The Ultimate Healthy Sweet Treat: 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cookies. When it comes to enjoying the sweeter side of life but still endeavoring to maintain health-conscious eating habits, the struggle is real. Can we really have our cookie and eat it too? The answer, quite surprisingly, is yes! This 3-ingredient cookie recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves dessert but also loves feeling good about what they eat.

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The Beginner's Guide to Healthy Baking

For many, the idea of 'healthy baking' conjures up images of tasteless, dense confections that barely resemble the indulgent pastries they're meant to replace. But fear not, my health-minded friend! These three-ingredient cookies are about to turn everything you thought you knew about baking on its head.

What Makes This Recipe Healthy?

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. All you need is oats, ripe bananas, and chocolate chips (or dried fruit for a sugar-free option) to create a gluten-free cookie dough. Without using any flour, butter, or processed sugars, these healthy cookies offer a sweet taste with more nutritional value than their standard counterparts.

Nutritional Breakdown

Oats: A rich source of fiber, protein, and numerous vitamins and minerals. They're also low in calories and can help aid digestion.

Applesauce: A source of vitamins and minerals, including copper, B vitamins, and vitamins C and E. They're a natural sweetener that can help you cut out the need for table sugar.

Chocolate Chips: Opt for dark chocolate if you're really looking to up the health ante, as it contains less sugar and more antioxidants than milk or white chocolate.

Here are a few other sweet treats from the blog that everyone loves:

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Valentine’s Day Cupid Rice Krispie Treats

Homemade Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Holiday Favorite Pumpkin Dessert

The Easiest Oatmeal Bread

Peanut Butter Cookies

Paleo Coconut Date Brazil Nut Bars

Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Cups

3-Ingredient Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cookies

Yield: 9 cookies

Author: Angie Bloom

Prep time: 7 MinCook time: 13 MinTotal time: 20 Min

This fabulous cookie is soft and chewy and doesn't contain any flour, butter, eggs, or refined sugar. It's super easy to prepare and under 5 minutes!

Ingredients

3-Ingredient Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cookies

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup applesauce
½ cup chocolate chips or dried fruit if you prefer a sugar-free version

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Your Ingredients: In a large bowl, measure out your applesauce. Add the oats and chocolate chips, then mix well until a sticky dough forms.
Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet and flatten each cookie with a fork.
Bake: Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. They're ready to enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

47.33

Fat

0.61 g

Sat. Fat

0.1 g

Carbs

9.56 g

Fiber

1.27 g

Net carbs

8.29 g

Sugar

2.84 g

Protein

1.27 g

Sodium

1.47 mg

Cholesterol

0 mg

The nutrition information provided is only estimated based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a dietician. Please consult a doctor for accurate, more personal information about your health and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.

Step One:

In a large bowl, measure out your applesauce. Add the oats and chocolate chips, then mix well until a sticky dough forms.

Step Two: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet and flatten each cookie with a fork. I really love this cookie scoop to help with even portions. It’s 2T per scoop.

Step Three: Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.

Step Four: Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. They're ready to enjoy!

Why This Recipe Works

The bananas and oats not only bind the cookies together but also provide the bulk of the chewy texture. The chocolate chips add a delightful sweet burst, while the other natural sugars present in the ripe bananas enhance the overall sweetness. Whether you're a seasoned health nut or someone who's just starting to experiment with healthy baking, this recipe is an absolute must-try.

Customizing Your 3-Ingredient Cookies

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Depending on your dietary preferences and the ingredients you have on hand, there are numerous ways to make this recipe your own.

Flavor Variations:

Cinnamon: For a cozy flavor, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough.

Nuts: Amp up the protein and texture by adding a handful of chopped nuts.

Sugar-Free Option:

Coconut: Replace the chocolate chips with unsweetened coconut flakes for a sugar-free, tropical twist.

Mint: Crush up some fresh mint leaves and add them to the dough for a refreshing update.

Vegan-Specific Substitutes:

Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup: In place of the chocolate chips, use agave nectar or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.

Chia Seeds: For an omega-3 boost and a gelatinous texture, swap out the chocolate chips with chia seeds.

Final Thoughts

The path to health and wellness can often feel like a series of sacrifices, with our favorite indulgences left by the wayside. But it doesn't have to be that way. With the right recipe and a little creativity, we can find new ways to enjoy the foods we love without compromising our health goals. These 3-ingredient oatmeal cookies are a testament to that. It's proof that health and taste can coexist in perfect harmony, making it a sweet treat that's meant for anyone and everyone.

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #angiebloomhealthcoach

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