A Little Something Sweet

by Shauna Sever — April 23, 2008

I think I must have the most overactive sweet tooth on the planet, as is pretty evident by my other writing, but I always make sure to keep a good balance in my diet, which often means a healthy, nutritious dinner followed by some kind of dessert (and I don't mean just eating some fruit--let's keep it real, here). This recipe is one of my favorites, because it satisfies the craving for a little something sweet, while still providing some nutrients. It also comes together lighting fast and most of the ingredients are probably sitting in your cupboards right this second.

Quick Crispy Oatmeal Cookies
Makes About 10 Cookies

2 cups quick-cooking Irish oatmeal
½ cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
4 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl, mixing thoroughly, and leave to soak at room temperature for 15 minutes. Place teaspoons full of the mixture onto the baking sheet, flattening slightly with dampened fingertips or a fork dipped in water. Or, for a more rustic appearance, spread the mixture evenly onto the cookie sheet into a rectangle and slice into squares with a pizza cutter, sliding the pieces apart slightly on the sheet to allow room for each piece to crisp along the edges; the mixture will not spread while baking. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer the cookies onto a wire rack to cool and crisp completely.