We make a lot of cookies at my house, and while I wish I could feel great after eating the entire batch of these Caramel it doesn’t usually work that way.
So, here are some healthy cookies for the win! These Healthy Chocolate Cookies are made with natural ingredients and are naturally sweetened. They’ve also got peanut butter in that which has lots of protein and healthy fats, making these cookies more substantial and more filling than most.
Healthy Chocolate Cookie Ingredients
Peanut butter: This forms the base of these cookies and is integral to the texture and flavor.
Coconut sugar: If you aren’t familiar with coconut sugar, you can read up on it here. Essentially, it is a natural palm sugar produced from the stem of a coconut palm. I don’t find it makes these cookies taste at all coconutty but if you’re super sensitive to the flavor of coconut you may be able to notice it. Light brown sugar can be used instead but does make these cookies less healthy.
Vanilla extract: Just a dash provides so much flavor enhancement.
Dutch-process cocoa powder: Make sure to get Dutch-process instead of natural or plain cocoa powder. The Dutch process offers a much more robust and intense chocolate flavor. Regular cocoa powder will make these cookies dry and less flavorful. Here’s the exact cocoa powder I use (and highly recommend).
Egg: The egg binds all the ingredients together and also contributes some extra protein to these cookies.
Salt and baking soda: These important baking agents add flavor and texture.
Dark chocolate chips: While any type of chocolate chips will work in these cookies, dark chocolate chips have more health benefits and offer antioxidants.
QUICK TIP
What’s the big deal with Dutch-process cocoa? Here’s a great article explaining it, but the version is this: Dutch-process cocoa is washed with an agent that reduces the alkalinity. This mellower cocoa is darker than standard cocoa powder. But because the alkalinity is reduced, Dutch-process cocoa reacts differently with leavening agents like baking soda. Many recipes using Dutch-process cocoa call for baking powder instead of baking soda. Because of this, natural cocoa and Dutch process aren’t interchangeable.
Process shots of the dough being made; rolled into balls; then baked
How To Make Healthy Chocolate Cookies
The descriptions below correlate with the photo collage above this text.
Add peanut butter, coconut sugar, and vanilla to a large bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Stir together cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
Add in the egg and stir until combined.
Add in the chocolate chips.
Stir until combined.
Using a tablespoon, measure cookie dough balls, roll them, flatten, and bake.
Add a few chocolate chips on top of the finished cookies and a sprinkle of sea salt if desired.
Overhead image of Healthy Chocolate Cookies
Baking Tips
Flatten the cookies before baking. These cookies don’t spread much, so press them down a bit before baking.
Watch bake time carefully. Healthy Chocolate Cookies go from perfectly cooked to burnt very quick so watch carefully. They’re a bit gooey and crumbly right out of the oven, but they firm up quick as they cool
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