When the going gets tough, the tough make cookies. Seriously, though. This has been a week. And that’s all I’ll say about that. And despite the fact that I have had zero time to do absolutely anything this week (like, you know, go to the grocery store or unpack my suitcase from this weekend or even take my nail polish off, for goodness sake), I found myself in the kitchen whisking flour and whipping up batter late tonight. I knew I shouldn’t. I had hours of work to do and about a zillion phone calls to make and emails to respond to. But I needed the quiet alone time. And being in the kitchen calms me. It clears my head and keeps me grounded and makes me feel like me. And I needed that tonight. Blogging has the same affect. Thank goodness for this little place in the universe; I just can’t imagine my life without it.
Anyway, on to the cookies. I spotted Chili Spiced Mangos in Trader Joe’s, I knew they would make the perfect cookies. I wanted to try something on the healthy side, so I used whole wheat flour and rolled oats. And obviously added chocolate chips. Because what’s a cookie without them?
Chocolate Chili Mango Oatmeal Cookies (makes about 2 dozen):
Print this recipe!
- 1 C whole wheat flour
- 1 t baking powder
- 1/4 t salt
- 1/3 C canola oil
- 2/3 C brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 T vanilla
- 1/2 C rolled oats
- 1/2 C chili spiced mangos, chopped
- 1/4 C chocolate chunks (or chips)
(pre-heat oven to 350 degrees)
Chili Spiced Mango may seem like a weird cook add-in, but I love a little bit of spice and thought these could make a potentially bland healthy cookie super fun and flavorful.
Don’t they look delicious? Basically dried mangos with cayenne pepper. Heavenly.
I chopped up about 1/2 C of the mango.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the canola oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. I started with 2 eggs, but after some of the cookies turned out slightly dry, I decided to add a third and they were much more moist.
Stir the dry ingredients in to the wet ingredients until just combined and then stir in mango and chocolate chunks.
Chocolate chips are good, but aren’t chocolate chunks so much better? Or maybe that’s just me.
Roll 1-2 tablespoons of dough into a ball and place on parchment or Silpat-covered baking sheet.
Bake cookies at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until just browned.
And enjoy! The flavors in these cookies were fabulous, though to be honest, the chili wasn’t quote overwhelming enough for me. Next time I might mix some cayenne into the cookies for a little more kick.
But these may just become my new go-to cookie. They’re pretty healthy and, to be honest, you can tell in the taste. I did, after all, make them 100% with whole wheat flour. You can mix with all-purpose if you want. But I loved the healthy taste of these and the way the chocolate and spicy mango offset it.
Cookies I don’t have to feel guilty about eating. Which is a very good thing since all I want to do this week is stuff my face with cookies. Now, if only that Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked ice cream I face planted into last night was healthy. Oops.
Maybe if I eat a batch of these, it will offset all my other poor food choices this weekend… One can hope. And at least I’ll have fun doing it.
OK, back to work for me! The good news is, tomorrow is Cocktail Friday! I’ll be working most of the weekend and baking 100 cupcakes for High and Mighty’s Don Cornelius launch party (details to come!), but at least I’ll be home. Hopefully with a cocktail (or 20) in hand. Phew. And if baking a couple dozen cookies made me feel better, imagine what baking 100 cupcakes will do??
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my wonderful dad! I can’t wait to celebrate with him next weekend! 
Does being in the kitchen calm you?
[Sues]
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Cooking & baking definitely calms me down! And I agree- the chunks are wayyy better than the chips (although TJs chocolate chips are pretty darn good). I love TJs regular mango, I can only imagine how addicting this variety must be. What a great cookie. Good luck with the cupcakes and happy birthday to your daddy-o!
This title had me intrigued- GREAT recipe!
what a fun combination! I’m like you and after a stressful/busy day I love nothing more than to come home and get in the kitchen!
These sound absolutely delightful. I definitely cook or bake when I’ve had a stressful day. It’s just so relaxing.
Being in the kitchen definitely calms me too! Also, I’ve GOT to try those spicy mangos!
I am the same way! If I get stressed out or nervous or sad or anything, I’m in the kitchen cooking, usually baking. I hear ya on the week too. I’ve never been so happy for it to be Friday! I’ve never heard of the chili spiced mango, but that sounds so good. Especially in your cookie with oatmeal & chocolate! I’m bookmarking this one!
What a great idea to use those delicious mangos! Cookie baking is my favorite stress relief.
omgosh! yes! yum!
im a cookie monster and these looks amazing.
That mango is great as a snack or over yogurt. Or in granola. It’s super. Popping it in cookies is a great idea, especially with oats.
ooh, i’m intrigued!! they look nice and hearty
Now I need a trip to Trader Joe’s- that would calm me!
I do like to bake but I don’t like to bake under pressure. (Like baking a birthday cake when the guests are arriving in thirty minutes pressure.) Cookie baking late at night when the kitchen is empty except for me is my favorite. These cookies look great! 
Now that’s a cookie! I have seen the chili mangoes at TJs before and couldn’t really think of how I’d use them. I know now! Can’t wait to make these cookies and will have to take them to work to make sure I don’t eat them all myself! Debra
I used a whipped out the old mortar and pestle and ground up some additional spices to add to this including fresh ginger, clove, cinnamon and chai tea leaves. Substituted apple sauce for most of the fat, raw honey and molasses for sugar only added only 1/2 a stick of butter and used coconut milk for a touch of binders/fat.