Chocolate Chip, M&M, Peanut Butter & Oat Cookies #GlutenFree #CookieMashUp #QuarentineCookie

I have lost count of what day in quarantine this is… In some way, this is a good thing!

We are typically so caught up with schedules, dates, and plans– Always rushing to the future and not being present, in the moment of each day. Overthinking, planning and stressing is one of the number one causes of anxiety….

This quarantine period, I have been spending more time in the kitchen; making breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks… and my favorite- BAKING!

Baking is an activity that often brings up feel-good, relaxed, comforting feelings for many. During this time, it’s been a helpful way for me to tackle any feelings of stress or anxiety, and help me stay present, joyful and even spark creativity. I love taking recipes, tweaking them and making them my own…especially making “healthier” or gluten-free versions of classic recipes.

If you are home with the kids, baking can also be a great activity to keep their attention and stay occupied. Picking a recipe where decorating is involved can help stretch the time and it can even be educational…

Following steps of a recipe can be a great opportunity to teach lessons of reading comprehension, measuring, learning the science behind baking (how ingredients work and mix together), and about all the basic kitchen fundamentals…the best place to teach “Home-Ec” is at home! It’s also a great opportunity for them to use their imagination and get CREATIVE!

Today, I looked at the ingredients in my cupboard and thought, I LOVE Chocolate Chip Cookies…Love Oatmeal cookies…Love Peanut Butter cookies….Why not mix it all together and create ONE AWESOME COOKIE?

I hope these “Mash-Up Cookies” brighten and sweeten your day!

I recommend keeping it clean throughout the day but then allowing yourself a little all-natural, fresh-baked sweet-treat. Never deprive yourself… Everything in BALANCE and moderation!


INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 1/2 Cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
    • IMPORTANT NOTE: Process 1 1/2 Cup into a fine powder so you have both full oats and fine oats. This will allow the cookies to bind like regular dough and to keep from falling a part.
  • 1 Teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 Tablespoons corn starch
  • 1/2 Teaspoon salt
  • 2 Sticks butter
  • 2 Teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
  • 2 Large eggs
  • All-Natural Chocolate (I had semi-sweet chocolate chips and m&ms so I used those…epic choices)
  • 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter (or nut butter/butter substitute: cashew, almond, sunbutter, etc)

Crunchy outside and gooey inside– Perfect for dunking!


DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a blender, process 1 1/2 cups oats into a fine meal. Whisk together ground oats, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat (softened) butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. With mixer on low, gradually add oat mixture, beating until combined. Fold in peanut butter, chocolate chips, M&Ms, and remaining 3 cups oats (NOTE: Feel free to add in your own mix-ins: raisins, nuts, yogurt chips, other chocolates etc.)

3. Chill the dough for about 5 minutes– I find it is easier to make cookie balls when the dough is chilled

4. Roll into balls and drop dough  onto a lined baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake until cookies are golden brown at edges (depending on oven, 10-15 minutes).

5. For best results, let cookies fully cool before transferring to avoid breaking or crumbling. These cookies should be more crispy and firm in texture.

 


If you try this recipe or any others, I’d love to hear from you!

Feel free to send photos and feedback! Let me know your success stories– What you like, what you don’t!

SENDING LOVE, STAY SAFE, HEALTHY & ENJOY!!!

XO Coach Aly

Hi, Beauty!

Email: Info@TheBalancedBeauty.com to learn how to give the gift of health this season. A Coaching Package is the perfect Holiday gift for someone you love.

Health & Happiness,

Coach Aly

@1BalancedBeauty

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