What's for Dessert? Oatmeal, Walnut and Goji Berry Cookies

Who says cookies have to be so unhealthy? My adaptation of a classic cookie recipe calls for the addition of goji berries.

What the heck is a goji (pronounced go-gee) berry anyway? Grown in Tibet, the Goji berry is one of the world’s most nutritionally rich fruits. Benefits are reputed to be increased energy and rejuvenation. This berry has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit and is quickly becoming the next new "thing". Matt and I also buy goji in juice form.

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
3/4 cup flour
1 cup regular oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup goji berries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
 

Preheat oven to 350º.

Place first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Beat with a mixer at medium speed til well blended. Add flour, oats, and salt to egg mixture; beat well. Stir in walnuts and berries.

Drop by tablespoons about 2 inches apart onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350º for 12 minutes or til lightly browned. Remove from oven; let stand 2 minutes. Remove cookies from baking sheet.

Best served warm.

Variations: Use other dried fruit instead of goji berries. Add a mixture of white and whole wheat flours to make an even healthier version.