As a parent you think you know your kids pretty well. But every now and then they will do or say something that surprises you. Seriously, pre-teens can be tough to understand! Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory of development says at this age (12-18) children explore their independence and develop a sense of self and personal identity. So, when I was assigned to substitute teach a science class with some of my daughters’ friends I had a moment of apprehension. The last thing I want to do is be too invasive, do something uncool and be shunned by her and her friends. I want to be a good teacher who manages a classroom well and be a good Mom. So, with a ratio of 3 friends to 25 students, I opted to do my job, be a good teacher and not worry about the rest.
At the end of the day my daughter and I were walking to the car and talking about the day. I had a slight cringe, wondering what she would say about me being at her school. Then my daughter tells me, “my friends said, you’re so lucky…your Mom is so cool!” She said she told them, “Yeah, I know…she is my Mom, I live with her.” This was one of those moments when I was really surprised! I have said it before, preteen hormonal girls can be challenging and then just like that, my sweet girl melts my heart. 😀
Well, just like everyone at this time of the year I’m trying to eat better. Problem is I still want a little treat. So, these Chewy Oatmeal Cookies are my solution.
I love these cookies! I use white whole wheat flour and lots of oats to make these rich in fiber. I love using whole wheat flour, but sometimes it makes a cookie too dense. Therefore, I use white whole wheat flour. It is a whole grain flour, so you get all the benefits of the bran, germ, and endosperm with a lighter flavor and texture.
Now, you know I love oats. I add them into anything I can. They are a fantastic source of soluble fiber. A great benefit is when we eat soluble fiber and it is being digested, it produces these small fatty acids that tell the liver to produce less cholesterol. So, your body uses what it has rather than produce more. This is always good, especially when you are working to lower your cholesterol levels.
My trick for having a sweet, but not over doing it is to bake these cookies into logs. Once baked, I cut each log into 1-inch pieces. You think you are getting more than you actually are when you can’t eat the whole thing in one bite. One strip is all I need to satisfy my craving.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp 0% plain greek yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups white whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup confectioner's sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp milk
- In an electric mixer cream butter and sugars together. Add yogurt and blend into sugars. Add egg and beat until combined.
- With mixer off add flour, salt, and baking soda. Combine at low speed and increase to medium as flour is incorporated into dough.
- Slowly add in oats and beat until combined and dough comes together.
- Divide dough into 4 pieces. Form each pieces into a log shape about 6 inches long. Place on lined baking sheet. Chill on pan for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes, or until top are firm. Some cracking does occur.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes and slice with a sharp knife into 1 inch strips.
- Mix confectioners sugar, vanilla, and milk in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle glaze over the cookies and let dry before serving.
These Chewy Oatmeal Cookies have the aroma of cinnamon and toasted oats. They are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. Thanks to a little yogurt they stay soft and chewy for days.
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