House Rule: Want a Cookie? Make a Cookie!

A long time ago when I found myself reaching for more sweet treats than my body needed, I instated the house rule: if you want a cookie, then make a cookie. Why? Well for starters if I'm really craving a cookie, then I would be happy to put the work into making one fresh from scratch instead of lazily darting to the nearest store for an unsatisfying quick fix. Secondly, so many store bought cookies are laced with processed ingredients and words I cannot pronounce, so if I am going to have a dessert snack, I am going to have one that will not harm my body but rather provide some nourishment. 

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This said, at any given time there is at least one type of cookie dough in my freezer! ;)

Except for last week... All week long, I wanted a chocolate chip cookie but with the usual hectic lifestyle we all lead, I had no time to bake until the weekend. So sadly no cookies for me!! :*(

By the time the weekend came, my craving was still in full force but changed slightly as I was reminded of how hard I tried last year to make a really flavorful pumpkin cookie. Many trials and tasty cookies later, I still wasn't completely satisfied. And then winter was over... 

But here we are again, embracing crisp weather and decorating the house with mini pumpkins and gourds!  As expected, I had some sweet potato puree, whole wheat flour, coconut oil and dark chocolate chips in the house, so away I went creating my wholesome treat. The sweet potato not only provides the main flavor, but is also loaded with vitamin C to help fend off the fall cold, B-vitamins for basically everything, potassium for my muscles and fiber to keep my heart healthy, my gut moving and my hunger tamed. The whole wheat flour also adds some fiber and protein to the cookies but most importantly doesn't spike and drop my blood sugar levels as quickly as a baked good made up of refined white flour. Essentially, even after eating my sweet treats, my mood will remain much stabler! The coconut oil, while still a saturated fat, unlike butter is known to raise HDL 'good' cholesterol and is a great substitute for anyone with a dairy allergy or intolerance. And lastly, the dark chocolate chips provide antioxidants and a richer chocolate taste with less added sugar than milk chocolate.  

These cookies are my best turn out ever! The sweet potato flavor is alive and kicking and the texture is soft and moist (almost fudgy but not fudgy). If you like crispier cookies, I recommend flattening the dough a bit before baking and leaving them in the oven for a couple of extra minutes. Also, while I usually avoid refined sugar, I did use brown sugar with a mix of maple syrup and vanilla for the sweetener, but I think if you tried you could cut the sugar down. I'm okay with the amount because I rarely consume refined sugar and believe that moderation is key to a healthy lifestyle.  

Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies (vegan optional)
(recipe adapted from Sally's Baking Addition)
Yields: 20 cookies

• 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sweet potato (or pumpkin) puree
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips (or carob chips)
  

Combine the coconut oil and sugar until smooth. Stir in the puree, maple syrup and vanilla. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and spices.

Pour the liquids into the dry goods and mix until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. 

Drop the cookie dough by 1 Tablespoon portions on a Silpat (or parchment paper or greased cookie sheet). Bake @ 350*F for ~10 minutes, rotating halfway for an even bake, until the tops of the cookies start to crack.  

Cool and gobble up! 

Goes great with coffee... ;)

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