Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a way to indulge your sweet tooth without compromising on health, these Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect solution! Made with wholesome ingredients, they’re free from refined sugar, use whole grains, and still deliver that classic cookie taste. These cookies are great for snack time, a quick dessert, or even as a breakfast treat.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil and coconut sugar until well combined.
• Add the egg (or flax egg), vanilla extract, and applesauce. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

3. Mix the Dough:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Avoid over-mixing as it can make the cookies tough.
• Fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

4. Chill the Dough:

• For best results, cover the cookie dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and ensures the cookies don’t spread too much while baking.

5. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Shape the Cookies:

• Once chilled, scoop out about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough and roll it into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

7. Bake the Cookies:

• Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly soft.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Variations:

1. Make Them Vegan:

• To make these cookies vegan, use a flax egg in place of a regular egg and ensure you use dairy-free chocolate chips.

2. Add Superfoods:

• You can easily boost the nutritional value of these cookies by adding ingredients like chia seeds, hemp seeds, or flaxseeds.

3. Gluten-Free Option:

• Substitute the whole wheat flour with almond flour or oat flour to make these cookies gluten-free.

4. Extra Moisture:

• If you find the dough a bit dry, add an extra tablespoon of applesauce or a splash of plant-based milk.

Health Benefits:

1. Whole Wheat Flour:
   • Whole wheat flour is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It helps you feel fuller for longer and supports digestive health.
2. Coconut Oil:
   • Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may support energy and metabolism.
3. Dark Chocolate:
   • Using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate adds antioxidants and reduces the sugar content. Dark chocolate can also have heart health benefits due to its flavonoids.
4. Coconut Sugar:
   • Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener that has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, helping to prevent blood sugar spikes.
5. Applesauce:
   • Unsweetened applesauce not only adds moisture but also acts as a natural sweetener, reducing the need for additional sugars.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with a Beverage:
  • These cookies are delicious with a cup of almond milk, green tea, or even a glass of cold-brew coffee.
• Top with Extras:
  • Before baking, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top of the cookie dough balls for an extra touch of flavor.
• Make Cookie Sandwiches:
  • For a special treat, sandwich two cookies with a layer of almond butter or Greek yogurt in between.

Storage:

Room Temperature:

• Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen for an extra 1-2 minutes when ready to eat.
• Alternatively, freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when you want to enjoy them.

Conclusion:

These Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only packed with flavor but also provide a more nutritious alternative to traditional cookies. With the use of whole grains, healthy fats, and reduced sugars, you can enjoy these cookies guilt-free. Whether you’re sharing them with family or indulging solo, they’re sure to satisfy your cookie cravings while keeping your health goals in check!

Yield: 18

Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Print

If you’re looking for a way to indulge your sweet tooth without compromising on health, these Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect solution! Made with wholesome ingredients, they’re free from refined sugar, use whole grains, and still deliver that classic cookie taste. These cookies are great for snack time, a quick dessert, or even as a breakfast treat.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 22 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups almond flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (or oat flour)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) or unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option
• 1/3 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option: 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or dairy-free chocolate chips for vegan option)
• Optional Add-ins: Chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds), shredded coconut, or chia seeds for extra nutrition

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the baking soda.
   
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or applesauce), coconut sugar (or maple syrup), egg (or flax egg), and vanilla extract until smooth.
   
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. The dough will be sticky. Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips.
   
5. Form the Cookies:
   Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto the lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
   
6. Bake:
   Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. Avoid over-baking to keep them chewy.
   
7. Cool:
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Vegan Option: Use a flax egg and dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe vegan.

Gluten-Free: These cookies are naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats.

Nut-Free: If you need a nut-free version, you can replace the almond flour with oat flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Sweetener Substitutions: You can use honey or agave syrup in place of coconut sugar or maple syrup for sweetness, though this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.