White Chocolate, Cran, Cacao Power Cookies

2/5/2014

White Chocolate, Cran, Cacao Power Cookies

Today we're making cookies. And not just any cookies - these cookies are packed with POWER ingredients like oats, almond butter, flaxseeds, banana, cinnamon, and cacao nibs. I find that when I get stressed, all I want to do is bake. And I can't be productive until I just get it out of my system and bake some freaking delicious cookies. I don't know what it is . . . maybe the heavenly smell of cookies baking in my oven, or the fact that my crazy sweet tooth has to be satisfied (or else!), but baking just calms me, takes away the stress, and makes me happy. My past two weeks have been filled with boring classes and studying to get my Insurance License. Tomorrow is the big test and I couldn't think of a better study break than whipping up some serious cookies to brighten my day. 

So why these cookies? First of all, I wanted to bake something that would only take me about 5 minutes to prep and only a few minutes in the oven, so that my study break doesn't get too out of control where suddenly I find myself on the couch eating cookies and almond milk, while binge-watching GIRLS on HBO. Secondly, I didn't want to clean up a ton of dishes, so whatever I baked had to be mixed together in just one bowl with one utensil. Third, my Guilt-Free Oatmeal Banana Cookies are by far the most popular recipe on my blog, so I wanted to create something somewhat similar with a few fun changes to spice them up. Lastly, I wanted something healthy and filling to keep me going through this afternoon of studying, and not leaving me feeling bloated or blah - especially since I have some wedding dress shopping to do after my test tomorrow. One more thing - my wooden spoon says "life's short, eat cookies", and that's persuasive enough for me. Lots of good reasons to make these cookies, right!? Right. Let's move forward . . . 

So here we go - White Chocolate, Cranberry, Cacao Power Cookies. These have some of my favorite ingredients including Nativas Naturals Cacao Nibs. Cacao Nibs are "nature's chocolate chips" and they're a major source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The perfect way to get that chocolately taste in a healthy, natural way. The flaxseeds in these cookies will give you a boost of healthy omega-3s, the cinnamon revs your metabolism, and the oats and almond butter will keep you full and satisfied. Enough health validation - now I need tell you how delish these cookies are. SO delish. I topped them with some sea salt flakes for my favorite salty-sweet combo. The dried cranberries and white chocolate chips add the perfect amount of sweetness and the bananas keep the cookies chewy and moist (hate that word - but I can't avoid it in this situation!). I have to say, this recipe rivals the famous oatmeal banana cookies!

I'm officially encouraging everyone to take a little break from the stresses of their day and go make these cookies. I promise they will bring some extra sunshine and sweetness to your day! :) 
Here's what you need for the quickest and easiest cookies eva. 

Ingredients

1 1/2 ripe bananas
1/2 cup creamy, natural almond butter
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats 
1 1/2 tbsp ground flaxseed
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tbsp cacao nibs
1 1/2 tbsp dried cranberries
1 1/2 tbsp white chocolate chips
Sprinkle of sea salt flakes (my fave brand is Maldon)

• Preheat oven to 350°.
• In a big bowl, mash bananas well with a fork. Add almond butter and mix until thoroughly combined.
• Add all other ingredients except sea salt and mix well.
• Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto greased baking sheet.
• Lastly, sprinkle sea salt on top of each cookie.
• Bake for 15 minutes or until golden around edges.

Back to the insurance books now! I'm feeling much better . . . phew! What ever would I do without my sweets!? 

Enjoy!