Breakfast in a Cookie

I got this fantastic recipe from an old friend/co-worker that I had the lucky opportunity to run into again after a couple of years of losing each other. We of course, exchanged blog addresses and now I get access to all of her incredible writing, along with a few appetizing recipes sprinkled in here and there.I love these cookies (honestly, there aren't many cookies I DON'T love). But seriously, these are great, especially if you are craving something sweet but are trying to stay healthy. I halved the recipe and still had a ton left over to freeze.

Breakfast in a Cookie
(makes a lot; freeze well)

Mix together in a small bowl and set aside to soak for 10 minutes:
1 cup oat bran
3/4 cup orange juice

Combine in a large bowl, using an electric mixer:
1 cup + 1 T unsweetened applesauce
2 T canola oil
1 cup honey
1/3 firmly packed brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 T vanilla
1 T grated orange rind OR 2 t. orange extract (I accidentally doubled rind once and it turned out great)

Measure into a sifter and sift over applesauce mixture:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 t. baking soda

Add soaked oat bran and the following to the large bowl and mix thoroughly:
1 cup nonfat dry milk
2 1/2 cups oats (quick-cooking or old-fashioned)
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup raisins
1 cup ground flax seed

Preheat oven to 375. Using a scoop, drop onto a baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned, 12-14 minutes.