It’s been a while since I’ve made a good, wholesome, nutritious cookie — one that I can feel good about snacking on for a boost of energy first thing in the morning, or as a perfectly sweet treat after dinner.
As a self-professed cookie monster, I’ve embraced the art of “healthy cookie” making so I’d always have something slightly more nutritious than a box of nutter butters when the monster decided to come out. But lately my cookie baking has been less-than-healthy, and I’m longing for those guilt–free goodies of my past….
Some may laugh at cookies for breakfast, but to that I say simply compare the ingredients & nutrition facts to a your typical banana-nut bakery muffin and thennn we’ll see who’s laughing….
These pack serious protein from the egg, protein powder and nuts, a modest amount of healthy fat from almond butter, coconut oil and hazelnuts, slight sweetness from agave nectar, vanilla protein and cherries, and antioxidants from the cocoa nibs.
And in terms of taste, the sweetness contrasts with a peppery kick and tart cherries, nuts and nibs provide bits of crunch, the whole wheat and oats lend a dense and hearty chew, and the gentle scent of vanilla reminds you that you’re nibbling on a delicate little cookie. (For breakfast).
A cookie as balanced in nutrients as it is in texture and flavor. What more could a cookie monster ask for?
Cherry Hazelnut Power Cookies, adapted from the 17-Day Diet Book. Thanks Janet!!
makes ~18 cookies
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 T almond butter
- 1 T flaxseed or coconut oil
- ¼ cup agave nectar
- 1 egg or 3 ½ T egg whites
- ½ t vanilla extract
- ½ t almond extract
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour
- ½ t baking soda
- 1 t cinnamon
- ½ t salt
- ¼ t ground white pepper
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder (I use tera’s whey bourbon vanilla)
- 1 ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup dried cherries
- ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts
- ¼ cup cocoa nibs (optional) Continue reading
blissful bites 