Dark Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies

Dark chocolate has been discovered to have a number of healthy benefits. It aids in the healthy function of the heart and brain, can help control blood sugar and pressure and is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients. Some might even refer to dark chocolate a "super food." I know that not everyone enjoys the sometimes bitter taste of dark chocolate, so this cookie is a great way to take in the healthy benefits of dark chocolate with portion control and by making the flavor easier to handle.

Tips:

Good chocolate - Make sure to choose a higher quality chocolate. Be aware that a lot of the chocolate on the market that is packed with sugar. I recommend searching for bars that are organic, dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content.

Oven Temperature: 350 degrees 
Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes 
Servings: 3 - 4 dozen cookies

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 Tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups wheat or  all-purpose flour 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

3 cups Quick Oats or 3 cups Old-Fashioned  oats, uncooked 

1 cup dark chocolate chunks 


Directions: 

1) Move the oven racks so that the coolie sheets will sit in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2) In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; set aside.

3) In a large bowl, cream together the butter or margarine and sugars.

4) Add into the bowl the eggs, milk and vanilla; beat well.

5) Mix in the dry ingredients until a well incorporated.

6) Stir in oats and dark chocolate chunks just until combined. 

7) Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons, 2 inches apart, onto the prepared baking sheet. Press each cookie down slightly.

8) Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

9) Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet and move to a wire rack to cool completely.