Healthy chocolate chip cookies that are soft, chewy, and packed with just the right amount of sweet chocolate chips. These cookies use wholesome ingredients that make them a little better for you without sacrificing any of the classic cookie taste you love.
I love keeping a batch of these cookies around for when I want a treat that feels a bit indulgent but still leaves me feeling good about what I’m eating. Using things like whole wheat flour or oats and natural sweeteners gives them a nice flavor and texture that feels homemade and comforting.
My favorite way to enjoy these cookies is warm right out of the oven with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They’re also great for packing in lunchboxes or grabbing when I need a quick pick-me-up. I find that these cookies disappear fast at gatherings, probably because everyone appreciates a cookie that tastes amazing and is a bit kinder to your body.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oat flour: I love using oat flour because it adds a nice texture and a mild, naturally sweet flavor. You can swap this with whole wheat flour for a bit more fiber or all-purpose flour if you don’t have oats handy.
Coconut oil: This adds moisture and a subtle nutty flavor. If you don’t like coconut, olive oil or melted butter work well too. Just keep the amount the same.
Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey adds natural sweetness without refined sugar. For a vegan option, use maple syrup; honey is great if you want a richer taste.
Egg: Eggs help bind the dough. To make it vegan, I recommend a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 mins).
Chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher) provide that rich chocolate hit with less sugar. If you want to cut down sugar even more, swap them for cacao nibs.
How Can I Get Soft and Chewy Healthy Cookies?
Getting soft, chewy cookies without lots of sugar and butter needs some care. Here’s what I do:
- Mix the wet ingredients well first to keep everything moist and smooth.
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients—stir just until combined.
- Flatten cookie dough slightly on the baking sheet since these don’t spread much while baking.
- Bake just until edges are golden but centers still look soft, usually about 10-12 minutes.
- Let cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes; they’ll firm up but stay chewy inside.
Following these steps helps keep the cookies tender and moist, even with healthy swaps!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat surface for baking that ensures even cooking and easy cookie removal.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Mixing bowls – one for wet ingredients and one for dry keeps things organized and easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accurate measurements help your cookies turn out just right every time.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – helps portion the dough evenly for uniform cookies.
- Wire cooling rack – allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap dark chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a sweeter, creamier taste.
- Add ¼ cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and healthy fats.
- Mix in 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a warm, cozy twist.
- Try adding ¼ cup dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries for a chewy burst of natural sweetness.
Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted (or olive oil)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (preferably 70% cocoa or higher)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 to 12 minutes to bake. Allow about 5 minutes for cooling before enjoying your cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking soda, and salt. This makes sure the dry ingredients blend evenly for a consistent dough.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, stir together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Make the Dough:
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Try not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
5. Add Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the dark chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough, so every cookie has plenty of chocolatey goodness.
6. Form Cookies:
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Press down slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon because these cookies won’t spread much while baking.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown. The centers might look soft—that’s perfect! They will firm up as they cool.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set properly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, enjoy your healthy, soft, and chewy chocolate chip cookies!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Wire cooling rack
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap dark chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor.
- Add ¼ cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and extra nutrition.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a warm twist.
- Mix in ¼ cup dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries for chewy natural sweetness.
Can I Use Frozen Chocolate Chips?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to toss them in a little flour before folding into the dough to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cookies during baking.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and set for 5 minutes). Also, use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it fully vegan.
Can I Substitute the Oat Flour?
Yes, you can swap oat flour with whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour. Keep in mind this may slightly change the texture and flavor of the cookies.
