12 Days of Holiday Cookies: Mint Chocolate Chip-Oat Cookies

By , SparkPeople Blogger
This recipe was created by Patricia Huller C.C.E., M.Ed., a culinary instructor and healthy baking expert from Cincinnati State's Midwest Culinary Institute, especially for SparkRecipes.

Every cookie platter should have a chocolate chip cookie. This cookie provides a lower fat option, with a holiday hint of mint. We used a limited edition dark chocolate and mint mix; however a dark chocolate chip could be used (substitute peppermint flavoring for the vanilla). These are a favorite of Pat's grandchildren, so you know they passed the "kid" test for flavor.

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Cooking and Baking Blend
1/3 cup low fat cream cheese (1/3 less fat)
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large egg yolks
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup oat flour*
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 ounces dark chocolate and mint chips
*NOTE: To make oat flour, place oats in a food processor or blender until they achieve a flourlike consistency.

Nutrition Info:
Calories: 69.2
Fat: 2.9 g
Find the full nutrition info here.

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prepare baking pans by spraying with canola oil spray. You may also line pans with parchment paper or use a silicone baking liner.

Cream the "butter," cream cheese and brown sugar on high speed using a mixer. Once the mixture is fluffy, reduce the speed to low and add the egg yolks and vanilla. Mix until combined.

Combine the flours, baking soda, salt, and chips in a bowl. Add to the butter mixture and mix by hand until well blended.

Drop heaping teaspoons onto a baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten lightly with the bottom of a glass that has been moistened with water.

Bake 6-7 minutes. Rotate the pans and bake until lightly browned, about another 3 minutes. Be careful not to overbake. Cool and store in tightly sealed container.

Yields 40 cookies.

Members who subscribe to SparkPeople's Recipe of the Day Newsletter receive one new cookie/dessert recipe each day, beginning December 1, to help them prepare for holiday parties and gift exchanges. We're also sharing them here because, well, who doesn't love good (and somewhat healthy) cookies?

Want to receive this in your email inbox? Click here to update your email preferences. Be sure to select "Recipe of the Day"


Do you ever substitute oats in your cookie recipes?