Best Low-Carb Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Keto & Sugar-Free | Fork Freedom { "@context":…
how to make the ultimate, healthy oatmeal cookies
Lower-Sugar
These soft, chewy healthy oatmeal cookies have 44% fewer calories, 57% less fat, and 66% less sugar than traditional oatmeal cookies—without sacrificing flavor. Furthermore, they're packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, craisins, and walnuts. As a result, you can enjoy warm, buttery cookies during the holidays guilt-free!
healthy oatmeal cookies
Servings 14 cookies
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup 56g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup 70g apple butter
- 1/2 cup 100g Swerve brown
- 2 tablespoons 25g Swerve granular
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 tablespoon molasses
- 1/2 cup 74g spelt flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea or kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups 120g old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1/2 cup 70g dried cranberries (reduced sugar) or raisins
- 1/2 cup 64g chopped toasted walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Cream 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup Swerve brown, and 2 tablespoons Swerve granular on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add 1/4 cup apple butter and mix for 1 minute. Add 1 egg and mix on high for 1 minute.
- Add 1/2 tablespoon vanilla and 1/2 tablespoon molasses and mix until combined.
- In separate bowl, whisk 1/2 cup spelt flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet and mix on low. Beat in 1 1/2 cups oats, 1/2 cup craisins, and 1/2 cup walnuts on low. Dough will be thick and sticky.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Roll dough into balls (2 tablespoons each) and place 2 inches apart on sheets.
- Bake 12-14 minutes until lightly browned on sides. Centers will look under-baked.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Perfectly soft and chewy with visible oats, craisins, and walnuts in every bite!
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Pro Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Cookies
- Room temperature matters: First and foremost, make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture. If you forgot, cut butter into tablespoons and place egg in barely warm water for 10 minutes.
- Plump the craisins: Additionally, soak craisins in hot water for 10 minutes before using, then drain and blot dry. This creates the ultimate soft, plump texture!
- Toast the walnuts: Furthermore, toast walnuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This takes the cookies to another level, even if you're not usually a "nut person."
- Don't overbake: Moreover, the centers should look under-baked when you remove them. They'll set as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Chill time is important: The 30-minute chill prevents spreading and creates the perfect chewy texture. However, if you chill longer, let dough warm up for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use a cookie scoop: Finally, since the dough is sticky, a cookie scoop makes shaping much easier and ensures uniform size.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature: First, store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy!
Freezing dough: Alternatively, freeze shaped cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.
Freezing baked cookies: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Why This Recipe Works
These healthy oatmeal cookies deliver amazing flavor and texture while being significantly healthier than traditional recipes. In fact, they have 44% fewer calories, 57% less fat, and 66% less sugar. Furthermore, the combination of wholesome ingredients creates cookies that taste indulgent without the guilt.
The Secret Ingredient
Apple butter is the game-changer in this recipe. Not only does it replace half the butter, but it also maintains the same consistency while adding minimal sugar and a fraction of the calories. As a result, you get rich, moist cookies without all the fat.
Smart Sweetener Choices
Swerve brown and Swerve granular are erythritol-based sweeteners that don't impact blood sugar levels. Additionally, they measure 1:1 with regular sugar, making them perfect for baking. Moreover, the molasses adds that trademark oatmeal cookie flavor without excessive sugar.
Key Ingredients Explained
- Spelt flour: This flour is easier to digest than regular wheat flour because the gluten is more delicate. However, it also absorbs more liquid, which is why we use only 1/2 cup instead of 3/4 cup.
- Reduced-sugar craisins: These provide the same texture and sweetness as raisins but with half the sugar (12g vs 23g per serving). Furthermore, soaking them first makes them extra plump and delicious.
- Old-fashioned oats: These provide fiber, protein, and that classic oatmeal cookie texture. Additionally, you can use gluten-free oats if needed.
- Toasted walnuts: While optional, walnuts add healthy omega-3s, protein, and a delicious nutty flavor that elevates these cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the apple butter?
Yes! However, if you omit apple butter, use 1/2 cup of softened butter instead of 1/4 cup. The cookies will be slightly higher in fat and calories but will still taste great.
What can I substitute for spelt flour?
You can use white whole wheat flour, regular all-purpose flour, or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. However, use 3/4 cup instead of 1/2 cup since spelt absorbs more liquid.
Can I use regular sugar instead of Swerve?
Yes! Substitute 1:1 with coconut sugar or brown sugar for Swerve brown, and white sugar for Swerve granular. Nevertheless, this will increase the calorie and carb content significantly.
How do I make these dairy-free?
Use ghee (clarified butter with milk proteins removed) or coconut oil instead of regular butter. Additionally, make sure your apple butter brand is dairy-free.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
First, make sure you chilled the dough for the full 30 minutes. Additionally, ensure your butter wasn't too soft (should be room temperature, not melted). Finally, check that your oven temperature is accurate.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Add 1/2 cup of sugar-free chocolate chips along with the craisins and walnuts. This creates a delicious chocolate-cranberry-walnut combination.
Are these really healthier than regular oatmeal cookies?
Yes! Compared to traditional oatmeal cookies made with white flour, white sugar, brown sugar, and more butter, these have 44% fewer calories, 57% less fat, and 66% less sugar. Furthermore, they use wholesome ingredients like spelt flour and reduced-sugar craisins.
Karen says
Awww, thank you!!!
Kristin says
Some of t he best cookies I’ve ever eaten!