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These healthy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies with applesauce are soft, chewy, and made with wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your cupboard. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast or a healthy snack, and they happen to be vegan and gluten-free.

You are going to love this recipe for healthy chocolate chip cookies!

What makes them healthy?

These cookies are made with a mixture of oat flour and quick oats instead of flour, and the butter is replaced with applesauce and a small amount of olive oil. Also, we use maple syrup instead of refined sugar. Plus they are vegan and gluten-free (just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats of necessary).

But even more important- they’re delicious! It’s hard to stop at one, but no worries because they are healthy enough to have for breakfast.

This recipe is so easy and kids love to help make these. And like I said, you probably already have at least most of the ingredients in your cupboard. Let’s get to it…

Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Ingredients

To make healthy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• Instant Oats– Also called quick oats. They cook more quickly than steel-cut or rolled oats. You can use rolled oats if that’s what you have on hand, just know that the texture will be slightly different. I would recommend against steel-cut oats.
• Oat Flour– Oat flour is sold in stores, but it’s also super easy to make at home. Simply blend old-fashioned oats in a high-speed blender until the oats become a fine powder (about 30 seconds to a minute). Store your oat flour in an air-tight container for up to three months. 
• Cornstarch– You can substitute arrowroot if that’s what you have on hand.
• Cinnamon– Cinnamon is optional, but it does add a lovely flavor.
• Baking Powder– Baking powder gives the cookies a slight rise.
• Salt– These cookies are much better with a touch of salt. I use fine sea salt or fine pink Himalayan.
• Maple Syrup– You can substitute agave syrup, or honey if you aren’t vegan.
• Applesauce– Be sure to use the unsweetened variety.
• Olive Oil– Olive oil adds healthy fat and keeps these cookies extra moist.
• Chocolate Chips– Mini chocolate chips work best here, so that you get chocolate in every bite, but feel free to use what you have on hand. Enjoy life brand is vegan.

How to make healthy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies with applesauce

These healthy oatmeal cookies with applesauce are so easy to make! Simply follow these instructions:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, oat flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple sauce, and olive oil. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir together with a large spoon or spatula until well incorporated. Mix in the chocolate chips. Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Preheat the oven to 350° F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Using a cookie scoop (about 1 and 1/2 tablespoons), scoop out balls of the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands (prepare to get a little messy), flatten and form the cookies.
• Bake for 12-13 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Storage

• Silicone baking mats work great for this recipe and for most cookie recipes. They are worth the investment as you can use them over and over again instead of buying parchment paper.
• The dough can be a bit sticky, so you may need to rinse your hands a few times while flattening the cookies.
• You should store your homemade oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. These freeze well for up to three months.

Want more healthy dessert recipes?

Check these out:

Peanut Butter Protein Cookies (Vegan)

Healthy Carrot Cake

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies (Vegan)

Healthy Strawberry Cake (made with oats)

Please let me know how you like the healthy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies with applesauce in the comments! I love to hear from you and your star ratings encourage others to give the recipe a try.

Enjoy!

Crystal