delicious double dark chocolate cookies that are "pretty" healthy? really?

happy valentine's day!  actually, we have two things to celebrate on february 14th.  valentine's day is obvious...but it is also the third anniversary for my blog.  so don't you think chocolate is required to truly commemorate the day?  last year i shared my recipe for dark chocolate truffles in the post chocolate for valentine's day and they have become an oft requested treat.  this year i decided to focus on chocolate cookies but, with my post cleanse guilt, wanted to create something that was a bit healthier than a standard version but equally delicious. 

i used extra virgin olive oil instead of butter, agave nectar in place of white sugar and substituted unbleached white Whole Wheat flour for the more typical white all purpose flour.  other ingredients include excellent quality dark chocolate (both dutch process cocoa powder and bittersweet choc chips), organic unsweetened shredded coconut, and coarse grey sea salt.  result?  a not too sweet, fudgy, soft, intensely chocolaty taste...with bit of crunchy salt that explodes in your mouth every few bites.  the chocolate, coconut, salt combination knocked me out...and has become my new favorite chocolate cookie. 

a few friends stopped by today...always happy to have tasters...and they insisted on having the cookies with red wine for dessert...works for me!

try the cookies and let me know what you think...and happy valentine's day everyone.  are you making your loved ones a special dessert?  if so, please share in the comments section of the post.  and thanks for all your support, feedback and comments this past year...i appreciate each and every one of you...

**note, i encourage you to try the cookie recipe exactly as written but, if chocolate and sea salt is not your thing, just substitute regular  kosher salt for the coarse grey salt...however, give it a try my way first...really, trust me on this**

"pretty healthy" double chocolate cookies
(makes 24)

1 1/2 cups unbleached white whole wheat flour
1/2 cup unsweetened dutch process cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp coarse grey sea salt
3/4 cup agave nectar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 organic egg
1 tsp pure vanilla ( i like madagascar)
1/2 c organic flaked coconut
1/2 c bittersweet chocolate chips (60 % cacao)
preheat oven to 325 degrees.  line 2 baking sheets with silpat or parchment paper.  set aside. sift together all dry ingredients into medium bowl.  in separate small bowl, whisk together the agave nectar, e.v.o.o, egg and vanilla.  pour wet ingredients into dry and, using a wooden spoon, stir until combined.  fold in coconut and chocolate chips.  drop by tablespoons onto prepared sheets (i use a medium ice cream scoop).  bake for 15 minutes and let sheets cool on racks.  you can store in airtight containers for a couple of days...but best the day they are baked.

ooh, one more thing...it is not too late to enter the granola bar giveaway.  just leave a comment after the post and you will be entered...contest ends february 22nd...good luck!

best,
diane

diane padoven
founder/president
napa farmhouse 1885™
"live a green life of style™ "

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