The Spirit of Cookies

One of my coworkers organized a fantastic event in the true spirit of the holidays - a "cookies for a cause" get together here in the office, where everyone bakes and brings 2 dozen cookies. We then spend the afternoon packing the cookies in festive tins for distribution at a women's and children's shelter. I can't think of a better reason to bake cookies...

I decided to bake a cozy, comforting recipe that's utterly scrumptious (the batch I made for us at home last week disappeared in two days, as it was a total success with Zach and Matt) and also happens to be quite nutritious, with its sprinkling of whole wheat flour, only a modicum of shortening, and all the good stuff packed into peanut butter, egg whites, and oats (combined with plenty of chocolate chips to increase the "yummy" factor...)

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

¼ cup light canola margarine
¼ cup applesauce

½ cup peanut butter

1 cup raw sugar

2 egg whites, beaten

¼ cup low fat milk

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup white flour

¾ cup whole wheat flour

2 ½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips

~ Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat two cookie sheets with cooking spray.
~ Cream together the margarine, applesauce, and peanut butter.
~ Add the brown sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
~ Beat the egg and milk together, and mix into the sugar mixture.
~ Fold in the rolled oats.
~ Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together, and then add to the oat mixture, stirring until just combined.
~ Fold in the chocolate chips.
~ Drop the dough by rounded teaspoonfuls on the cookie sheets, and bake for12 minutes – until the dough is just set. Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool, then store in an airtight container. Enjoy! They’re amazing with a dollop of whipped cream on top…