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These healthy chocolate chip cookies are the kind of recipe that would convert ALL non-healthy eaters! Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips.
Love healthier cookie recipes? Try my flourless cookies, healthy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and healthy oatmeal raisin cookies.
I consider myself an expert on chocolate chip cookies. I’ve shared a fair few on here too, including specialty ones like vegan chocolate chip cookies and keto chocolate chip cookies. However, when we want to eat cookies ALL the time and not feel guilty about it, these healthy chocolate chip cookies are your answer.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Always a show-stopper. I’ve brought these cookies to many events, and people always question me on whether I’ve secretly bought them from a bakery or dessert shop- they are THAT good and don’t taste healthy at all!
- Quick and easy. No chill time is needed, so these cookies only need 15 minutes in the oven.
- Wholesome ingredients. These healthy cookies need no white flour, eggs, sugar, or grains, but they still taste fantastic.
- Perfect texture and flavor. Sweet, buttery, and with mouthfuls of chocolate in every bite. The soft and chewy texture which we ALL love in any good cookie.
Ingredients needed
- Almond flour– Blanched almond flour gives the chocolate chip cookies a light texture. It’s also grain free, so keeps the cookies low carb, too. Avoid using almond meal, as it will make the cookies denser.
- Arrowroot starch– Works with the almond flour to keep the cookies soft and chewy, without falling apart or needing eggs. You can also use cornstarch if you’d like.
- Baking powder– Gives the cookies some rise and width.
- Coconut oil– Replaces any need for butter, while keeping the cookies buttery and soft.
- Maple syrup– Gives sweetness to the cookies, without being overpowering. You can replace this with agave nectar or honey (although honey can be a little overpowering).
- Vanilla extract– A MUST for any good cookie recipe.
- Milk of choice– I used unsweetened almond milk, but any milk of choice will work.
- Chocolate Chips– Use a mix of mini chocolate chips and standard chocolate chips to ensure there are mouthfuls in every bite.
How to make healthy chocolate chip cookies
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1—Make the dough. Start by combining your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Then, heat the maple syrup and coconut oil together, either using the microwave or a small saucepan. Add the coconut oil and syrup mixture to the dry ingredients, along with the vanilla extract and milk, and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 2- Shape. Finally, form 16 small balls of dough and place on a lined baking tray, pressing down on each one to form a cookie shape.
Step 3- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe tips and variations
- These cookies contain no eggs and no sugar, so they won’t spread. As such, you can be quite flexible with how thick or thin you want them to be. I generally prefer them on the thicker side.
- DO NOT overbake the cookies! Again, these cookies are eggless, so if they are a little undercooked, it’s no issue.
- If your coconut oil and syrup mixture is still warm, let the cookie dough sit for a little bit, before folding through the chocolate chips- we don’t want the chocolate chips to melt!
- Avoid overmixing the batter- overmixing will make the cookies more prone to falling apart.
- Add more mix-ins, like chopped nuts, candy pieces, or even dried fruit. If the tough is a little crumbly, add a little milk to compensate.
Storage instructions
To store: Cookies should be stored in a sealable container for up to 1 week. You can also store in the refrigerator to keep them longer, for up to 2 weeks.
To freeze: Place cookies in a ziplock bag or freezer-friendly container. Cookies will keep fresh for up to 6 months.
More healthy cookie recipes
Best Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups blanched almond flour
- 1/4 cup arrowroot starch * See notes
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoon maple syrup ** See notes
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 cup coconut milk *** See notes
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175C/350F. Line a large tray with parchment paper or prepare a cookie sheet. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients and mix well.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or in a saucepan over the stove, combine your coconut oil and syrup, and heat until melted. Whisk together until combined.
- Add the syrup/coconut oil mixture to the dry mixture, along with the vanilla extract and coconut milk, and mix very well. Fold in your chocolate chips.
- Form 16 small balls with the cookie dough. Place each ball on the lined tray and press each one lightly, into a cookie shape.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published July 2020, updated March 2024
These were so good! The texture was slightly grainy, but the flavor was so good it didn’t matter. Thanks for another awesome recipe!
These are amazing! We’ve made them multiple times, both with honey and maple syrup, and always turn out great. Our boys prefer them without chocolate, so usually make both. Definitely recommend.
🙂 Love that, Tina!!
Made them tonight and omgggg they came out so good.
Will try adding some walnuts as well next time.
These are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Was a little bit of effort to find all these ingredients but it was well worth it!
I have made 9 batches of these cookies so far! The recipe is perfect as-is, but it’s also very easily augmented.
I have made them with unsweetened almond milk, I have swapped out the starch with chickpea flour, I have added tasted almonds and a half top of almond extract.
I have swapped out the starch with powdered peanut butter (pb2)
Every time, these are delicious, perfect and absolutely addictive.
I can’t keep them around long and I have to make them every single week.
Thank you!! You’ve seriously improved my quality of life because I am unable to eat cane sugar or wheat flour. I’ve missed real cookies for years… I don’t have to miss them anymore.
Btw, I use Hu chocolate baking chips.
I have made 9 batches of these cookies so far! The recipe is perfect as-is, but it’s also very easily augmented.
I have made them with unsweetened almond milk, I have swapped out the starch with chickpea flour, I have added toasted almonds and a half tsp
of almond extract.
I have swapped out the starch with powdered peanut butter (pb2)
Every time, these are delicious, perfect and absolutely addictive.
I can’t keep them around long and I have to make them every single week.
Thank you!! You’ve seriously improved my quality of life because I am unable to eat cane sugar or wheat flour. I’ve missed real cookies for years… I don’t have to miss them anymore.
Btw, I use Hu chocolate baking chips.
These are truly the best healthy chocolate chip cookies recipe EVER!!!
Thanks, Kristi!
This recipe was absolutely delightful and I enjoyed it very much!
Wow they look like a “cheat meal” but actually they are really healthy.
I will make them one day.
These are the best cookies. My kiddos and I love them!
Love that!!!!
Wow, these cookies are amazing!! Totally satisfied my chocolate chip cookie craving, without all the guilt…
I added about 1/4 tsp of salt.
Love to hear that, Nechama!
These are my favorite healthy cookies recipe EVER!
Amazon gnt família loved it
Coconut oil is incredibly high in saturated fat, so I would suggest replacing it with vegetable oil, which is higher in unsaturated fat.
According to Blue Diamond, not all blanched almond flours will put the word “blanched” on their packaging so don’t assume the almond flour was not made with blanched almonds until you have checked with the company:))
Very nice recipe. I had no maple syrup so I’ve added an egg and used sugar substitute. I didn’t have enough arrow root so added a bit of coconut flour to make it sticky. Worked like a spell
These are soooo delicious!! I have made them several times and the whole family loves them!
These are my favorite healthy chocolate chip cookies recipe EVER!
I will make these but will use avocado oil instead of coconut oil. way lower in saturated fat than butter or coconut oil and it’s healthy. can even use olive oil. if anyone is watching sat fat coconut oil is not best choice. texture should be fine as I have used it before.
I was wondering about that myself so thank you!
They are soooooooooooooooo good.
I love the idea. substituted cornstarch, olive, almond milk, half honey & syrup.
😀 thanks, Brita!
Made these with less oil and maple syrup, added in monk fruit + more coconut milk and lily’s dark chocolate baking chips to decrease calorie count. Whole family loves them.
I would try with raw cocoa instead of chocolate to have really healthy cookies!
Never baked homemade cookies, thanks for sharing tips and recipe!
Just made these! Mmmmmm! I usually 1/2 recipes to taste test, this one I will definitely make again and may even double to share!
Love that, Bethany!
Never baked cookies but would give it a try!
Love it! I know I’m gonna make more of these 🙂
I thought they would be too sweet, but they’re perfect!
The best healthy chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever made.
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
Butter should work!
Apparently not just butter, but it seems another oil will work too:))
t
These are sooo good! wowzer!! I did add chunks of broken almonds and dried cherries in addition to the chocolate chips….best gf cookies ever!! one would never know they were gf….=) definitely a top winner.
Super delicious! My two favorite ingredients besides chocolate, almond flour and almond butter ❤️
Love that!!
These are the best chocolate chip cookies that are healthy that I’ve ever made!!
Surprisingly!! Delicious! I have tried so many healthy, chocolate chip cookies, and they’ve all tasted like powder. These were moist and delicious. I just have to get used to almond flour versus flour on the healthy train.
Very good!
Hi!
I am loving your recipes!
I am allergic to coconut, and cannot use coconut milk or oil.
So I am asking you what I can use for a substitute, especially in the chocolate chip cookies or muffin recipes. I often use bananas and apple sauce for sweeteners and softeners too.
I am dairy free and gluten free as well.
Thank you so much.
-Karen
You could try butter! 🙂
I ran across this recipe about a year ago and LOVE these cookies! I will say it is the first time I have ever seen a cookie recipe without salt. I automatically added a 1/2 tsp.
I gave the recipe to a friend but forgot to tell her to add salt. She said they were not good. I have given the recipe to many people and I always make sure to tell them to add salt.
Thanks for my go-to cookie recipe!!
This recipe is incredible. Salt is a must, 1/8-1/4 tsp. Whisk into dry ingredients. DELICIOUS.
😀
I was dx with gluten intolerance a few years ago , but never really cut back completely. My family has been wanting to bake CC cookies for a while so i thought of trying a healthier version and was expecting a dry, hard, bland tasting cookie. Boy was I wrong! These CC cookies are by far the best! They are moist, chewy and delicious! Thank you for this wonderful recipe!
Just made these….So good 😊
Yummmm
First time was ok, my own fault in adding to much almond flour. Second time I made a double batch and wowser what a difference in a great way!
What can one use instead of coconut oil?
Butter works!
Taste really good. Just wondering if I could add eggs to the recipe?
Thank you!
Hi! These sound delicious! Can I use all purpose gluten free flour instead of almond flour and arrowroot? Thanks!!❤️
Haven’t tried! Feel free to experiment and see.
Can I add real cherries into the recipe in addition to the chocolate chips and if so, how does this modify the recipe?
I don’t see why not! Just cut back on the chocolate chips.
This is the only healthy recipe that I’ve tried that turned out great. Highly recommend!
Best yet for taste and health
Repeat recipe!! I love them!
The batter seemed a bit loose so I added a touch more almond flour. That was a mistake. They didn’t spread at all. (Don’t do what I did, stick with the masters instructions.) Still, the flavour was great. Added flaked sea salt to the top once out of the oven. Thanks for the recipe Arman. Next; cheesecake.
These cookies are so soft and delicious, my boyfriend literally asks me to make them every week. Today I tried making them with date syrup instead of maple syrup. Good news is they are still crazy soft and tasty-bad news is they arent as sweet as the original. Next time I will try 3 TBSP of date syrup (homemade) and 3 of maple to hopefully make then even healthier and just as tasty. Big thanks for the origial recipe!
Please delete my earlier comment with my full name.
These cookies are so soft and delicious, my boyfriend literally asks me to make them every week. Today I tried making them with date syrup instead of maple syrup. Good news is they are still crazy soft and tasty-bad news is they arent as sweet as the original. Next time I will try 3 TBSP of date syrup (homemade) and 3 of maple to hopefully make then even healthier and just as tasty. Big thanks for the origial recipe!
Can I add peanut butter to the recipe? Also, can I use honey instead to sweeten them> How much should I use? Or monk fruit, can I use that and how much should I use?
You can use honey instead of maple syrup. No idea for the other two, you’ll need to experiment and see
Hi can maple be swapped for honey ?
Thanks
Yes!
These are soooo good! The only thing I would do next time is add more chocolate chips! Thank you!!
Has anyone tried using whole wheat flour?
Works pretty well!
Can the coconut oil be substituted with olive oil or butter?
Go with butter, it’s the best alternative for coconut oil.
Yes, coconut oil and maple syrup are the secret ingredients in my chocolate chip cookie recipe which family and friends can never get enough of, but I’ve never tried it using almond flour – it was always whole wheat flour. Perhaps I will give it a whirl one day. Thanks so much! 🇨🇦
These are always so good! My toddler loves them and I don’t feel bad when he wants multiple!
Super easy and definitely filled the desire for a treat.
Hi Arman!Would you please add metric conversion for these?
Hi Sophia! We haven’t calculate it for this recipe but you could use our conversion tools to try it out- https://thebigmansworld.com/category/cooking-resources/
Can I replace the maple syrup with brown sugar? Would I need to add moisture if I do that?
I haven’t tried- Feel free to experiment and see
Wonderful!!! I made these and my daughter the critic loved them . She even took the recipe home with her. Think I will add coconut or nuts to the next batch.
OMG it was so delicious among healthy and not healthy cookies
Thank you for the recipe
You mentioned Coconut Flour in your recipe. How do these turn out when you sub Coconut rather than the almond flour?
Made 1/2 batch using whole wheat white flour and cornstarch. I think they turned out nice. The texture isn’t bad at all and they are the perfect sweetness for my palate. Just wondering if I did the right thing on these two substitutes.
If it works, then it works 😀
just wanted to say that your recipe is awesome and my cookies came out tasting divine!
have a great day y’all!
hi, how do I know how much of each ingredient to put in? where are measurements? x
Scroll down to the recipe card.
Could you use Spelt flour instead?
Thanks for the recipe!
I haven’t tried, feel free to experiment and see
Could you use Spelt flour instead?
I haven’t tried, feel free to experiment and see
Potentially silly question: when you said “Cookies can be kept refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks…” do you mean the baked cookies, or the cookie dough?
Not silly at all 🙂 cooked cookies 🙂
I’m so happy I found this recipe because these cookies turned out great considering how much healthier the ingredients are and the overall ease of the recipe. I substituted the arrowroot powder for ground flaxseed, used 5 tbs of maple syrup instead of 6, and added a pinch of flaky salt and wow they were delicious! Definitely satisfied my craving for a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie. Very moist with a great texture and flavor.
These were tasty especially with some pecans for texture. I couldn’t really roll them more like a PLOP onto the pan and some shaping after the fact. They did need some salt. They were not overly sweet, however I used pieces of a 70% dark chocolate bar since I had no vegan chocolate chips and that may have made the difference. I also had to cook them about 10 mins longer to even get them to slightly brown.
I cant really get enough of these! One after breakfast, lunch, and two after dinner and no regrets since they’re full of protein and natural sugars!!!
AWESOME ! DELICIOUS; will double the recipe next time 😉
Delicious !
Can something be substituted for the coconut oil? Maybe Earth Balance vegan butter? I have a sensitivity to coconut.
I haven’t tried, but butter is generally the best substitute for coconut oil in recipes 🙂
I have put my cookies in the oven for about 25 minutes and they are still not ready
They take 12-15 minutes tops, perhaps you used an incorrect ingredient or something.
Can I use granulated sweetener instead?
I haven’t tried- feel free to experiment and see.
Hi! Is almond flour can substitute with cassava flour or coconut flour?
Nope, not that I’ve tried
Addendum: I also substituted Kerrygold salted butter for coconut oil-Less calories!
Fabulous! I used beef gelatin instead of arrowroot-it worked great.
Fantastic!
These cookies are perfect! I used unsweetened almond milk and bittersweet chocolate chunks. I also added some salt and only used 5tbsp of sweetener (would recommend if you like a less sweet cookie). They are super soft and the whole family enjoyed!
😀 thanks for the feedback, Marie!
can i leave the dough in the fridge for about 30 min before baking to make them not spread as much?
For sure- that sounds like a great idea!
Hi Arman can I substitute almond flour for coconut flour? Thanks
That won’t work at all 🙂
These…Cookies….are…Phenomenal!!! I am NOT Vegan. If anything, I’m a carnivore that also LOVES sweets….Cookies being the main type (Every year my friends give me a new Cookie Monster Shirt….this $h*! is serious). My Fiancee, however, is Vegan and in her attempts to prolong my life and keep me healthy (as well as reach my health goals), she lovingly attempts to make vegan versions of cookies I like to help me keep the food I love while staying healthy. Most of the times I have to smile and say they taste okay and other times they actually taste kinda good, but still too healthy and not the dessert I’d wanna end my meal on after a long day. These cookies are the CLOSEST THING TO REAL chocolate chip cookies I have ever had. I dare say they taste like unhealthy (aka heavenly) Chocolate Chip Cookies, but I don’t think my brain will let me say it….but they’re D@MN Close if not just as good. I will be effing these cookies up on a VERY regular basis! God Bless you for this!
Wallace you are an absolute legend!
Since I can’t use almond flour vanilla or almond extract, what can I do? Also has to be gluten free! Any help?
Not sure, that is all I’ve tried. You can experiment with something else if you like
Holy moly this batter is do delicious! I could eat this without bothering to bake it haha. These turned out really sticky for me though, I couldn’t roll them and mixture stuck to the spoon. I did sub to cornflour. Any tips on what to do to stop this or what I may of done wrong?
Hi it sounds like it could be the brand of flour used- Just drop them onto the pan instead 🙂
Hi Arman 🙂 Your recipe sounds perfect, but I do not have arrowroot powder or cornstarch. If i don’t have problems with eggs, can I sub an egg for the arrowroot?
I haven’t tried subbing one of those out, so feel free to experiment and see
Hi Arman! Can I use corn flour instead of corn starch? Tks!
That should be fine 🙂
Thank you Arman – I LOVE how you write in the above “substitutions” and tips/tricks for making these recipes!! I’ve spent time searching the internet for substitutions when I don’t have the exact ingredients on hand so it’s SO HELPFUL you’ve really thought out these answers and tips for us “average” cooks that still want to try out your recipes! So glad I stumbled upon your site! 🙂
You are so welcome! 🙂
Hi, can I use whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour instead? Thanks!
That might work- I haven’t tried it myself but let me know how it goes!
well the only difference i did was use coconut flour instead of almond and the dough is CRUMBLES. i rolled some into balls which did stay but i cooked it for 15 mins and they never formed or cooked thru. >:(
Yes, that doesn’t surprise me, you can’t use coconut flour instead of almond flour.
Hi Arman! Just wondering if I could use a gluten free flour instead of the almond flour?
I haven’t tried but feel free to experiment and see!
If we leave out the arrowroot can we use eggs?
I haven’t tried- feel free to experiment and see!
Tried these with unsweetened almond milk! They smelled and tasted so amazing even though I had run out of vanilla extract and didn’t end up using any 🙁 I also found that hand-rolling them into balls challenging because my batter was so sticky and kept sticking onto my hands. Thankful I found this recipe though, thank you Arman!
Ahh thanks for the tip, Natasha! 🙂
These cookie are so yummy! First cookies I’ve made with almond flour that aren’t dry. Love, love, love them! Making another batch today. Totally impressed, great recipe and super easy 🙂
😀 Thank you, Megan!
I don’t know how you came up with these, but they’re SO good. I was skeptical, then I tried them. I couldn’t believe they made a cookie, let alone a chewy, soft, fluffy cookie. Only change I made was adding salt. Thanks for this recipe!
Cheers, John- You are so welcome!
Texture-wise, these were fine. They came out soft and chewy, which is how I like my chocolate chip cookies. However, they were lacking in the taste department. I think some sea salt would have made all the difference. They tasted almost watered down. I used unsweetened almond milk in place of the coconut milk, and carob chips in place of the chocolate ones, but I don’t think using the original ingredients would have made such a huge difference.
Hmmm that’s odd, most people find them too sweet- I can’t vouch for carob as I find it tasteless, but feel free to add salt!
can you do oat flour instead? or 1/3 of what it calls for using coconut flour?
I haven’t tried, oat flour would be best to experiment with.
Hi Arman
I made the cookies but noticed a bit of a bitter aftertaste. I’m assuming it’s because I used a monk fruit liquid sweetener. Is it possible to use a granulated sweetener for this recipe? If so, how much would be needed to replace the 6 Tbsp of liquid sweetener?
Hi Jeff- it must be keto maple syrup. I haven’t tried granular.
Can I substitute arrowroot flower for tapioca flour?
Sure can!
Just made these. They were pretty good but I wonder if I should have processed the almond flour. I use store bought but they seeming a bit grainy after cooking. Still yummy and edible though!!!
Hi Sue! It should be blanched almond flour 🙂
These are amazing! So good!
Thank you, Emaleigh!
These cookies look so fat, fluffy, and SO perfect!! I’m making some STAT!
Made these cookies last night and just used 5 Tbs honey. The dough tasted a bit too sweet but the cookies turned out perfect and are not too sweet at all! Love em! My sister got her hands on them and I’m hoping she’s leaving some for me! Greetings from Germany, love your recipes!
Danke, Isabel!
@Arman,
Typo in the instructions. You have 175F/350C… That should be 175C/350F right? Currently have a batch in the oven as we speak at 175F at 15 mins and they don’t look anywhere near baked. lol.
AHHH thank you so much, fixing it now!
What a wonderful cookie recipe! I never knew those ingredients would work together and bind into a perfect cookie dough and baked cookie batch. Yes, I mentioned cookie dough because I would taste the raw dough before heating it up into cookies!