Kinda Healthy Cookies

I haven't eaten a cookie in over a month. That is far too long to live without a cookie! I've been avoiding sweets (yes, even homemade, delicious sweets) for the last while to help get my bod in shape for summer and possibly the rest of my life! It's also been an experiment in controlling my moody 'tude and avoiding my daily ups and downs. It has been working to my delight but the cravings have not ceased. I made a deal with myself that I can have things in moderation and on special occasions. I also decided to make my treats better for me and to include some healthy bits!

I found this recipe in a book that a pal lent to me called The New Whole Grains Cookbook by Robin Asbell.

Chocolate Chunk Buckwheat Cookies

1/2 cup unsalted buter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup buckwheat groats

6 ounces dark chocolate chopped into chunks

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a stand mixer or bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until well mixed.

In a small bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and buckwheat, and add to the butter mixture, beating to incorporate. When the flour is mixed in, add the chocolate and stir until combined.

Drop 2-tablespoon-size balls of dough onto the ungreased sheet pans, leaving 3 inches of space between the balls. The cookies will spread while baking. bake for 6 minutes, reverse the position of the pans in the oven, then bake for 4 to 6 minutes more. A pale, soft center surrounded by golden brown cookie is the desired result.

Let the cookies cool on the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks with a spatula let cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to a week.

Try applesauce if you are not down with ovum and margarine if dairy is not your friend!

I skipped on the almond flavor and used vanilla bean instead of extract.

ENJOY!