Awesome Chocolate-Cherry "Heart Smart" Cookies

It's been a while since I've posted a healthy (healthier) dessert, and trust me these cookies are outstanding. The ingredients are simple, and somehow sweets always taste so much better when you know exactly what's in them. So bake up a batch of these and bring them into the office to brighten up everyone's day, and let them know what health benefits they're getting!

Dried Cherries: First and foremost, like other fruits and veggies that are rich in color, Cherries are chock-full of antioxidants. The antioxidant that gives Cherries their deep red color is a phytonutrient called anthocyanins. These guys not only protect our cells against free radical damage, but also contribute to Cherries's awesome anti-inflammatory properties. A recent University of Michigan study revealed a cherry-enriched diet reduced inflammation markers in animals by up to 50 percent. Also, recent research links anthocyanins with reduced muscle soreness in active adults. Hi, awesome reason to incorporate cherries into your diet (Especially if you're training for any sort of race)!


Oats: We also can't talk about this recipe without mentioning the heart-healthy benefits of oats. Why are oats so great for maintaining heart health and keeping bad cholesterol (LDL) down? It's in the fiber content! Oats contain both insoluble & soluble fiber. The insoluble fiber is the kind that helps keep your digestive system regular, where as the soluble fiber plays a direct roll in maintaining cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber turns into a gel-like substance when consumed. It then traps cholestorol-laden substances (i.e. bile acids, etc) and carries them out of your system. Thus, reducing the overall absorption of cholesterol into the blood stream.

So do your heart a favor and try out these cookies! At 94 calories per cookie it's virtually guilt-free!


Chocolate-Cherry "Heart Smart" Cookies

Ingredients
1.5 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1/3 cup)
1.5 ounces whole-wheat flour (about 1/3 cup)
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup dried cherries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
Cooking spray

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Weigh or lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flours and next 3 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl; stir with a whisk.

3. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat; add brown sugar, stirring until smooth. Add sugar mixture to flour mixture; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended. Add cherries, vanilla, and egg; beat until combined. Fold in chocolate. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes. Cool on pans 3 minutes or until almost firm. Remove cookies from pans; cool on wire racks.