Coconut Oil Cookies

I'm not going to lie- I bought coconut oil mainly because I had a coupon and I'd seen it pop up on a few blogs. I had no idea what it would taste like, or if it was better for me, but thought: why not?

Quick research says that it's on the healthier end of the range for fats (which you need in order to absorb some nutrients). Some places claim that it's better for your heart, can raise metabolism and help you lose weight. Paleo and "clean eating" websites tend to list it as an approved fat, comparing it to avocados or olive oil. I'm not a scientist or nutrition expert, but if it's helpful (and/or tasty), that's awesome. It can also be used for cosmetic purposes, and a quick search will bring up lots of interesting, homemade options.
 
I adapted this recipe from a Cooking Light Oatmeal Walnut and Raisin cookie. Because we didn't have any walnuts or raisins. And because chocolate chips are delicious. Let me tell you- these cookies taste like candy bars (the ones with dark chocolate and coconut)! I highly recommend you mix up a batch. And get the extras out of the house. Or you'll eat four within minutes. Not that I've ever done that.

Coconut Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup regular oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• just under 1 cup chocolate chips (I'd cut this back to about 1/2 or 2/3 cup next time) 
• Cooking spray
• 
  
• Preheat oven to 350º.
• Place first 5 ingredients in a large bowl- cream together. Add flour, oats, and salt to egg mixture; mix well. Stir in chocolate chips.
• Drop onto cookie sheet (I got 16 cookies out of this batch). Bake at 350º for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Restrain yourself for a few minutes, then enjoy!