Perfecting the “Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie”

Throwing together a batch of chocolate chip cookies is second nature to me. However, whipping up a batch of “healthy” chocolate chip cookies seems to require a bachelor’s degree in culinary science. Unfortunately, that is not what I went to school for. Luckily I do spend majority of my free time in the kitchen baking. I happen to know a thing or two about healthy cakes and other various desserts but healthy cookies are not my specialty. Meaning I threw out more pans of awful tasting cookies than I kept during this process. I spent hours looking at recipes online for inspiration and turned the kitchen into a complete disaster. Eventually I stumbled upon a cookie worthy of eating and sharing with others. The recipe isn’t perfect yet but it is headed in the right direction flavor wise. It offers those of us who are taking a stab at being healthier a chance to indulge without the guilt. Try this recipe out at home and let us know what you think! If you have any suggestions please feel free to chime in, we would love some advice on healthy baking substitutions!

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe (vegan, dairy free):

• 1/3 cup + 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup enjoy life chocolate chips (or cacao nibs, dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar (substitute for brown sugar)
• 1/4 cup mashed ripe banana
• 2-3 tbsp of almond milk

Mix all ingredients in medium size bowl. Form cookies by tablespoon size and chill dough for 30-60 minutes. When ready to bake preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake cookies for 6-7 minutes. They will look a bit underdone but will continue to cook while cooling.

I also recommend trying this healthy chocolate chip cookie recipe as well as this healthy oatmeal chocolate chip cookie for more variety.