumpkin seeds

1 TBsp hemp hearts

1 TBsp shredded coconut

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 365F.
  2. Assemble a large bake tray with parchment paper, set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon).
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk egg, maple syrup, vanilla and melted coconut oil together. Mix well until completely combined.
  5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredient bowl and stir with wooden spoon to combine.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the goodies: chocolate chips, raisins, pumpkin seeds, coconut shavings and hemp hearts. Stir to combine.
  7. Lastly, fold the goodies into the cookie mixture. Make sure they are evenly disbursed throughout the batter. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
  8. With a spoon, scoop the dough onto the baking sheet. Arrange cookies 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten the dough with the spoon. You should get 12 cookies out of the batter.
  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges of the cookies are golden brown.
  10. Remove cookie from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before storing in air tight container.

 

visit @emilyrhn for more recipes!

Sources:

(1)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5786912/

(2) https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/oats/