Kripalu Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dig in—chocolate is good for you! Some studies suggest cocoa and other forms of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, may help keep your heart healthy and your blood pressure down. They contain high amounts of flavonols, plant compounds with strong antioxidant properties that help maintain healthy blood flow and ward off cardiovascular disease. 

Makes 30 cookies

¾ cup butter or vegan spread, at room temperature
1 cup rice syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 egg (or an egg substitute such as ground flax seed)
2½ cups unbleached white flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, cream the butter with an electric mixer at medium speed until fluffy. Add the syrup and vanilla, and cream at a medium speed until fluffy. Add the egg (or egg substitute) and beat until fluffy.

In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, and beat at low speed until smooth. Add the chips and walnuts, and mix at low speed until well combined.

Drop the dough by rounded teaspoonful on a well-oiled baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom. Let cool on wire racks or serve warm.