Healthier Chocolate Chip Cookies

We all know that life sometimes happens and even the best plans might not work out perfectly.  Last week was a strange week for me - which means that I didn't cook much at all last week.  This week's meal plan will look a lot like last week's because I had some good food planned that I actually want to cook!

AND this week, I'm baking cookies!  During the weeks before Christmas I normally would be baking sweets for everyone.  So this is the time of year that I struggle with wanting to bake.  I love to bake sweets and iced sugar cookies are my specialty, but I know how horrible added sugars make me feel.  I haven't baked a cookie since last Christmas because if they are in my house, I can't resist them!  And because I haven't baked...I'm thinking about baking all the time!

My solution this week, to satisfy my need to bake, will be to bake these healthier chocolate chip cookie from my favorite cookbook Fixate.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:
3 cups almond flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
1 large egg
2 large egg whites (1/4 cup)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup semi-sweet (or dark) chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 and line two baking sheets with parchment paper

2. Combine almond flour, baking soda and salt in bowl; mix well and set aside.

3. Beat oil and maple syrup in large mixer bowl until creamy, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.

4. Add eggs, egg whites and extract; beat for an additional two minutes.

5. Add almond flour mixture to egg mixture; mix until blended.

6. Add chocolate chips; mix until just blended.

7. Drop by rounded tbsp onto prepared baking sheet.  Flatten cookies if traditional cookie appearance is desired.  
8. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until golden brown.

Serving size: 1 cookie (21 Day Fix portion 1.5 yellow)