Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Selected from my favorite cookbook right now, Feeding the Whole Family, Cynthia Lair nails it with a quick + easy (and super healthy) treat. Using a high-quality chocolate chip and a natural sweetener, rather than refined sugar, these oatmeal cookies are a go-to to curb a sweet craving, boost of energy, or even the perfect treat for tots.

Prep time: 20 minutes. Makes about a dozen cookies.

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

1 cup spelt flour

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup maple syrup (or brown rice syrup)

1/2 cup organic unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup chopped walnuts

1/3 cup organic dark chocolate chips (or dried cranberries for less sweet option)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine oats, flour, and salt together in a large bowl; set aside. In a separate bowl mix together maple syrup, butter and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to dry mixture and mix well. Stir in nuts and chips. With moist hands, form dough into cookies. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.