CHOCOLATE OATMEAL JUMBLES

Another great recipe from Secrets of Fat-Free Baking with no oil or eggs. Each cookie contains 42 calories/cookie and with whole grains my husband and I especially enjoyed these Chocolate Oatmeal Jumbles.  Just the right amount when you want the taste of chocolate but not feel guilty about the calories.

CHOCOLATE OATMEAL JUMBLES

1       cup whole wheat pastry flour or unbleached flour (I did use the whole wheat pastry flour)
1       cup quick-cooking oats
2      tablespoons sugar/stevia blend (or 1/4 cup sugar)
2      tablespoons cocoa powder
1       teaspoon baking soda
1/2   cup + 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (I used sugar free chocolate syrup)
2      tablespoons + 2 teaspoons water
1       teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4   cup dark raisins
1/4   cup chopped walnuts
1/4   cup chocolate chips (I used Andes chocolate mint chips)

Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.  Spray cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine the flour, oats, sugar, cocoa, and baking soda and stir to mix well.

Add the chocolate syrup, water, and vanilla and stir to mix well.

Stir in remaining ingredients.

Using a cookie scoop (1 tablespoon size), drop dough onto cookie sheet about 1-1/2 inches apart.  Slightly flatten each cookie with the tip of a spoon or back of scoop.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes.

Cool for 1 minute on cookie sheet before moving to wire racks to cool completely.

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container and arrange in single layers separated by sheet of waxed paper.