Tweens love to bake, and what better way to fill their hearts and their bellies than with a healthier version of a favorite recipe? These not-so-standard chocolate chip cookie bars are packed with added superfood ingredients like almonds, coconut and flaxseed for a nutrient-rich treat your daughter will love.
Ingredients
– ¼ cup flaxseed
– ¼ cup almonds
– ¼ cup pistachios
– ½ cup flaked coconut
– 1 cup butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– ½ cup white granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla
– ¾ cup whole wheat flour
– ¾ cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– ½ tsp salt
– 3 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
– ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
1. In a food processor or blender, grind flaxseed to a fine powder. Place in a small mixing bowl. Next grind the nuts until most of the chunks are gone. Place nuts in the bowl with the flaxseed. Then grind the coconut until finely chopped. Add to the bowl and mix all four superfoods until well blended. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugars. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix the flours, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat until smooth. Mix in the ground superfoods concoction and the rolled oats. Fold in the chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
3. Press the dough into a greased 15-inch baking pan (jelly roll pan). Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until the edges turn golden. Cool, cut into bars and enjoy your homemade healthier treat!
