Healthier Award Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Original Yield: 72 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 cup butter, softened
• cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cups packed brown sugar
• cup white sugar
• 2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, applesauce, brown sugar, and white sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and beat until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully blended into the mixture before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 6: Gradually blend the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, raisins, and walnuts (if using), stirring just enough to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.

Step 8: Using a spoon, drop rounded dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.

Step 10: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on wire racks.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 138
• Total Fat: 7g (8% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 3g (14% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 17mg (6% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 97mg (4% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g (7% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 2g (4% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 13mg (1% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (4% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 67mg (1% Daily Value)

Note: Nutritional information is based on available data. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

This healthier version of the classic chocolate chip cookie is not only soft and delicious but also incorporates ingredients like applesauce to reduce fat and sugar content, making it a lighter alternative to the traditional recipe. Lets explore the origins and characteristics of this popular treat, as well as its regional variations and some fascinating facts about chocolate chip cookies in general.

Origin and History of Chocolate Chip Cookies

The chocolate chip cookie was invented in the United States by Ruth Wakefield in 1938. Ruth, the owner of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, created the first batch of chocolate chip cookies when she added chopped up bits of chocolate to her butter drop cookie dough. This invention quickly became popular, and the cookies were named "Toll House Cookies" after Ruth's Inn. Over the decades, variations of this recipe have emerged, with healthier and diet-friendly versions such as this one gaining popularity as people seek to enjoy the sweet treat while managing their health.

Regional Differences in Chocolate Chip Cookies

While the chocolate chip cookie is a staple of American cuisine, different regions of the United States have their own variations. For example, in New York, cookies tend to be larger and chewier, while in the Midwest, they may be a bit more crisp. This Healthier Award Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe focuses on a soft, tender texture, ideal for those who prefer a pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Regional differences can also be seen in the use of ingredients; for instance, some areas may add a pinch of sea salt on top for an enhanced flavor contrast, while others incorporate nuts like walnuts or pecans, as in this recipe.

What Sets This Recipe Apart?

This recipe stands out from typical chocolate chip cookie recipes due to its inclusion of applesauce, which replaces some of the butter, lowering the fat content. Additionally, the use of instant vanilla pudding mix helps create a soft and chewy texture without needing extra butter or oils. The raisins and walnuts in the dough add a healthy twist, giving the cookies more fiber and beneficial fats. The result is a cookie thats both lighter and still rich in flavor, with a unique balance of softness and chewiness thats not commonly found in traditional versions.

Where Are Chocolate Chip Cookies Typically Served?

Chocolate chip cookies are commonly served in homes across the United States, particularly during holidays, celebrations, or casual gatherings. They are often found in lunchboxes, served at bake sales, or offered as a comforting snack with a glass of milk. In cafs and bakeries, cookies may be sold as a grab-and-go option for those looking for a quick, sweet treat. Due to their versatility, chocolate chip cookies can be enjoyed at virtually any occasion, from family dinners to sophisticated dessert platters at parties.

Interesting Facts About Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here are a few fun facts about chocolate chip cookies that might surprise you:

• The original Toll House Cookie recipe was published in 1938 in a Boston newspaper, making it one of the most enduring cookie recipes of all time.
• Chocolate chip cookies are one of the most commonly baked items in America, second only to brownies.
• In 1997, chocolate chip cookies were declared the official state cookie of Massachusetts.
• The invention of chocolate chip cookies led to the creation of Nestl's famous semi-sweet chocolate chips, which were originally sold in packages with the recipe on the back.
• Did you know? The chocolate chip cookie has its own holiday: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day is celebrated every year on August 4th!

By incorporating healthier ingredients like applesauce, this variation of the beloved chocolate chip cookie allows you to indulge without the guilt. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed as a personal treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

FAQ about Healthier Award Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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