Recipe for Cocoa Fudge Cookies

It is the New Year and most of us are trying to eat healthier. Eating healthy doesn't mean you have to starve yourself, eat only celery sticks, or deprive yourself of your favorite foods. I think sometimes "eating healthy" gets a bad rap.

I love eating healthy because I eat tasty, delicious, nutritious foods!! I also eat in moderation, sure a brownie topped with ice cream isn't the best choice, but if it is only on occasion, I say go for it! And I do!! Plus, I watch my portion sizes, if I want chips and salsa, I will have some, I just won't eat the whole bag:) And of course I have to stick in my plug for exercise, just do it. I promise you will feel better:)

So when I was craving something sweet the other day, of course I wanted to make cookies. They are my favorite. This time I opted for a healthier cookie. I found this Cocoa Fudge Cookie recipe from Cooking Light. Each cookie has 78 calories and 2.7 grams of fat. Not bad! The yogurt kept the cookies soft and chewy. The cocoa added a rich chocolaty flavor, similar to a brownie. I loved these!! They were perfect for my sweet craving, and not bad for the waistline either!!

So if you are trying to eat healthier this year, GOOD FOR YOU! Try these cookies!! And remember, eating healthy doesn't mean go on a diet! I hate that word. Eat your fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, light dairy products, etc....and sneak in your favorite treats every now and then. If you want it to be a lifestyle change you have to allow yourself everything in moderation!! Ok, enough of my health educating babbles!! Just do what works for you and be happy:)





Cocoa Fudge Cookies

Adapted from Cooking Light

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons butter
7 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup plain low-fat yogurt (I used fat free)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350ºF; line 2 baking sheets with baking paper, lightly coated with cooking spray. I used Silpats! Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Sift together flour, soda, and salt; set aside.

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat; stir in cocoa powder and sugars (mixture will resemble coarse sand). Add yogurt and vanilla, stirring to combine. Add flour mixture, stirring until moist. Drop by level tablespoons 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until almost set. Cool on pans 2 to 3 minutes or until firm. Remove cookies from pans; cool on wire racks.