Healthy(er) Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who doesn't love a cookie--especially a classic Chocolate Chip Cookie? But, when you are trying to eat healthier, cookies of any kind don't always fit the plan!  But sometimes you JUST NEED A TREAT!  You don't have totally blow your eating plan! Here is my "Secret Recipe" for Healthy(er) Chocolate Chip Cookies.  Do you know that I took these to a (non-wellness related) work retreat once and no-one knew they were healthy but they disappeared quicker than many of the other treats that day?  ​

Ingredients:

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• 1 cup all-purpose unbleached flour 
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (I prefer using King Arthur for both, particularly their organic line) 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup natural (unsweetened) apple sauce
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large (organic) eggs  You can also use 2 egg whites and 1 egg or equivalent egg substitute such as Egg Beaters
• 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (I LOVE very bitter, dark chocolate such as Green & Black's Organic's 70% or 85% Cacao bar, broken into chunks)
• 1 cup chopped nuts--preferably a healthier nut such as almonds or walnuts

Directions:

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1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in small bowl. Beat apple sauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. You may need to add slightly more flour.  Dough should be soft but not too sticky. Stir in chocolate and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
3. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.