Loaded Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

INGREDIENTS:

1 large egg
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (not instant or quick cook)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (pecans may be substituted; or nuts may be omitted)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 heaping cup milk chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

1.                         To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or large mixing bowl and electric mixer) combine the egg, applesauce, sugars, vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed until creamed and well combined, about 4 minutes.

2.                         Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the oats, flour, coconut, walnuts, baking soda,  and beat on low speed until just combined, about 1 minute.

3.                         Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the chocolate chips, and beat on low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds.

4.                         Using a large cookie scoop, 1/4-cup measure, or your hands, form approximately 12 equal-sized mounds of dough, roll into balls, and flatten slightly. Tip - Strategically place a few chocolate chips on top of each mound of dough by taking chips from the underside and adding them on top.

5.                         Place mounds on a large plate or tray, cover with plasticwrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 5 days. Do not bake with unchilled dough because cookies will bake thinner, flatter, and be more prone to spreading.

6.                         Preheat oven to 350F, line a baking sheet with a Silpat or spray with cooking spray. Place dough mounds on baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart (I bake 8 cookies per sheet) and bake for about 11 t0 13 minutes (for super soft cookies, longer for more well-done cookies), or until edges have set and tops are just set, even if slightly undercooked, pale, and glossy in the center; don't overbake. Cookies firm up as they cool. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for about 10 minutes before serving. I let them cool on the baking sheet and don't use a rack.

7.                         Cookies will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Alternatively, unbaked cookie dough can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months, so consider baking only as many cookies as desired and save the remaining dough to be baked in the future when desired.

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