Cookies and Cream Chocolate Chip (Butterless) Cookies!

oh yeah, M and M's too...

My son really wanted cookies with M's on top. My girls wanted cookies and cream. I wanted dark chocolate chips. So we had it ALL. Which is why I am now a member of Weight Watchers. But that's a post for another day!

I saw this recipe for cookies made with grapeseed oil instead of butter, and I was intrigued. I have made cookies with coconut oil here and here, and I've used olive oil in baking, so these were quickly added to my "to make" list. I've read a lot about healthier oils recently, and recently purchased Pompeian OlivExtra Mediterranean Blend because it contains olive and grapeseed oil. {Note: this is not a sponsored post, this is just the brand I purchased} Both extra virgin olive oil, and grapeseed oil are supposed to be better for you than butter, and I really need a way to justify eating more cookies - so I made these. You know, since they are healthy and all. *ahem*

Cookies and Cream Chocolate Chip (Butterless) Cookies

adapted from Grapeseed Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies by Cookies and Cups

1 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 Tbsp vanilla
3/4 cup Pompeian OlivExtra Mediterranean Blend
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp kosher salt
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup chopped Cookies n' Cream Hershey Bar

1 cup Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate Chips

leftover mini M&M's - approx. 1/4 cup or so (placed on tops only)

Preheat oven to 375°
Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat
Mix the sugars, eggs and vanilla for 2 minutes on medium until light in color.
Turn mixer to low and add in oil. Beat until combined.
Add baking soda, salt and flour. Mix until evenly combined.
Fold in candy or chocolate chips of choice.
Drop by heaping tablespoons on prepared baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
Bake 9-11 minutes until edges are golden. Don't over bake - mine did best at 9 minutes.
Allow to cool on baking sheet for a couple of minutes and then transfer to wire rack. 

VERDICT - These were really good! I didn't miss the butter at all, but I rarely make cookies that have more than a stick anyway. These were crispy around the edges, and thick and chewy in the middle. I'm not a cookies and cream fan, but my girls are, and they loved the chunks in it. I am all about the dark chocolate, so the nice big chips were my favorite. You could add in any candy/chips you like!

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