Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Gone Healthy, Coconut Oil Magic Ingredient

Coconut oil. I’ve been using it in a variety baked goods and other cooking because I've been convinced of the health benefits that have been brought to the foreground in the last several years. It isn’t a new fad, it has been a staple in countries where coconuts are naturally available, but for those of us who don’t have a coconut tree in our backyard, we may have come late to the party. This article lists some of the beneficial reasons to at least consider looking into coconut oil. It has a very long shelf life which I also find apealing. One down side is the cost.

When I’ve replaced coconut oil in my baked goods it has been at a ratio of 2/3 of the amount of oil or butter that the recipe originally called for and things have worked out amazingly well. I’ve had great success with quick breads, cakes, and now cookies. It’s also wonderful on top of rice . . . actually heavenly. When I can use coconut oil instead of butter or another oil I do.

This cookie recipe is one that I altered from a favorite recipe I’ve been using for years. While I was making them my husband said “I hope these aren’t going to be healthy cookies” and later he had no trouble downing two or three of these gems as part of his evening snack. I am pleased with the outcome on two fronts. They have a wonderful flavor and crunch and somewhat healthier than the original version.

If you are looking around for a way to make your cooking a little healthier, look into coconut oil. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic and if you've had success with coconut oil.

20 comments:

  1. I love your adaptation. I am sure they taste great with the coconut oil. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Those cookies sound wonderful, such delicious ingredients. Does the coconut oil impart a coconut taste? I've never cooked with it.
    *kisses* HH

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  3. They look great. I need to find some coconut oil... yum.

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  4. lovely cookies and with coconut oil, I bet they are wonderful...I am sure my girls would love these as their after school treat!!

    stunning blog...
    sweetlife

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  5. I am so loving coconut oil right now, too! And I'm lovin' the sound of these cookies. I'm ready to break out the pumpkin, too...come on fall ;)

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  6. Pumpkin cookies are my very favorite. I am making some of these soon, it's fall almost.

    I always learn something great from your blog posts.

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  7. I haven't tried coconut oil yet, but I keep hearing great things about it. Where do you buy yours?

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  8. Thanks all for your comments. HH, to answer the question about the flavor of coconut coming through in the baked goods- I would say very slightly. For the most part it just gives it an extra moist goodness that you wonder where it came from unless you know the ingreidents. Barbara, I bought my coconut oil from a Bosch Store in the Cottonwood area. They were running a sale last month and it seemed like a good time to give it a try. You can get it at Whole Foods as well, but the price is much higher.

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  9. Cristie how cool! I've wanted to use coconut oil for years, but couldn't figure out how to do it well and ended up giving up after awhile. Of course I could have used it in baking though, why didn't I think of this?

    I think I'll try again! Thank-you!

    Laura

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  10. Great idea with the coconut oil. These would be hard to resist.

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  11. I wish I had seen this yesterday! I really wanted to make cookies but I didn't have any butter. However I DO have a jar of coconut oil. Oh well. There's always tomorrow night...

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  12. Oh my goodness...these look amazing..I am so hungry right now but I promised myself I would not eat anything before I went to bed! Lucky my kitchen does not have any of these yummies..they all would be gone. xoxoxo hugs

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  13. I found coconut oil just last week at my local grocery... it was really strange looking, almost like white shortening. I wouldn't have a clue how to use it if it were not for this post! Thank you!

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  14. Great post, Cristie! I am definitely going to try coconut oil in my baking.

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  15. I actually have coconut oil, go figure! Your cookies do look incredible! thanks so much for sharing it!

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  16. I pretty much love all things pumpkin and these cookies sound delicious! I just added coconut oil to my grocery list!

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  17. coconut oil gives baking such a distinct texture. i really enjoy it and this is a very informative post.

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  18. I'm so glad to see more people incorporating coconut oil into their diet. This cookie has such an intriguing combination with the coconut oil, pumpkin and chocolate. Looks yummy!

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  19. I remember reading about the health benefits of coconut oil and have yet to use it in my cooking. This recipe looks like the perfect place to start! Thanks!

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  20. This is a great reason to initiate a small coconut oil jar which I bought and is still idle in my pantry.
    The ingredients seem like a great cookie can come out of it ;o)
    Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

    Flavourful wishes,
    Claudia

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