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Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies

October 01, 2012
Photo: Randy Mayor
The chocolate chip cookie, crisp around the edges, chewy in the middle, with gooey pockets of melty chocolate, is a heavenly treat. From oatmeal chocolate chip cookies to peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, our lightened variations on this classic cookie can't be beat. Whether you're baking for a cookie swap or simply just because, our decadent collection has the perfect healthy chocolate chip cookie recipe for you. 
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Crunchy-Chewy Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Lindsey Lower
View Recipe: Crunchy-Chewy Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies

These craveworthy chocolate chip cookies—made with whole-wheat flour—are wonderfully crisp around the edges and chewy in the middle; the soft center comes from using all brown sugar (no granulated) and a drizzle of honey.

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Quinoa-Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Quinoa-Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies

Use an already-made batch of our Nutty Whole-Grain Granola to whip up these scrumptious cookies.

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Oatmeal, Chocolate, and Walnut Cookies

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Oatmeal, Chocolate, and Walnut Cookies

Chewy oatmeal and crunchy walnuts can completely transform the typical lunch box chocolate chip cookie, adding new flavors and texture while subtly increasing the cookie's nutritional value.

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Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Butter moves from nutty and brown to bitter and burned quickly, so be sure to take the pan off the heat once it turns amber-brown. To keep cookies from spreading, make sure the cookie sheet is completely cool before starting the next batch.

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White Chocolate, Strawberry, and Oatmeal Cookies

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: White Chocolate, Strawberry, and Oatmeal Cookies

A mere one-quarter cup of butter yields crispy, light cookies and keeps calories in check. Dried strawberries lend fiber, color, and subtle sweetness. You can find them in larger supermarkets, or substitute raisins or dried cranberries. Because the dough is heavy, we used a sturdy stand mixer. You can use a hand mixer to cream the butter and sugar, then stir in the remaining ingredients by hand.

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Chickpea Cookie Dough

Photo: Katherine Flynn
View Recipe: Chickpea Cookie Dough

This gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and no-bake nostalgic indulgence is totally safe to spoon straight from the food processor—in fact, we encourage it. Chickpeas may sound unconventional, but they pack protein and lend a pleasing nutty texture and flavor. For a variation, form the mixture into balls and freeze to make cookie dough truffles.

 

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Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo: Ryan Dausch
View Recipe: Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

You probably have everything on hand to make these chewy, chocolaty peanut butter cookies. To fit the cookies on a single sheet pan, divide cookies into 5 rows of 4. Pressing the cookies flat helps them bake quickly and get lovely crisp edges; otherwise they'll be too round and undercooked.

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Giant Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Giant Chocolate Chunk Cookies

How do you improve the perfect chocolate chip cookie? Make it bigger! These ample treats bring out the little kid in everyone when paired with a glass of milk and a mug for dunking. Each batch makes only 6 cookies, so you might want to double the recipe for a crowd.

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Toasted Coconut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Toasted Coconut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

These chocolate and coconut treats will certainly have Santa coming back for more. Don't forget the milk, too!

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Chocolate-Cherry Heart Smart Cookies

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Chocolate-Cherry Heart Smart Cookies

This reader recipe was developed by Marcie Dixon of Arlington Heights, Illinois, who recommends using bittersweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate for these decadent cookies. "Not only does it have less sugar," she said, "but it has a deeper flavor, too." Double the recipe and keep these 94-calorie cookies in the freezer for when you're in need of a healthy treat.

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Banana-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Banana-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

"Mashed ripe banana adds sweetness and flavor to these chocolate chip cookies," said reader and recipe developer Cathy Brixen. "I found I could reduce the usual amount of sugar and butter."

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Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you're looking for a go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe, this one is definitely a keeper. Store the cookies for up to one week in an airtight container (if they last that long!). We suggest keeping a dozen in the freezer for cookie craving emergencies.

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Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip, and Pecan Cookies

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip, and Pecan Cookies

Trust us, you’ll want to keep a batch of these on hand. Oatmeal adds wholesome whole grains to these chocolate chip cookies, while mini-chips ensure a bit of chocolate in every bite. If you're a smart cookie, you might double the recipe and freeze some of the dough for a quick batch later.

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Black and White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Black and White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Kahlúa makes a subtle, yet delicious appearance in this chocolate chip cookie recipe. No liqueur? Simply substitute strong freshly brewed coffee.

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Sweet and Salty Peanut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Sweet and Salty Peanut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Coarse-grained sea salt does not melt into the batter, so you experience a crunchy burst with every bite. Use any other nut you like in place of peanuts.

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Chocolate-Walnut-Graham Cracker Bars

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Chocolate-Walnut-Graham Cracker Bars

To give these indulgent bars an even consistency, chop the walnuts the same size as the chocolate chips. If you can’t find gluten-free graham cracker crumbs at the grocery store, you can easily order them online as whole crackers and crush them yourself.

 

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Puffed-Up Chocolate-Chip Cookies

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Puffed-Up Chocolate-Chip Cookies

This is one of the best chocolate-chip cookies you'll ever make—and it doesn't scrimp on chocolate. Making chocolate chip cookies with applesauce is the secret to soft and chewy cookies without a lot of fat.

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