Hearty Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yesterday, I hosted a playdate for some friends of mine and their kids. Everyone was to bring something to munch on, so I decided to make these hearty chocolate chip cookies. Most kids like chocolate chip cookies and I like that these cookies are actually quite good for you.

None of the kids (or the ladies) guessed that they have healthy ingredients. Hee, hee, hee. I feel so sneaky!!

Here's what you'll need:

1 C. shortening
1/2 C. butter (1 stick)
1 C. sugar
1 C. brown sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 C. powdered milk
2 C. all purpose flour
1 C. whole wheat flour
1/4 C. ground flaxseed
2 C. rolled oats
2 C. chocolate chips or raisins

Mix shortening, butter, and sugars. Add eggs one at a time. With the mixer still running, add soda, salt, and vanilla. Turn off mixer and add powdered milk, all flour, and flaxseed. Dough will be stiff. Stir in oats and chocolate chips. You can chill the dough until you're ready to use it, or just use it immediately. It can be refrigerated for up to three days.

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 T. dough), scoop balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet. You can freeze them at this point. When frozen, remove from the baking sheet and place in a freezer bag and keep in the freezer for up to a month. Or bake at 350 degrees for 11-14 minutes, depending on if you want them chewy or more firm. If you're baking with a convection oven, only bake for 8-10 minutes.

Yummy!! And you don't have to feel guilty if you and the kids eat a few. Enjoy!