Healthier Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

If there are two things in this world that I love it has to be:

1. the combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
2. cookies.

So, when I made and consequently devoured these peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, I knew that I had hit the jackpot. Not only are they extremely delicious, but they are - gasp - not too bad for you! These cookies are healthier than most, so you won't have to feel bad after eating two, or you know, six of these little guys. And as if it could get any better, the ingredients are all things that everyone should have on hand! Plus, these are easy peasy to make.

So, if you, like me, are getting battered by this winter storm, and you, like me, are not sure what to do with your day, I highly recommend doing what I did, and make these cookies and then sit down with a good book, or like me, watch some guilty pleasure TV and just relax! The cookies end up being nice and chewy, just the way I like them!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (makes 24)

Ingredients

1/4 cup granulate sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugars, peanut butter, egg and vanilla. Beating at medium speed until well combined, about 2 minutes.

Add in the dry ingredients, excluding the chocolate chips, and beat at low speed until combined, about 2-4 minutes. Now stir in your mini chocolate chips.

Remove dough from bowl (it will be quite runny) and shape it into a log, or a disk, wrapping in plastic wrap and placing in the freezer for 20-30 minutes.

Now would be the time to preheat your oven to 375 and line your two cookie sheets with wax paper.

Using a cookie scoop, or a teaspoon, break off a small about 1 to 1.5 inch piece of dough and roll it between your palms to create a well shaped ball. Place it on the cookie sheet and slightly flatten with the back of the spoon. Repeat with all cookies.

Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until cookies are set. Be sure to cool completely before storing!

And there you have it, a nice peanut butter chocolate chip cookie, that you won't feel too bad about after indulging!

- Lou