Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’re dreaming of warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies but want to keep things lighter, Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. These irresistible cookies balance a crave-worthy chocolatey flavor with wholesome, nourishing ingredients, delivering all the joy of your cherished childhood snack for a fraction of the guilt. With each chewy bite, you’ll enjoy a homemade cookie that’s light on calories but big on taste and perfectly easy to share (if you’re feeling generous).

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies has a special job to do, coming together for cookies you’ll love every time. Nothing fussy here — just simple pantry staples that make a considerable difference in flavor, texture, and even color. Here’s how everything fits together:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and boosts fiber for a more satisfying cookie that holds its shape beautifully.
• Baking Soda: Ensures a gentle rise for tender, slightly chewy centers (never flat or dense!).
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens the flavors and brings out the very best in your chocolate chips.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Naturally sweetens while keeping the cookies extra moist, letting you cut back on added fats.
• Coconut Oil (melted): Adds moisture and a subtle, buttery richness without weighing cookies down.
• Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar: Delivers caramel-like sweetness and helps the cookies get those lovely golden edges. Choose coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option!
• Large Egg: Binds the dough together and creates a soft, tender bite.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings home that classic, bakery-style cookie aroma and adds an extra layer of warmth.
• Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Because every chocolate chip cookie deserves plenty of melty chocolate in every bite!

How to Make Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), the sweet spot for golden, chewy cookies. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies lift off without a fuss and cleanup stays effortless.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking evenly distributes the leaveners and salt throughout, so every cookie bakes up reliably soft and perfectly seasoned.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, coconut sugar (or brown sugar), egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This step ensures everything is well-blended and your cookies bake up with even sweetness in every bite.

Step 4: Bring Dough Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! Stopping as soon as you no longer see dry flour will keep your Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies perfectly tender.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

With a spatula, gently fold the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them so every single cookie gets just the right amount of chocolatey magic.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape

Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each mound so the cookies have plenty of room to spread. Gently flatten the tops with your fingers — this helps with even baking and that classic cookie look.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8–10 minutes, watching for edges that are lightly golden (center should look a little underbaked; it will finish setting as it cools). This short bake time is key for ultra-soft Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies every time.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up enough to transfer, then carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely… or at least as long as you can wait before taking that first warm bite.

How to Serve Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top right after baking for a pop of flavor and a playful twist to the sweet chocolate. For extra fun, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes these Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies look extra festive at parties or potlucks.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a cold glass of almond milk, a warm mug of herbal tea, or fresh berries for a wholesome dessert plate. When entertaining, serve alongside a fruit platter or a few scoops of your favorite light ice cream for a decadent but sensible dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile cookies in a mason jar and tie with twine for an adorable edible gift, or use as the base for a DIY ice cream sandwich. For parties, arrange the cookies on a tiered stand and alternate with seasonal fruit for a colorful, eye-catching display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and chewy, so you can enjoy one anytime without worrying about dryness.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag, placing parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Want to prep ahead? Freeze unbaked dough balls, then bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the bake time for perfectly fresh cookies on demand.

Reheating

If you like your cookies warm, place one or two on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10 seconds. They’ll taste freshly baked — with the chocolate chips all melty and irresistible!

FAQs

Can I make these Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the whole wheat flour for your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just check that it contains xanthan gum or similar to help the cookies hold together.

Will these cookies taste coconutty from the coconut oil?

Coconut oil provides a very subtle flavor that most people hardly notice, especially with the chocolate and vanilla. If you’re sensitive to coconut, refined coconut oil has even less flavor than unrefined.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure to bake in batches or use two baking sheets — spreading dough evenly ensures even cooking and perfect results.

Is there a substitute for applesauce?

If you don’t have unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana or plain Greek yogurt make a solid replacement, though they’ll add their own subtle flavor twist to the final cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Keep an eye out for lightly golden edges and a slightly soft center — they’ll firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake! This is key for incredibly chewy Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies every single time.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing more satisfying than whipping up a batch of Low-Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies that taste just as special as the traditional treats you grew up with. Give them a try — you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious a lighter cookie can be. Happy baking!

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