Something to fill your Calorie Jar

When you're ready for a splurge, make these!

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

1 stick butter (or try Earth Balance sticks - more heart-healthy!) at room temp

1/2 cup peanut butter - any kind at room temp

1 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup white sugar

2 tbsp honey or molasses

2 eggs at room temp

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup whole wheat flour

3/4 cup all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt (if using unsalted PB then use 1/2 tsp)

2 cups oats

2 cups chocolate chips

1/2 cup golden raisins (optional)

1/4 cup sugar (for exterior of cookies)

Preheat oven to 350. In an electric mixer, beat butter & peanut butter together. Add sugars & vanilla and beat until creamed together. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg incorporates into the batter. In a separate bowl, combine flours, baking soda, and salt. Slowly beat flour mixture into wet mixture, scraping down sides with a spatula if necessary to make sure mixture is fully combined. With a wooden spoon, mix in oats, chocolate chips, and raisins (if using).

Put extra sugar on a small plate or in a bowl. Scoop balls of dough from the bowl and roll in the sugar so the outside of the cookie will be coated in sugar. Place sugared balls of dough on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8-12 minutes. Let cool on pan for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack or paper towels to cool completely.

Note: Sometimes I set the timer for 5 min, then press the cookies down a bit with a fork so they turn out to be a better shape & texture.

**image taken from www.eatingwell.com