Simple Cookies

A few months ago, I discovered a baking treasure: whole wheat pastry flour. It's lighter than regular whole wheat flour, and the few recipes I have tried (off the packaging) have never failed me. (The Flaky Whole Wheat Pie Crust is FAB!!!)

Since you'll surely be attending many parties and celebrations over the month, why not make up a big batch of these, keep them in the freezer until needed, and then wow your audience?

I appreciate these cookies because they offer protein, carbs, and healthy fat---a perfect snack for someone trying to keep his or her sugars stable while also enjoying a sweet (but not too sweet) treat.

WOW Chocolate Chip Cookies

(Rachel's version. Originally published on the Bob's Red Mill Whole Wheat Pastry Flour Bag)

Ingredients:

• 1 stick of butter (I use organic)



• 1/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce



• 1 1/2 cups of sugar (I use raw organic)



• 2/3 cup of soymilk (or regular milk)



• 2 t vanilla



• 2 1/2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour



• 1 1/4 cups of oats (I use old fashioned)



• 1 t baking powder



• 1 t baking soda



• 1/2 cup walnuts (or more---I just dump them in)



• plenty of chocolate chips---I use a mix of semi-sweet, dark, and milk

Directions:

1. Using a mixture, combine the (softened) butter, applesauce, sugar, milk, vanilla, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix until it's well combined and creamy.



2. Hand stir in the flour and oats. After these are well combined, stir in the nuts and chocolate.



3. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes per batch. This recipe makes 2 dozen cookies (not too many), so I usually double it.

I think these cookies taste best fresh out of the freezer. If you plan to take them places, you can bake and freeze in advance. I suggest freezing 1 dozen cookies on a red, (thick) paper plate and store in a gallon baggie. GRAB AND GO!

For more recipes and products, please visit Bob's Red Mill.