Regular cookies (they don't need to be chocolate chip) are packed with sugar and refined white flower.
We are going to get back to sugar later. First, let's have a quick delve into the terrifying truth of refined white flower.
White flour health concerns
Whole grain is comprised of 3 pieces. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which is a very good source of fibre, B vitamins and anti-oxidant, then we have the endosperm (the part that a lot of people haven't heard about!) this is the least useful part of the grain, and typically consists of carbohydrates. Last but not the least, at the heart, there is the germ, consisting of protein, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've probably already guessed, the refining system used to produce white flower throws out the bran along with the germ and just focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain which has the lowest nutritional value.
Flour, and then therefore cookies (or bread, and a whole range of other foods) that is made from the endosperm is extremely detrimental to your health. Why then do they make it? Why does refined white flour even exist? Because it stays fresh longer. And foods that keep fresh longer generate more profit. (which of course is way more important than our health, right!?)
Refined white flower can lead to a whole multitude of health concerns. Including but in no way limited to: extra weight, diabetes, hypertension, tumors, digestive function complications, the list never ends!
Sugar
Sugar seems to have such a bad rep already that I don't think I need to beat it down any more. It is well known it's bad for us… but it makes food taste good, and so we carry on eating it.
Lots of things taste just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies make the perfect example. They are able to get their sweetness from healthier alternatives to sugar, including honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or maybe chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are also made with whole wheat flower, which includes all of the good parts of the grain, just as nature intended.
I also feel I should say that they actually taste better too! Wouldn't you think? 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 secret hiding spot behind the pans! Far too good for kids!