A Cookie of Lies & a Recipe for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - Stephanie Arsenault - Global DishHoly moly... it’s already the middle of January. Just so you know, “holy moly” is a much more delicate phrase than the one I’m actually saying out loud.

This month has been flying by. I’ve been working away {in an office! At a brewery! It’s like I’m a grown up or something.}, getting ready for our trip to San Diego {I’m pretty sure that I’m going to eat ALL of the guacamole and drink ALL of the beer in Southern California. Now that is what I call a reasonable New Year’s resolution.}, and keeping busy by trying to convince myself that this obscenely cold weather is a part of “nature” and it’s “normal” and part of “winter” as a “season.”

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - Stephanie Arsenault - Global Dish Naturally, as people continue with their resolutions to eat healthy and work out more, I’ve pretty much turned into a post-holiday cookie monster. I blame the aforementioned cold weather. Also on my list of things/people that are responsible for my choices other than me: Jason Sweeney and his “Cookie of Lies” illustration, below. Every time I look at it I laugh out loud, picturing an actual cookie tricking me into eating it {like I need tricking…}.

Jason Sweeney's "A Cookie of Lies" If you’re not familiar with this guy, check out his website {ugh… I spend way more time than necessary there}, and his Twitter feed. He’s pretty cool beans. His wife is also someone you should follow because she’s adorable.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - Stephanie Arsenault - Global Dish Anyways, back to the cookies.

In our house, it’s crucial that there are always cookies on hand, due to my extremely demanding cookie needs. It’s also crucial that the cookies are on the healthy side, full of good things like fibre, protein, and deliciousness. These little Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are all of those things, and more. The best part? You can throw them together, bake them {while filling your house with that irreplaceable just-baked cookie smell…}, and eat ‘em all in less than half an hour. If “eat more cookies” was on your list of New Year’s resolutions, you’re welcome.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - Stephanie Arsenault - Global Dish

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Makes 24

Ingredients: 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 heaping teaspoon cornstarch ½ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon cinnamon 2 cups rolled oats {not quick-cooking} 1/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/3 brown sugar 1 large egg 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt ¼ cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup raisins ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat; set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and oats together. In a medium bowl, beat butter and sugars together until creamy. Whisk in the egg and yogurt until smooth, and then whisk in the milk and vanilla.

3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, and stir just until combined. Mix in the raisins and walnuts, if using.

4. Scoop heaping teaspoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about an inch apart. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass, if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden in colour. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Bake another batch, cool, and then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.