Our family likes to make up a batch or two of these healthy oatmeal cookies to keep in the freezer, they work great for when we are feeling like something sweet but not wanting to be “bad.” They make a healthy treat for the whole family, and they are so easy to make. I make these cookies if I am wanting to do some cooking with the kids but don’t have time to make something that is really involved. Because you don’t have to bake these cookies, they make up in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (or other shortening of choice)
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, less if you don’t like a really rich chocolate flavor
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 2 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat combine the maple syrup, oil, cocoa and cinnamon. Boil for three minutes, stirring constantly.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter, rolled oats and vanilla until well blended.
3. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto waxed paper (I used foil and sprayed it so they wouldn’t stick) and chill to set, about 30 minutes. Keep refrigerated.