16 Healthy Cookie Recipes You Can Feel Good About Baking
Because cookie cravings are real!
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Who says cookies can’t be healthy?! Sure, it might not be the first thing you think of when you hear the word—you’re more likely to conjure up thoughts of green juice, spinach salads, and fruit. But we’re about to prove that cookies really can be a part of a balanced diet (when eaten in moderation). All of these healthy cookie recipes will satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your journey. They’re lighter than your typical cookie recipes and many include healthy ingredients like oats, seeds, and whole grains. But don’t worry, they still taste delicious (no cardboard cookies here!).
Whether you’re on a specific diet (paleo, vegan, and keto cookies are all featured on this list) or you simply want to lessen the amount of sweets you consume, you can feel good about choosing one of these ideas. Hey, even Ree Drummond cuts back on sugar from time to time! Still, a lighter lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have your favorite desserts—and these healthy cookie recipes will show you just that. Whether it's for a snack or to finish off a healthy dinner, you won't regret trying them out.
Homemade Aussie Bites
This bite-sized snack is a combination of an oatmeal cookie and a granola bar. It’s packed with good-for-you ingredients like flaxseed, quinoa, sunflower seeds, and dried fruit.
Energy Bite Cookies
You’ll want to keep a container of these healthy bites on hand at all times. Pack them up for long car rides, after-school treats, or whenever you need something sweet.
Vegan Pumpkin-Spice Cookies
We love anything pumpkin-spiced come fall, and this pumpkin cookie is no exception! Serve it with a dairy-free PSL for a seasonal and healthy treat.
Get the recipe at Jessica in the Kitchen.
Flourless Monster Cookies
You won’t miss the flour in these loaded cookies—they still have some sweet ingredients (like M&Ms) but they’re also packed with protein and healthy fats thanks to oats, peanut butter, and nuts.
Get the recipe at Ambitious Kitchen.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cookies
These are everything you love about chewy, chocolatey brownies—in cookie form! Best of all, they’re made without any flour so they’re gluten-free.
Get the recipe at Food Faith Fitness.
Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Cookies
Cookies for breakfast? Yes, please! These 3-ingredient delights only take 15 minutes to make.
Get the recipe at Marisa Moore.
Homemade Oreos
The classic packaged sandwich cookie gets a healthy spin with this homemade version—plus, they have options for dairy-free and paleo alternatives.
Get the recipe at Paleo Running Momma.
Vegan, Gluten-Free Snickerdoodle Cookies
Fluffy, crisp, and spiked with cinnamon, these are sure to be your new favorite holiday cookies. They're vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened too!
Get the recipe at Minimalist Baker.
Paleo Lemon Cookies
These pillow-soft cookies will brighten anyone’s day. They’re paleo-friendly and packed with zingy lemon flavor.
Get the recipe at Jessica Eats Real Food.
Healthy Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
These chewy cookies are packed with healthy coconut in all its forms—coconut sugar, coconut oil, coconut extract, and, of course, coconut flakes.
Get the recipe at A Cookie Named Desire.
Spiced Thumbprint Cookies
These fruit-filled cookies are made with fiber-packed white whole wheat flour (a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour). To cut down on sugar, use a sugar-free jam.
Get the recipe at Amy’s Healthy Baking.
3-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies
This one-bowl recipe will satisfy your cookie cravings without the hard work. You can swap in any nut (or seed) butter you like.
Get the recipe at Lexi’s Clean Kitchen.
Zucchini Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
These healthy cookies are a fun way to add more veggies into your diet. The shredded zucchini and unsweetened applesauce make them super moist—just like zucchini bread.
Get the recipe at Wholesome Recipe Box.
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Even though these cookie bars don’t have any refined sugars, they still taste sweet and delicious thanks to all-natural maple syrup. They’re gooey, wholesome, and perfect for the whole family.
Get the recipe at Fit Foodie Finds.
Keto Shortbread Pecan Cookies
This low-carb shortbread cookie tastes just like a pecan sandie. It’s made with almond flour and a sugar-free alternative so it’s great if you follow a keto diet.
Get the recipe at Keto Connect.
Keto Chocolate Chip Cookie for One
Ever have a cookie craving, but don't want to bake a whole batch? This single serve cookie will do the trick! Bonus: It’s ready in just under 12 minutes.
Get the recipe at The Big Man’s World.
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