Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Usually loaded with butter, refined sugar and white flour, chocolate chip cookies are far from a health food. These cookies, though, contain just two tablespoons of maple syrup in the entire recipe, as well as whole grains. Because this small-batch recipe makes just eight cookies, it's perfect for a quick and casual weeknight dessert (and can be doubled if needed).

Total Time: 20 minutes | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Serves: 4 (makes 8 cookies)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
  
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  
• 2 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or coconut
  
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  
• 5 tablespoons milk
  
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips 
  

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare a baking sheet by laying parchment paper on top.
   
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, baking soda and salt.
   
3. Pour the oil, maple syrup, vanilla and milk into the bowl. Use a spatula to stir the batter until it is combined and no dry streaks remain.
   
4. Fold in the chocolate chips.
   
5. Divide the batter into eight balls and place the balls evenly spaced apart on the baking sheet. Press down lightly on top of each dough ball with the spatula to flatten it.
   
6. Bake the cookies at 350 for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown at the edges. Let the cookies cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.