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    Home » Recipes » Cookies

    Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies with Applesauce

    Published: Apr 21, 2021 · Modified: Sep 4, 2022 by Crystal Yentzen · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

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    Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
    healthy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies

    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.

    healthy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies with applesauce

    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

    vegan and gluten-free cookie dough

    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 ½ 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.
    healthy chocolate chip oatmeal cookie dough made with applesauce

    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.
    healthy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies that are vegan and gluten-free

    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

    📖 Recipe

    Healthy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies
    Print Recipe
    4.88 from 16 votes

    Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies with Applesauce

    These healthy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are soft, chewy, and made with wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your cupboard. They are perfect for a quick breakfast or a healthy snack, and they happen to be vegan and gluten-free.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time12 minutes mins
    chill time30 minutes mins
    Total Time57 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: gluten free, oatmeal
    Servings: 16
    Calories: 125kcal
    Author: Crystal Yentzen

    Ingredients

    • 1 and ½ cups instant oats*
    • ¾ cup oat flour*
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 1 and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup maple syrup or liquid sweetener of choice
    • ⅓ cup applesauce unsweetened
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • ⅓- ½ cup mini chocolate chips*

    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, olive oil, and vanilla extract. 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 ½ 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.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    1. 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.
    2. 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. 
    3. Chocolate Chips- Mini chocolate chips work best so that you get chocolate in every bite, but feel free to use what you have on hand. Enjoy life brand is vegan.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 101mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Choclette says

      August 12, 2021 at 6:52 pm

      5 stars
      What a fabulous recipe. I'm all for wholesome ingredients and how interesting to use apple sauce in your cookies. I use it in cake sometimes, but never thought to try it this way.

      Reply
      • Crystal Yentzen says

        August 13, 2021 at 3:35 pm

        Thanks so much! The applesauce just adds moisture without added fat. You really can't taste it.

        Reply
    2. Lucy says

      August 12, 2021 at 7:22 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is delicious. I love how healthy and nutritious all the ingredients are without compromising on taste. Thank you for sharing such a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Crystal Yentzen says

        August 12, 2021 at 7:52 pm

        You are welcome! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the cookies as much as we do.

        Reply
    3. Anaiah says

      August 13, 2021 at 12:35 am

      5 stars
      These chocolate chip oatmeal cookies were amazing and I love how they are both gluten free and vegan. It was my first time baking with applesauce and it turned out great. It's the perfect healthy treat to enjoy!

      Reply
    4. Joshua says

      August 13, 2021 at 8:52 am

      5 stars
      Chocolate chip and oatmeal are a great combination. It used to be my favorite cookie growing up! I loved how your recipe is made using all wholesome ingredients. Such a guilt free dessert!

      Reply
    5. Natalie says

      August 13, 2021 at 9:52 am

      5 stars
      Mmmm yum! I bet my son would love these cookies. I'm going to make them this afternoon. Can't wait.

      Reply
    6. Daniela says

      August 13, 2021 at 10:53 am

      5 stars
      Can't wait to try this recipe. It looks so good

      Reply
    7. ruth says

      August 17, 2021 at 3:15 pm

      5 stars
      Super delicious and very easy to make. Great recipe.

      Reply
      • Crystal Yentzen says

        August 17, 2021 at 8:50 pm

        Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    8. nancy says

      April 07, 2022 at 11:00 pm

      5 stars
      thanks for the inspo to cook with applesauce. it really gave it a nice boost in flavour

      Reply
      • Crystal Yentzen says

        April 08, 2022 at 3:36 pm

        Great! You're welcome.

        Reply
    9. Tajda says

      April 08, 2022 at 10:21 am

      These look wonderful and I love the crisp & airy images! Just want to reach out for one of them and grab it straight from my screen haha. Excited to make this over the Easter holidays. Yum!

      Reply
    10. Katie says

      April 09, 2022 at 1:24 am

      5 stars
      LOVE these cookies! Applesauce is the perfect natural sweetener!

      Reply
    4.88 from 16 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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