Regular cookies (they don't need to be chocolate chip) are full of sugar and refined white flower.
We can talk about to sugar later. First, let's take a quick delve into the horrifying reality of refined white flower.
White flour is bad for you
Whole grain consists of three parts. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which is certainly a fantastic source of fibre, B vitamins and anti-oxidants, then there is the endosperm (the section that many people haven't heard about!) this is the least beneficial section of the grain, and typically consists of carbohydrates. Lastly, at the center, there is the germ, that contains proteins, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've possibly already guessed, the refining system which is used to make white flower does away with the bran along with the germ and focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain that comes with the least nutritional value.
Flour, and therefore cookies (or bread, and any number of things) that is made from the endosperm is incredibly hazardous to your health. So just why do they make it? Exactly why does refined white flour even exist? Because it keeps for a longer time. And foods that stay fresh for longer make a lot more profit. (which evidently is significantly more important than our health, right!?)
Refined white flower can lead to a whole multitude of health issues. Including but in no way limited to: an increase in weight, diabetes, heart conditions, cancer, digestion difficulties, the list continues!
The sugar
Sugar gets such a bad rep already that I don't think I ought to beat it down anymore. Everyone knows it's bad for us… but it makes things taste better, hence we keep eating it.
A lot of things are just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are a fantastic example. They are able to get their sweetness from much healthier alternatives to sugar, like honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or perhaps chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are made with whole wheat flower, which includes all of the good parts of the grain, exactly like nature intended.
I also feel like I need to point out that they actually taste better too! Wouldn't you agree? To me at least, oatmeal cookies are more indulgent and sophisticated than regular cookies… and don't get me started on oatmeal cookies with stem ginger! They always get the top secret hiding place at the back of the pans! Far too tasty for kids!