“Maybe now I`ll be able to have a couple of extra cookies or ice cream after dinner without feeling so guilty. Or, without my wife yelling at me.”
David Larsen
Every new year begins with indulgence as the daughters birthday is on the 2nd of Jan! We enjoy this guilty pleasure {’twas Chocolate Orange Almond Gateau this year}. Predictably, the next day I’m hit by New Year guilt pangs. It’s time to think everything on a healthier note, especially to give the year a good beginning blah blah blah…
High on my list is plain flour substitutes, as in my mind ‘plain flour = empty calories’. Extended vacations with growing kids means 24 X 7 Cookie Monsters, A L W A Y S H U N G R Y! For me healthy doesn’t necessarily mean knocking the butter out of the cookies during winter … butter has important work to do in this incessant cold weather we are braving.
The primary difference between different types of flour are the quantity of the wheat germ and bran that are milled with the flour, and the type of wheat used for the flour, and the relative protein content of that wheat. Whole wheat flour is simply wheat that has been milled into flour with some, or all, of the germ and bran still attached. Additionally, different varieties of wheat contain different amounts of protein, and the more protein is contained in the flour, the higher gluten it has. {Source:Hubpages.com}
India is traditionally a country where whole wheat flour {aata} is found in virtually every home, and freshly made whole wheat flat breads {rotis, chapatis, parathas etc} often accompany main meals. Until a few years ago, the use of plain flour was limited to cakes, biscuits etc. Unfortunately that is changing as people fall for the disguised charm that plain flour offers, deceptively increasing the luxury in our daily bread, yet sacrificing important proteins in the process.
Thankfully though, there are an equal number of adventurous foodies who try to experiment with whole grains. I am one of the latter though I do tend to keep on middle ground; a little bit of plain and a little of whole grain. Other than whole wheat, I often try including buckwheat and oat in my bakes. Quinoa is one whole grain I would love to try, but the price is exorbitantly high as it is an import from South America. So my oft used alternate is oats which are extremely nutritious, containing more protein and unsaturated fat than any other cereal grain.
Whole Grains are Much More than Fibre
Whole grains contain all three parts of the grain kernel – the germ, endosperm and bran. Most often during the milling process the bran and germ are removed leaving only the endosperm. This results in refined grains. However, whole grains contain all three parts of the grain – this makes them a richer source of fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Oats : The Super Whole Grain
Oats have more protein, calcium and Vitamin E than other common unfortified whole grains (wheat, brown rice or whole corn grain) on a gram per gram basis. Only oats have a high amount of soluble fibre (beta glucan) compared to whole wheat or rice. {Source: Quaker Oats}.
Whole grains contain all three parts of the grain kernel – the germ, endosperm and bran. Most often during the milling process the bran and germ are removed leaving only the endosperm. This results in refined grains. However, whole grains contain all three parts of the grain – this makes them a richer source of fibre, vitamins and minerals.
With all these inspired thoughts in my head, I set off to make cookies, or rather chocolate chip cookies for a healthier 2011! I made a small batch as I consciously stayed away from plain flour and knew not where I was headed. The resultant cookies were a shock to my system, and I now wonder why I even bothered to look at plain flour in my chocolate chip cookies for so many years. I have always included some whole wheat by default, but was taken aback to see that using whole grains alone still gave them a fabulous texture, and handsome bite.
Try these, they’re worth every bite even though they don’t look very pretty. The cookie mightn’t be as indulgent as a plain flour smooth cookie if thats what you make. For me, the transition from part whole wheat to whole whole wheat was like I had won the first prize; including oats and demerera sugar giving me the runners up too. I must admit I used my precious stash of Ghirardeli dark chocolate chips in hope that the Ghirardeli would make up for loss of flavour and quintessential chocolate-chip cookie indulgence. I was soon to eat humble pie because they just added to an already delicious cookie.
With this new cookie under my belt, 2011 began to feel better already almost! To prove me otherwise, the pre-teen & the teen hit the kitchen this afternoon, shrugging off the cold, and indulged in piling the calories onto my so called healthy cookies. The daughter made delicious ‘Cookies & Cream Strawberry Sundaes‘ for themselves {low fat cream being small consolation}; the son playing the loyal slave. He knew he wouldn’t get a crumb if he displeased his elder sibling; even then wasn’t ‘allowed’ as much as a lick of cream off the spatula!!
So much so for my inspired beginning … thankfully this was just 4 cookies. The rest retained their ‘healthy’ status!!
Whole Wheat & Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies
Makes 2 – 2 1/2 dozen cookies
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
3/4 cup demerarera sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
Method:
In a bowl, stir together the dry ingredients – flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, chocolate chips, walnuts.
In another big bowl, cream the butter and sugar till fluffy. Next beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet. Drop a tbsp of cookie dough onto greased cookie trays, leaving an inch and a half in between for spreading during baking. {I use a cookie scoop}. Flatten gently with the tines of a fork.
Bake at 180C for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
Remove from oven, leave to cool on trays for 1 minute, then remove to cooling racks and allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight box.♥ Thank you for stopping by ♥
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Also find me on The Rabid Baker, The Times of India
Divine! I cannot resist oatmeal cookies.
Cheers,
Rosa
This recipe looks wonderful! Will have to try it soon. And the cookies look pretty too, actually. Feel like grabbing one right off the page!
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Such a healthy and inspiring recipe Deeba. Combination of al ingredients simply making this cookies irresistible. Well done !
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They does look very pretty and yummy.
Umm Mymoonah´s last [type] ..Stuffed Vine Leaves
You won’t believe it, I have been searching for an oatmeal and whole wheat cookie recipe and I get one today and from you Deeba!! Thanks a ton, these look just delicious !!
Enjoyed reading the part about your kids, can very well relate to it:))
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I have to admit that I’ve never really made an effort to bake with grains. It is these last few months that I’m taking notice of recipes that include the “better” types of flour and different grains. This recipe sounds like one that should be in a baker’s repertoire; a healthier chocolate chip cookie.
Thanks for this Deeba and by the way, these cookies don’t look at all ugly to me
Magda
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Lovely looking plump cookies… can I have some ?
Slendid cookies, Especially I love those with the eyes..:)
The cookies look absolutely delectable deeba. Just toooo good
This looks like a texture I would really enjoy
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Oh my that is a great cookie. I should experiment more with whole food. Have a great day! Cheers!
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Dear Deeba these cookies are georgeous!! I love pics! huggs.gñproa xoxoxox
Gloria´s last [type] ..Cherry and ricotta Tart
Scrumptious and absolutely tempting cookies..feel like munching some..
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Hallo Deeba. Like you, I always assumed that at best a wholewheat version of something will be a close second, but I’m intrigued that you feel they were better than the original. Definitely worth a try, thanks very much.
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Must.Try.These!
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Wonderful healthy start for the day..looks super yumm and lovely texture.
wow…crunchy cookies….luvd ur clicks…:))
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Deeba-Dearest!
Made these straight away and even threw in some quinoa. GIRL! These are soooo addictive. Loved them. Awesome…as always!
Big Hugs!
Gosh Lili girl…Happy New Year. It’s been LOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG, and I’ve missed you. Sorry I’ve been MIA on twitter which is why I haven’t seen you. Lady after my heart … one day I shall throw in some quinoa too! Much love. xo
Nothing like a hot chocolate chip cookie just out of the oven!
Addition of quinoa is good too but expensive!
Look forward to sampling for myself
Cheers,
Gera
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Deeba, I call this a perfect cookie!! Just the recipe I was looking for with wheat, oats and chocolate. My 4 year old is gonna love it. Cant wait to make it. Thanks for posting.
Most definitely a wonderful way to start of the new year, on a sweet note.
My belated birthday wishes to Mahek.
Love the cookies… and the presentation
i can believe they are so healthy
Beautiful presentation Deeba, and the cookies sound heavenly too
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These are very much my kind of cookies and even more Soeren’s kinds of cookie! We like our cookies chunky and full of flavor so definitely going to be trying these!
I was looking for some nice bakes using wheat flour.This looks delicious. And it does look good to me ,like the coconut cookies .would be trying very soon!
Very inspiring post to try all these grains. I must say I’m WHEATAPHOBIC but you make it sound so delicious. I might even try it. And how could you think these cookies don’t look pretty. They look beautiful!
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With whole wheat flour, oats, dark chocolate and nuts, these cookies should be considered health food! At least that’s what I’ll be telling myself while I eat them
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These look divine, though 1/2 cup butter sounds scary, I would surely give this a shot
Ah! now I have always been looking for an interesting way to make my lil girl eat oats…this looks good =) thanks for sharing!
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Whole wheat is a great match for chocolate chip cookies! I’m planning to bake with more varied grains this year too.
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Very nice cookies. I might even try it.
Greetings
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Healthier, yet delicious. What a combination! I’m trying this recipe to fight my holiday guilt. hehe.
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Hi! Deeba, I’m all set to try my hand on these healthy cookies.
At the same time i’m wondering where did you miss your CHOCOCHIP CINNAMON BISCUITS and CHOCOLATES MERINGUES ,both from Le Cordon Bleu’s Chocolate Bible.
Since they look superb do post them soon.
love.
can i omit eggs???
i dont eat eggs but want to make these…
and just wanted to make sure…it is aata that you used here…right?
The comprehensive information about whole grains and oats is really interesting. I find plain flour increasingly boring to eat anyway and I’m trying to convert my family. My teen and pre-teen will love these cookies too (without the walnuts but maybe almonds).
Sally´s last [type] ..World travel- a confession and a mango smoothie
Nice cookies Deeba…will try these soon as I am also trying to bake everything a healthier way by adding wheat flore, oats and soya etc… so this is a perfect cookie to try:)…
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Thanks for the wonderful recipe. I tried the recipe as soon as I read it. The cookies are delicious!
I chuckled when I saw you called the cookies “handsome.” I love those kinds of descriptions. They do look rather handsome, even a little stocky, if you ask me, and I agree that I’d prefer a little healthier treat this time of year. The whole wheat is a big thumbs up.
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It has been awhile since I’ve made any oatmeal cookies. I love them
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Love those plump healthy cookies and the quick dessert you whipped with them. This surely is a recipe for keeps.
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Hi Deeba,
You’ve built an amazing blog!!!!! I keep visiting it regularly. Have been pottering about the blog and had decided to go through your archives. Most of the stuff gives an error message. Just thought you should know…
Regards,
Zeenat
Hi Zeenat, Thank you for stopping by, and taking the time to let me know. This prolem has manifested ever since I switched over to WP. Don’t know how to solve it, but am trying to build the Recipe Index with each link {it’s taking time though...}
Take care
I faced the same problem initially with WP, but now its got rectified by itself!
Sanjeeta kk´s last [type] ..Party Menu- Planner for the Big Day
oh wow that looks so divine and wish to grab few of those, i adore the shape uniformity
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Seriously, the hardest part of school vacations is hearing, “what can I eat now, Mama?” This is a wonderful recipe! I love how creative you are and your photos? Perfection.
WHat a great idea to use different flours. The cookies look delicious and satisfying. The sundaes look pretty tasty too!
Deeba
These cookies are the ones I need to make next time a chocolate/sweet pang hits; I love the use of oats and whole wheat flour which makes the cookies taste earthy and rustic. Perfect recipe.
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Exactly what I needed – I was about to start browsing for a whole-wheat chocolate chip cookie recipe & noticed your post in my google reader. How could I have missed it before! I cannot wait to try these out & will probably get to them in an hour or so!
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Hello Mrs. Deeba,
loved the recipe from the start and even more after baking and eating them… they were a hit with my family and neighbours. will surely make them again. thank you so much for the wonderful recipe.
warm regards,
indrani.
Hi Deeba, I found your blog a couple of weeks ago and made these cookies. They were amazing. The whole wheat and oats combination had me convincing myself that these were really very healthy cookies and I ate far too many, but who cares?! Thanks for the recipe. All your creations look wonderful. I am fan!
and once again Im bowled over..they were great!! thanks a ton for yet another great recipe.I just posted these on my blog…
sheba´s last [type] ..Elliott Hall – The First Stone
Already told you on FB some time back that I made these cookies and now just posted it on my blog… thanks for this wonderful recipe Deeba… already baked 4 times
….
Swapna´s last [type] ..Whole Wheat & Oat Raisin Cookies
HI Deeba
first time here, its amazing ! I may take years to be like you when it comes to baking,
I tried these lovely cookies with little alterations(no options for me).
My kids loved the cookies and these will be in my regular menu from now.
thanks.
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hi Deeba,
So thrilled to come across your blog – been looking for a whole wheat baking recipe to try out, and these cookies are definitely going to be it
!!
Your food photography is also so beautiful, you’re an inspiration for occasional bakers like me to experiment with new stuff.
Aparna
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