Chocolate Valentine's Day Cookie

Chocolate Valentine's Day Cookie

Happy Valentine's Day!!  Although the main star of my Valentine table this year is a delicious red cherry pie, I couldn't let the day go by without baking at least something that is chocolate.  This is a recipe that I have been wanting to share for awhile since it is a definite family favorite and so much fun to make.  It is originally from a web site that my husband's first cousin works on, although I have changed a few things around in the recipe and made three other versions of it as well. I have always wondered how to make a giant cookie that would bake evenly and this treat definitely solves that problem.  While slightly more like pizza dough than cookie dough, this tastes amazing while being high in fiber and low in sugar and fat.  It is really fun to work with and can be made into any shape you want. The double chocolate version is my favorite, but I have also made plain chocolate chip, peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin versions. The recipes for those and a few extra photos are included below.  xoxoxo

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

For all of my workout buddies out there... I am sure most of you have spent time looking at all the labels on the back of protein bars in the grocery store, trying to make sense of the different options and reading all the finely printed ingredient lists.  Usually, when choosing a store bought brand, I stick with good old Clif bars, but I figured there had to be a more natural homemade version out there.  I am sure this recipe could be improved upon for nutritional quality (vitamins & minerals), and if anyone has any suggestions please let me know, but I made it up last spring and it is too yummy not to share.  It tastes like a dense chocolate cookie, but has high quality protein powder baked in, lots of whole grains, and the healthy fats found in nut butter.  You could use whatever brand of protein powder you prefer and like I did the second time around, substitute almond butter for the peanut butter.  It will fill you up without weighing you down and is the perfect before or after workout snack.