these cluster style cookies are perfect for those of us who still love a treat, but are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. these are hearty and healthier than the average because i’ve used whole wheat flour, olive oil, unsweetened coconut, a smaller amount of brown sugar and dark chocolate. they are heavy on texture so you feel satisfied without over indulging and while they aren’t super sweet, the chunks of dark chocolate keep your sweet tooth in check. i adapted the recipe from martha stewart, and i double the recipe below to throw half in the freezer for later. also, if you have gluten allergies, like nuts in your cookies, prefer it a little sweeter, tweak as you like! this is a dairy free recipe minus the chocolate.
{the sparkle} oatmeal chocolate coconut cluster recipe:
- 1 cup whole-wheat flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of sea salt
- 1/3 cup
- 1/3 cup (or 2/3 cup) packed dark-brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate (chunked or chips)
method:
- preheat oven to 350 degrees. in a medium bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients; set aside.
- in a large bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, egg, and vanilla. add dry ingredients , and stir to combine; mix in chocolate. mixture may seem a little dry, but that’s normal.
- using two tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll into balls; place on two baking sheets lined with parchment paper, 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake until lightly browned, 15 to 17 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through.
- cool 5 minutes on sheets, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. freeze while warm.
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