A Super Healthy Cookie That Even The Cookie Monster Could Not Resist

We're quickly approaching the weekend and I just discovered that our cookie jar is empty with the exception of a few cast-off crumbs. There has been an oatmeal cookie recipe patiently perched on top of my cookbooks just waiting to be tried. When I first saw this recipe I thought it was too good to be true -- a cookie that was chock-full of not just one, but more than four super-foods including oats, flax seed, walnuts, dark chocolate and dried cherries. Given all of this heart-healthy goodness in one cookie you're probably feeling a bit suspicious about the taste right about now, as was I. Do yourself a favor and give these cookies one chance to win you over. I promise you that while these cookies might be really good for you and your family you'll make them again not because they are really healthy, but because they are also really that delicious -- just ask my husband! Here's a quick low-down on why these cookies are not just great tasting, but also incredibly good for you too.

Deconstruction of perhaps the healthiest (and greatest-tasting) cookie I've personally ever encountered:

Oats

Protects against heart disease

Lowers "bad" cholesterol and raises "good" HDL levels

Rich in fiber, which helps to regulate blood sugar and keeps the digestive tract running smoothly. Fiber-rich foods are also good for weight management

Flax seed

Protects against certain cancers

Helps to prevent heart disease

Lowers "bad" cholesterol

Good source of omega-3's

Fiber-rich

Walnuts

Good source of omega-3's, which helps care for the heart and brain

Reduces "bad" cholesterol

Improves mood

Fights cancer

Wheat Germ

Great source of vitamins, including vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant that may help to combat cancer and heart problems

Lowers "bad" cholesterol

Excellent source of fiber

Dried Cherries

Brain food that helps to improved concentration and memory

Dark Chocolate

Reduces blood pressure

Lowers "bad" cholesterol and increases "good" HDL levels

Improves mood

Now that you know why you should eat it, here is how to make it:

"Heart"y Oatmeal Cookies
Makes about 2 dozen cookies

1/4 cup softened butter
1/2 cup of light brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup of white sugar
1 t ground cinnamon
1/2 t baking soda
1/8 t salt
1 egg
1 t vanilla
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup of whole wheat pastry flour
3/4 cup old fashioned oats
1/4 cup of flax seed meal
1/4 cup of wheat germ
2 oz. dark chocolate, chopped finely*
1/4 cup of dried cherries
1/4 cup of chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350. In a mixing bowl beat butter until smooth, about 45 seconds to one minute. Add both sugars, cinnamon, baking soda and salt to butter and beat until well combined.

2. Scrape down sides of bowl and then add egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in flours and then stir in oats, flax seed, wheat germ, dark chocolate, cherries and walnuts just until dough comes together.

3. Drop dough by the teaspoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 9-12 minutes, rotating the cookie sheets half-way through baking. The cookies should be lightly golden. Let cookies cool completely.

*For recipes that call for chopped dark chocolate I like to use Trader Joe's 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate. These bars are well-priced and come in a package of three 1.65 oz bars -- one bar is perfect for this recipe. These chocolate bars are also delicious on their own.