In light of my goal to get healthy, I have cut back on sweets. Seriously. However, I’m not insane, so I still do allow myself some treats. Just mindfully, except for those times when I go bonkers and binge. The good news is those binges are becoming distant memories, in part because I’m still permitting treats, like these supreme chocolate chip cookies. Knowing that I would make a sweet treat for Valentine’s Day, I thought long and hard about what it should. Delicious? Absolutely. Chocolate? Yes, please. Sexy and fancy because it’s Valentine’s Day? Ummmmmmm … no. These are more wholesome than sexy, and no one would call them fancy but definitely yummy.
I actually intended to share a more fancy Valentine’s Day treat, but elected to the make cookies instead. The fancy dessert did sound delicious and I will likely make it at some point, but I believe treats should be that — a treat. Not something you have to make, but something you want to eat. And I wanted cookies.
Mindful Treats to Prevent Cookie Binges
The other advantage of cookies is that I can freeze some too. This way I don’t have an entire dessert sitting on the counter or in the fridge beckoning me to take just one more bite. Nope. I made a few cookies, then froze the rest. Now, when I need something a little sweet, I can bake up a cookie or two.
Most would probably outright ban cookies and sweets when they are trying to lose weight, which is completely reasonable. But that has never worked for me. Sure, you can say that I lack willpower, which is probably not incorrect. But I also know myself. If I ban something or put it on the do not eat list, then I will obsess over it. And during a stressful moment, all good intentions will get tossed out, and I’ll stuff my face with whatever I wasn’t supposed to eat. But knowing that an occasional cookie is acceptable, means that I’ll actually just eat one cookie. On occasion. Versus eating them until my tummy aches.
To make the cookies somewhat Valentine’s Day appropriate, I did use the pink MM’s, but really you can use the regular MMs or whatever colors are in tune with whatever holiday is the closest. These cookies are easy to make, have an abundance of chocolate and freeze well. Whenever you make these, for Valentine’s Day or just because, your family, friends and co-workers will thank you, assuming you are gracious enough to share with them, which I apparently am not. 🙂
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (10 oz) plain M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract until creamy. Beat in eggs.
- Gradually blend the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and M&Ms.
- Scoop up a tablespoon (approximately) and shape into a ball. Place on cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Bake for 9-11 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
If you have the time and inclination, you can also brown the butter versus using softened butter. Brown butter gives the cookies more depth and a slightly nutty flavor. You can also swap dark brown sugar for the regular brown sugar too.
To freeze unbaked cookies, shape into balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Freeze for 30 minutes. Quickly place cookie dough balls into an airtight container. To bake: place frozen cookie ball on a cookie sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes at 375 degrees.
Enjoy!
Tanya
Awwww shucks. I think I have to make those Supreme Chocolate Chip Cookies. Sound absolutely up my alley. Yummm!
I also like the fact that you still allow yourself to have a cookie. As much as I have to watch my weight, I do also allow myself to indulge every now and then. Life is meant to be enjoyed and chocolate chip cookie works for me. 🙂
Great info and recipes.
Thanks,
Barbara
They are delicious, Barbara! I definitely believe you have to allow yourself the occasional indulgence and these guys are worth it! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I appreciate it!
These look SO yummy!!!! I’ll have to make these for the fam. Or for myself. 🙂
They are awesome, if I do say so myself. And I do! 🙂 Your family will “love” you for making them. They are my all-time favorite chocolate chip cookies because of the abundance of chocolate!
As always, your recipes look and sound delicious! 🙂
Awww … thanks, Mackenzie! These are so yummy! I know you’re eating more GF these days, and I’m not overly with flour substitutes but suspect you know what to swap in its place.