Often there are days where a craving for something sweet sneaks up seemingly out of nowhere. The itch strikes most frequently on rainy days and at night. The itch also tends to strike at inconvenient moments when one does not feel like running to the store or cleaning up piles of dirty dishes. Sadly, many tasty and skinnier dessert recipes do not cater to the inconvenient moments in which the itch for sweets tends to strike. EXCEPT for this recipe! I simply adore this recipe because every ingredient is likely to already be in your pantry, it is a skinny option, and dirty dishes are kept to a minimum.
Outside of the convenience factor, these cookies are too die for regarding taste and texture. Although some may be alarmed by their seemingly thin appearance compared to other cookies, this characteristic is what makes them crisp, delicious, and light. The aroma of cinnamon and other warm spices will fill your kitchen and provide a hint of warmth for these cold winter days. Not to mention, cinnamon has so many health benefits. Cinnamon is full of antioxidants that provide anti-inflammatory properties, reduces the risk of heart disease, reduces insulin resistance (cause of type 2 Diabetes), reduces blood sugar, helps fight bacterial and fungal infections, as well as possible protective effects against cancer.
It is important to note that not all cinnamon is created equal and although all cinnamon will provide health benefits, the Ceylon variety of cinnamon is the best option. Cassia cinnamon is cheaper and is what you often find in supermarkets across the country, but it does have a higher amount of coumarin. Coumarin can be dangerous in large quantities. Regardless of the variety, cinnamon is not only healthy but it is tasty.
Although sweets are not considered healthy, you can make healthier choices when you do decide to cheat. These cookies are a great example of cheating with a bit less guilt. This recipe will yield approximately 2 dozen cookies and each serving size is one cookie.
Spicy Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour
- ½ tsp. Baking Soda
- 1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon (preferably Ceylon)
- ½ tsp. Ground Allspice
- ½ tsp. Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. Ground Cloves
- ¼ tsp. Salt
- ¾ cup Light Brown Sugar; packed
- 4 tbsp. Unsalted Butter; softened
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1 Egg
- ½ cup Old-Fashioned Oats
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Combine sugar, butter, and vanilla in another large bowl. With a stand or hand mixer set to medium speed, beat mixture until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until combined. Stir in the flour mixture and oats until just combined.
- Drop by tablespoons about 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake cookies for approximately 12 minutes (or until crisp), rotating pans halfway through baking time. Cool on pan for 3 to 5 minutes (or until firm). Remove cookies from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
(1 Cookie)
Weight Watchers: 3 Smart Points, 2 Points Plus, or 1 Traditional Point
PHOTOGRAPHY & STAGING: PETER MENDOROS
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