Just like every woman’s wardrobe needs a little black dress in it, I think that every cook’s recipe file needs a basic chocolate cookie recipe that is versatile and delicious. And if that chocolate cookie happens to be light too, that’s even better! This chocolate cookie recipe meets all three of those requirements. The cookie has a little bit of a crisp outside. After you bite through that little bit of crispness, you hit the light, cakey inside. Texturally, it is very satisfying to eat one of these cookies. As for the flavor, it is sure to satisfy the strongest chocolate craving. With 3/4 of a cup of cocoa powder, the cookies are a rich, chocolate flavor but without the fat that baking chocolate or chocolate chips would have. The cookies are lightened up in the amount of oil that the recipe calls for too. The fat in these cookies is 1/2 oil and 1/2 low fat yogurt. And there is only 1 whole egg. The other egg is replaced by two egg whites.
The reason that I have called these the “Little Black Dress” Chocolate Cookies is because of their versatility. They are perfect to eat just as they are. Or, like a little black dress, you can change them up by adding different accessories.
- stir in chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts (both heart-healthy nuts!)
- stir in chocolate chips
- stir in white chocolate chips
- spread vanilla or chocolate frosting between 2 cookies, then press them together to make vanilla or chocolate whoopie pies
- scoop ice cream and press it between 2 cookies and freeze them for ice cream sandwiches. Try vanilla or chocolate light ice cream or frozen yogurt for a tasty and light treat. (my personal favorite!)
There are so many options for this one chocolate cookie recipe. Definitely a staple in any cook’s kitchen. Have fun with these and let me know if you think of some more ways to eat these cookies!
Chocolate Cookie
2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 c. cocoa powder
1 3/4 c. white sugar
1/4 c. + 2 tbsp. oil
1/4 c. + 2 tbsp. low fat yogurt
1 whole egg & 2 egg whites
2 tsp. vanilla flavoring
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and cocoa powder.
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the sugar, oil and yogurt until it is thoroughly combined.Add the egg, egg whites and vanilla flavoring; mix well. Then pour in the flour mixture and mix just until everything is combined.
Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the cookie sheet.Bake for 8 minutes. When the cookies are done baking, let them cool for 1 minute on the sheet before moving them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Makes 3 1/2 dozen (42) cookies.
Nutritional information per cookie:
73 Calories
1 g. fat
trace amount of saturated fat
5 mg. cholesterol
30 mg. sodium
13 g. carbohydrates
1 g. fiber
8 g. sugar
1 g. protein