Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes: How to Make "Healthy" Cookies

It can be hard to find a way to enjoy "treats" and junk-food and still be healthy. I try to eat as clean as I can and teach my kids to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Sometimes, though, we all need a treat. For us, making healthier versions of desserts is a good compromise. These quinoa chocolate chip cookies are a family favorite because they taste like traditional chocolate chip cookies, but they're packed with protein, fiber and other nutrients.

Ingredients: 

7 Tbsp. butter 

3 Tbsp. apple sauce (unsweetened) 

1 Tbsp. honey 

4 Tbsp. peanut butter (creamy) 

1/2 cup brown sugar 

1/2 cup white sugar 

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract 

2 eggs 

2 Tbsp. milled flaxseed 

1/2 cup oats 

1/2 cup cooked quinoa 

3/4 cup wholemeal flour 

1 cup plain flour 

1/2 tsp. salt 

1/2 tsp. baking soda 

1/2 tsp. baking powder 

3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions: 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F.
2. Cream together the butter, apple sauce, honey, peanut butter, sugars, vanilla, eggs and flax into the mixture.
3. Slowly stir in the oats, quinoa, flours, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Continue until it is well mixed.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips. Note: The dough will be wetter than traditional cookie dough.
5. Put tablespoon size dollops of cookie dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Place dough circles about two inches apart.
6. Bake for 10 minutes.
7. Remove from baking tray immediately to cool.
8. Enjoy your (almost) guilt-free cookies!