Healthy Cookies!!!

Have you had a cookie craving lately?? If so, I'm sure you are not the only person. When you are trying to stay healthy and on track; sometimes the thought of a cookie can seem SO WRONG but yet so tempting and irresistible! We have come across a few healthy cookie recipes that will not kill your healthy eating habits but makes you feel like you are really indulging your sweet tooth. Just remember moderation is the key ;)

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter (you can use chunky or creamy)
1 egg
1 1/4 cups of Quick Cooking Oatmeal
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
1/2 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 350
Mix Peanut butter and brown sugar together in a bowl with a large spoon. Once combined, add in egg. Then add oats and baking soda. Once all ingredients are combined you can add in your raisins and/or chocolate chips until evenly incorporated. On a greased cookie sheet; take a spoonful sized dough ball and flatten once on the cookie sheet. Bake cookies for 7-9 minutes until slightly brown around the edges. Let stand for 5 minutes and Enjoy!!

Skinny Chunky Monkey Cookies      

3 ripe bananas
2 cups of quick cooking oatmeal
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup cocoa powder (preferably unsweetened)
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350
Mash bananas in a bowl until you have barely any chunks left.  Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until combined. Let sit for about 20 minutes. Then drop teaspoon sized dough balls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes



Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars                 
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam or preserves (can use sugar free)

Preheat oven to 350. Grease an 8in. square pan
Combine brown sugar, flour, baking soda, salt and oats. Rub in softened butter using a fork or your hands until you get a crumbly mixture. Press about 3/4 of the mixture onto the bottom of the pan. Spread jam over the pressed 'crust' within about 1/4 inch of the edge. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top and lightly press down into the jam.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
**Tastes just like a pop tart!!