Chocolate and cherries, need I say more? These are easy and delicious, perfect for your Valentine too! I cut the calories by replacing some of the butter with pear baby food. Both baby food and apple sauce are excellent swaps to cut a whole lotta’ calories and fat without cutting flavor.
These have been a long time favorite on my blog, originally called Cherry Garcia Oatmeal Cookies (for you long time readers) for their chocolate, cherry and rich vanilla flavor. Just like the timeless classic ice cream flavor these cookies are good year round, but unlike the ice cream you can enjoy them year round without gaining weight.
Cover 2-3 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
In a small bowl combine flour, baking soda and salt, set aside. In a large bowl or standing mixer whip butter and sugar, add in egg and vanilla. In a small bowl combine baby food and ⅓ cup of water, add to large bowl/mixer and mix together. Add in the flour mixture and whisk until just combined.
Add in the oats, dark chocolate and chopped cherries and mix until just combined, over mixing will result in tough cookies.
Place the cookie dough in fridge for 15 minutes to firm up and preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Scoop ping-pong ball sized dollops of cookie dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, give enough room for a little spreading. Bake for 10- 15 minutes until golden brown.
Let the cookies cool while you melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or in a heat safe bowl, microwaved in 10 second increments, stir constantly to avoid burning. Once the chocolate is melted, mix in oil (this will keep it from hardening while you work). Summon your inner Jackson Pollock to drizzle and drip the white chocolate all over your cookies. Let the chocolate cool and harden before serving.
Notes
Each serving (1 cookie) has: 103 calories, 2 g fat, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein, 21 g carbs.