Healthy Cookies

Cookies and milk is an all time favorite snack. However, store bought cookies are full of sugars, artificial colours and preservatives. Below are some simple, delicious, nutritious and healthy cookie recipes. Why not get your kids to help you make them? This will be a great way to get them away from a screen, spend some time with them and also teach them how to make some nourishing meals!

Peanut butter, chocolate chip cookies:

Enjoy these yummy, chewy cookies with a warm cup of milk!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup peanut butter smooth (no added sugar)
• 1/2 cup real maple syrup
• 1/4 cup butter melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. In a mixing bowl combine the peanut butter, and maple syrup, vanilla, and melted butter and beat until well mixed. Add in the egg and mix well. Add flour and baking powder and mix until it forms a dough. Chill the dough in the freezer for ten minutes until the dough firms up.
3. Shape dough into small balls (about 1-2 tablespoon of dough each) and place on the prepared sheet. Use fork to lightly press each dough ball down. Press a few chocolate chips on the top of each dough cookie.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies become slightly golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven and place the cookies on a wire rack to cool. Notes: You can stir the chocolate chips into the dough like traditional chocolate chip cookies but I always think they look extra pretty when I press them on the top.
6. Makes about 14 cookies.

Carrot, Apple and Banana Breakfast Cookies:

These cookies make a great breakfast option especially when you’re in a rush to get the kids out of the house.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• Cinnamon powder
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup grated carrot
• 1 cup, grated apple
• 1 medium banana
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips or raisins if you want an even healthier option.

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a cookie sheet with grease-proof paper.
2. In a large bowl mix together the whole wheat flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl beat the egg. Add the melted coconut oil, honey and vanilla extract and stir well. Add this mixture to the large bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
4. Add the grated carrot, grated apple and mashed banana and stir until everything is well mixed together. Add in the chocolate chips or raisins
5. Roll the cookie dough into 1 inch sized balls. Place each on the cookie sheet and press down lightly with a fork.
6. Bake in the oven for 13-15 minutes. Allow to cool on a wire rack. The dough should make approximately 20 cookies which should last up to 3 days in an airtight container.

If you try out these recipes, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @yapp_totos and @ nourishbynush. We’d love to see your creations! Happy and healthy eating!!

About the author: Anushka Chandaria is a certified health coach. Through Nourish by Nush (Instagram: @nourishbynush) she helps clients reach their health goals using a holistic approach by taking into consideration all aspects of wellbeing such as their mind, body and soul.

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