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    Home » Recipes » Cookies

    Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies {Healthy, Whole Wheat}

    Published: Dec 16, 2014 · Modified: Dec 17, 2022 by Lauren Kelly · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    These Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies might eb lightened up, but are every bit as delicious as the classic cookie!Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies {Healthy, Whole Wheat}These easy to make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are lightened up and delicious!

    These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are healthier than your typical chocolate chip cookies, so fun and festive and are pretty enough to give as gifts!

    Stack of Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies on a red cloth.

    I am on my never ending quest to try to maintain balance during the holidays.  It's not easy.  

    If you are like me you tend to eat more than normal (whether out of stress or lack of time to prepare meals and snacks).  I love to make these classic holiday cookies healthier than the ordinary kind.  These chocolate chip cookies are made with whole wheat flour, unrefined sugar, oats and flax seed.  

    And because we need a little fun (I mean, it IS the holidays!) I added just ¼ cup mini holiday  M & M's!  No one will miss all that processed sugar and added junk.

    And by no means am I saying you shouldn't enjoy sugary treats during the holidays, I just mean that if you can find ways to reduce the sugar and junk, why not? They still taste se delicious. I wouldn't advise eating something gross just because it might be healthier. 

    Yes, I always want it to taste delicious.

    And side note: I do not care how healthy something is, if it does not taste good to me there is zero chance I will eat it. Fish and seafood are a perfect example of that.

    Not. A. Chance.

    But that's just me being picky. Fish is wonderfully healthy, low fat and filled with protein and nutritious omega fatty acids which I am completely aware of.

    Still---- not a chance.

    Ok, back to these cookies. And if you are looking for some more healthy cookie recipes, try these Chocolate Brownie Cookies, Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies, Iced Sugar Cookies or these Gingerbread Chocolate Sandwich Cookies. All would be even better with some Apple Chai Latte, Chamomile Latte or Low Carb Bulletproof Hot Chocolate.

    Or if you are feeling festive and looking for a fun cocktail, try this Mulled Wine, Cranberry Mojitos or some Spiked Apple Cider!

    Close up of chocolate chip cookies.

    Why You Should Make These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies

    These chocolate chip cookies are lightened up and made with all easy to find, wholesome ingredients. It's always good to have some healthier options, especially during the holidays.

    These cookies are so simple to make.  I love all of the pretty decorated cut out cookies and fancy cakes and bars, but sometimes you just need simple, (healthy), classic cookies.  

    The applesauce adds moisture to all of the dry ingredients and coconut oil makes a perfect plant based substitute for butter. Go ahead and use butter if you want or if that's all you have in your house.

    Don't you love when you can make your holiday cookies in advance and then freeze for later? These chocolate chip cookies are so freezer friendly which saves lots of time.

    Close up stack of Christmas chocolate chip cookies on a red cloth.

    Recipe Ingredients

    • Whole wheat pastry flour -  I love using this flour in my baked goods and treats for a lighter product.
    • Oats - Oats- Quick oats work best in overnight oats because of the texture. You can use whatever oats you have in your house and see what you personally like best.
    • Flaxseed - This adds lots of heart-healthy fiber to your baked goods.
    • Unsweetened applesauce - Use the unsweetened applesauce since it's already naturally sweet. There are so many unnecessary sugars in the other kind.
    • Unrefined sugar - This can be whatever sugar you have in the house. I like to use unrefined sugar because it's minimally processed and contains some nutrients. You can use maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, or even try a sugar free alternative such as Monk fruit.
    • Coconut oil - Is a plant based oil and is filled with healthy fats. I use refined coconut oil which has very little coconut taste (Yes, I know it's not a popular opinion but I don't like the taste of coconut!) The only issue is that refined coconut oil has less antioxidants and vitamins than the virgin coconut oil (as well as a higher smoke points which is good to remember for baked goods) so if you like the taste of coconut, then you can easily use virgin coconut oil.
    • Vanilla extract -  I use pure vanilla extract which doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or additives, it’s just pure vanilla made from alcohol. I use this one.
    • Chocolate chips - I used sugar Free Chocolate Chips. Please read the ingredients for your sugar free chocolate chips. Many of them contain large amounts of sugar alcohols which can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. I use these sugar free chocolate chips all the time.
    • Holiday M & M's - These holiday M & M's just make everything more fun and festive!
    Chocolate Chip Cookies on baking tray.

    Recipe Tips

    If you re really into chocolate, go ahead and add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.

    Baking times will vary based on your oven you are using. After 12 minutes check the cookies to see that the edges are golden brown and the middle of the cookies are still soft but mostly set.

    Storing these chocolate chip cookies is so easy. You can leave these on the counter in an airtight container for a few days or store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also store these cookies in the freezer by placing in an airtight container or wrap in parchment paper and place in a plastic bag for up to 3 months.

    Related Recipes

    Sugar Free Butter Cookies from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

    Healthy Gingerbread Cookies from A Couple Cooks

    No Bake Cookie Dough Bars from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

    Vegan Peanut Butter Blossoms from Eating Bird Food

    Please eel free to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram! Thanks for stopping by!

    • Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cookies
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    Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies

    These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are healthier than your typical chocolate chip cookies, so fun and festive and are pretty enough to give as gifts!
    4.50 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: brunch, cookie, Dessert, treat, vegetarian
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Low Fat
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 24 cookies
    Calories: 113kcal
    Author: Lauren Kelly

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
    • ¾ cup oats
    • ½ cup ground flaxseed
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
    • ½ cup unrefined sugar
    • ¼ cup coconut oil softened
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • ½ cup dark chocolate chips
    • ¼ cup mini holiday M & M's

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
    • Place oats in food processor or blender and blend until powdery.
    • Pour into a medium size bowl and add flour, flaxseed, baking soda, baking powder, salt and beat with electric mixer until combined. Add applesauce, sugar , coconut oil and vanilla extract while continuing to beat with the electric mixer.
    • Add chocolate chips and M & M's and stir to combine.
    • Drop by tablespoonfuls onto undressed cookie sheet, about 1 inch apart.
    • bake for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Cook on cookie sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack until completely cooled.

    Notes

    To store in the refrigerator: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container and store for up to 5 days.
    To store in the freezer: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container or wrap in parchment paper and place in a plastic bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 76mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lkellynutrition or tag #lkellynutrition!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tiffany

      December 14, 2018 at 11:29 pm

      4 stars
      Hi there! I found this recipe on pinterest and tried making them, but my dough turned out all crumbly and relatively dry. I followed the recipe exact! Do you know why this might have happened? I'm not sure if it's the brand of wheat flour or coconut oil I used? Have you had this happen?

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        December 15, 2018 at 9:11 am

        Hi Tiffany, I am so sorry that happened. I make these all the time and they aren't crumbly. Was your coconut oil softened? That's the only thing I can think of?

        Reply
    2. Sonali-+The+Foodie+Physician

      December 17, 2014 at 2:27 am

      Great recipe Lauren! Healthy and delicious- the perfect holiday treat!

      Reply
    3. Michele

      December 16, 2014 at 7:58 pm

      Where can I find whole wheat pastry flour? Thanks!

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        December 16, 2014 at 9:08 pm

        Hi Michele! You can get whole wheat pastry flour at all grocery stores, even Target! I hope you like them!

        Reply
    4. sue|theviewfromgreatisland

      December 16, 2014 at 5:23 pm

      5 stars
      Adorable --- I think Santa would approve 🙂

      Reply
    5. [email protected]+press

      December 16, 2014 at 4:33 pm

      healthy and delicious, sounds just about perfect to me

      Reply
    6. [email protected]

      December 16, 2014 at 3:36 pm

      These look really good Lauren, and very good for you - love it!

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        December 16, 2014 at 4:12 pm

        Thank you Donalyn!

        Reply
    7. Ann from Sumptuous Spoonfuls

      December 16, 2014 at 12:56 pm

      These look delightful, Lauren! I bet they taste just as good as they look.

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        December 16, 2014 at 1:00 pm

        Thank you Ann!

        Reply
    8. Sherrie | With Food + Love

      December 16, 2014 at 12:56 pm

      I love that these are loaded with FLAX!! Nom nom nom

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        December 16, 2014 at 1:00 pm

        Me too Sherrie! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Bridget

      December 16, 2014 at 12:51 pm

      I have a gluten and almond allergy. Would coconut flour or oat flour work to sub the whole wheat pastry flour?

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        December 16, 2014 at 12:55 pm

        Hi Bridget! I bet oat flour would work great! Please let me know how they turn out 🙂

        Reply
    10. Aggie

      December 16, 2014 at 11:44 am

      Oh I'm loving these, they are so pretty too! And love the good stuff in them...
      I have a hard time picking a favorite but I am a sucker for oatmeal raisin cookies 🙂

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        December 16, 2014 at 12:56 pm

        Love Oatmeal Raisin Cookies too Aggie, good taste! 😉

        Reply

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