Kid Friendly Chocolate Chip Cookies

Before I say anything, Thank you to everyone that entered the Good Things Come in 3s Giveaway.  The winner was Courtney Duffy.  Congratulations.  I will get your goods sent to you by the end of the week.

Sorry I have been a little MIA lately. I was super busy the last two weekends.  I was working on a wedding cake Thursday/Friday/Saturday and then had birthday festivities two weekends ago.  Then this past weekend was Canadian Thanksgiving.  I did get it lots of baking though so I should have several posts coming.   Last last Thursday my mom, sister and I went to see "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"  Did you ever watch the show?  It is hilarious and so was this.  It was the fastest 90 minutes ever.  I was sad when it was over, I wanted more.  I highly recommend going to check it out if it is in your city.  You will be laughing constantly for 90 minutes.

I honestly don't know where the last week has gone? I missed an entire week of blogging.  Last Wednesday I went apple picking.  I love apple picking.  I will probably even go back one more time.  This was my first chance to take the little one apple picking as well.  Although I know she can't really pick off the tree and honestly did really care.  I loved it.   I pulled her around in the wagon, tried to make her pick an apple, plopped her in the middle of the pumpkin patch for photos and let her play in the play area.  It was such a fun afternoon.

Now that the little one is moving towards solid, chunky foods and not purees I need to get creative with food. Although I am a dessert blogger I do want to limit her sugar intake as much as possible.  When I give her treats I want to try and use less processed sugars like agave, honey or maple syrup or experiment with dates. Dates have a lot of natural sugars that can sweeten many desserts, the trick is to try and maintain the right texture.  DON'T expect these cookies to be like the NY times or Cooks illustrated perfect chocolate chip cookie.   They are still soft, chewy, delicious and perfect for any kid. 

Kid Friendly Chocolate Chip Cookies 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cup Robin Hood Tastes Like White Flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp hemp seeds
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place the dates in a measuring cup and soak them in hot water. The water should cover all dates. Let them soak an hour or so until softened.
2. Once soft, puree the dates with about 1/4 cup of the soaking water until completely smooth.
3. In a small bowl mix together, flour, salt, cornstarch and baking soda
4. In a large bowl or mixer bowl, beat together the dates and the butter.
5. Add the egg and vanilla and mix together.
6. Mix in the dry ingredients on low until almost combined.
7. Add chocolate chips and pecans until just combined.
8. Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
9. Preheat the oven to 350F. Bake for 10-12 minutes, let cool on pan a few minutes then move to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container