Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
If you’ve been craving a sweet treat that won’t derail your healthy lifestyle, then this Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are delightfully soft, subtly sweet, and packed with wholesome ingredients that keep calories in check without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for when you want that classic chocolate chip cookie goodness but with a lighter twist, this recipe will become your go-to for guilt-free snacking or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity and careful selection of ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor without piling on the calories.
- Oat flour: One cup of finely ground oats offers a naturally nutty flavor and wholesome fiber that replaces traditional flour beautifully.
- Coconut sugar: A quarter cup of this sweetener provides a subtle caramel note while keeping the sugar content moderate.
- Baking soda: Just half a teaspoon for that gentle lift and perfect cookie rise.
- Salt: A quarter teaspoon balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsweetened applesauce: A quarter cup adds moisture and natural sweetness while replacing the need for excess fat.
- Coconut oil: One tablespoon of this healthy fat lends richness and helps the cookies stay tender.
- Vanilla extract: A teaspoon brings out warm, aromatic notes essential for any chocolate chip cookie.
- Almond milk: Three tablespoons add just enough liquid to blend everything smoothly while keeping the recipe dairy-free.
- Mini dark chocolate chips: A quarter cup delivers that irresistible classic chocolate punch in every bite.
How to Make Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare your baking surface
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple step sets you up for perfectly baked cookies every time.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oat flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, and salt. This combined base ensures even distribution of rising agents and sweetness, which is the foundation for the delightful texture in our Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
Step 3: Incorporate the wet ingredients
Stir in unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and almond milk to the dry mixture. Mixing these together until well combined will create a dough that’s moist yet sturdy enough to hold together during baking.
Step 4: Fold in the mini chocolate chips
Gently fold the mini dark chocolate chips into your dough. These tiny morsels scatter rich chocolate throughout the cookie, offering bursts of indulgence without overwhelming the lighter batter.
Step 5: Scoop and flatten
Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Flatten each slightly with the back of the spoon or your fingers to encourage even baking and just the right crunch around the edges.
Step 6: Bake until golden
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Avoid overbaking to keep your Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies delightfully soft in the center.
Step 7: Cool and enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the pan for five minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This pause helps them hold their shape perfectly and prepares them for the very first satisfying bite.
How to Serve Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before baking can transform these cookies into edible magic by highlighting their chocolate and sweetness. You might also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a charming finish that’s both sweet and elegant.
Side Dishes
Serve your Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe alongside a warm cup of herbal tea or a chilled glass of almond milk for a comforting snack. Pairing with a fresh fruit salad adds a juicy contrast that’s refreshing and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into ice cream sandwiches by sandwiching a scoop of your favorite low-calorie ice cream between two cookies. Alternatively, crumble them over yogurt or smoothie bowls for a bit of texture and chocolatey sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for grabbing on the go or after-dinner treats.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
Warm cookies briefly in the oven at 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds to bring back their soft, freshly baked texture. This little trick makes leftovers taste just as delightful as the first batch.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
You absolutely can substitute regular all-purpose flour if oat flour isn’t on hand. Just keep in mind that oat flour adds a nuttier, chewier texture and boosts fiber, so the result might be a bit different but still delicious.
Is coconut sugar necessary, or can I use a different sweetener?
Coconut sugar lends a subtle caramel flavor and a lower glycemic impact, but you can swap it for any granulated sweetener you prefer, such as brown sugar, stevia blends, or erythritol to suit your dietary needs.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
This Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is easy to keep vegan by using coconut oil instead of butter and choosing a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The applesauce adds moisture without eggs, making it naturally vegan-friendly.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
If you notice the cookies spreading too thin during baking, try chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before scooping or slightly reducing the amount of coconut oil used to help maintain their shape.
Are mini chocolate chips necessary?
Mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the dough, giving you chocolate in every bite without overpowering. However, feel free to use regular-size chips or chop a chocolate bar if that’s what you have available.
Final Thoughts
This Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture to enjoy a sweet treat that fits with your health goals. Whether you bake a batch for a cozy night in or a fun snack to share, these cookies will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Give them a try and fall in love with guilt-free indulgence!
Print
Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies are a guilt-free treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising your health goals. Made with oat flour, natural sweeteners, and mini dark chocolate chips, these cookies offer a chewy texture and delicious chocolate flavor with fewer calories than traditional cookies. Ideal for a quick snack or dessert, they bake up soft with slightly golden edges and are simple to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour (or finely ground oats)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or granulated sweetener of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons almond milk (or milk of choice)
Add-ins
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute all the dry components.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the unsweetened applesauce, coconut oil (or melted butter), vanilla extract, and almond milk to the dry mixture. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and you have a consistent batter.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the mini dark chocolate chips into the batter to ensure they are evenly dispersed without breaking them up.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each scoop to help them bake evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden color, indicating they are done.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your healthy cookies!
Notes
- Oat flour can be made at home by grinding rolled oats in a blender or food processor until fine.
- Coconut sugar can be substituted with any granulated sweetener such as erythritol or stevia blends, but adjust sweetness accordingly.
- For a vegan version, use coconut oil and almond milk as suggested; for non-vegan, melted butter and dairy milk work fine.
- Be careful not to overbake; cookies will continue to firm up while cooling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
