Craving Cookies, Chocolate and a Comfort Book

Cravings in the middle of the night aren't always the best idea... or are they? When cravings include chocolate, the need for baking cookies and reading a comfort book, the soothing power of a soft warm baked good spreads from morning to night, especially when paired with a mug of coffee in the early morning hours following a night of little sleep and too much endocrine physio.

So, searching for a slightly healthy cookie but with all of the trappings of an unhealthy treat, here's a cocoa colored cookie to fulfill those late night cravings.

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1/4 cup oil
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
4 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1/4 cup water

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars. When combined, add vanilla, the egg, oil (I actually left out the oil, adding perhaps a tablespoon after mixing the wet/dry ingredients together) and water, stirring until incorporated. In a separate bowl, sift together, the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. When mostly combined, add the oats and mix until no large clumps of flour and oats remain.

Preheating the oven to 350 degrees, line and oil a sheet pan. Form tablespoons of cookie dough on the sheet pan, pressing down lightly if you want thinner cookies. Bake for 15 mins at 350 or until done. Makes about 30 cookies.

*Yes, I realize there is no picture this time. =( If they're not gone by the afternoon, perhaps there shall be one. ^_^