This week we have a guest staying with us. I'm a big believer in a comfortable guest experience so if you were to stay with us you could expect a comfortable bed with crisp white sheets and heavenly down pillows, plush towels, a vanity of amenities and pastries and coffee at the ready for early risers.
While I usually make a batch of banana nut or blueberry lemon muffins, because our guest has to be on the road so early every day I wanted to make something more portable for him. I was inspired by the February issue of Oprah Magazine, featuring breakfast cookies but with a few tweaks, I lightened the calories and tailored the ingredients to make these cookies powerhouses of flavor that will keep you feeling full until lunchtime.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups of old fashioned oats
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp. ground flaxseed
2 Tbsp.freshly grated orange zest
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup applesauce (or 1 stick of butter)
1/2 cup Greek zero fat vanilla yogurt
1 egg
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 1/2 cups of shelled pistachios
1 1/2 cups of dried cranberries
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or use nonstick cookie sheets.
In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients: oats, wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, flaxseed, zest, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
In an electric mixer, add applesauce, yogurt, egg and brown sugar and mix until incorporated. Slowly add dry ingredients. When fully combined, remove from mixer and add in pistachios and cranberries.
The batter/dough will be thick. Use your hands to form balls that are approximately 2 tablespoons worth of batter. Place on pan and flatten a little using the palm of your hand. Continue with the rest of the batter.
Place in oven for 18 minutes, turning pans midway. Remove from oven and let cool.
Combined with a zero fat Greek yogurt, this makes for a healthy breakfast on the go or enjoyed leisurely with a coffee and friends in front of the fire.
Other combinations
Walnuts + dried blueberries
Pecans + raisins
Chocolate chips + banana chips
