Low Fat Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Low Fat Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect sweet treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these cookies are soft, chewy, and utterly delicious. The combination of oats and chocolate chips creates a delightful texture and flavor profile that will have you coming back for more. Plus, with the use of unsweetened applesauce instead of oil or additional fat, these cookies are a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Let’s dive into the details and whip up a batch of these scrumptious cookies!
Why It Works Every Time
The beauty of these Low Fat Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in their simplicity and the balance of ingredients. The oats provide a hearty texture and keep the cookies chewy, while the applesauce adds moisture without the added fat. The combination of both granulated and brown sugars gives these cookies a perfect sweetness and depth of flavor. The baking powder and soda, along with a hint of allspice, ensure that the cookies rise beautifully and have a wonderful aroma. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delightful batch of cookies that everyone will love!
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup quick cooking oats
- 2 tablespoons miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Tools of the Trade
- Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure all dry ingredients are well mixed.
- Spatula: For folding in the oats and chocolate chips.
- Baking Sheet: To place your cookie dough on while baking.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Cookie Scoop: To help portion the dough evenly.
From Start to Finish: Low Fat Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and allspice. Make sure everything is evenly combined so that your cookies rise nicely.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the granulated white sugar, light brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the quick cooking oats and miniature semisweet chocolate chips. This step adds the delightful texture and sweetness that make these cookies irresistible.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Low Fat Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Flavor-Forward Alternatives
- Nut Butter: Substitute some of the applesauce with almond or peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
- Dried Fruits: Add raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture and extra sweetness.
- Spices: Experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Variations: Use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a twist on the classic.
What I Learned Testing
- Texture is key: Using quick cooking oats gives the cookies a delightful chewiness.
- Don’t skip the resting: Allowing the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet helps them firm up without becoming hard.
- Experiment with sugars: The balance of granulated and brown sugar creates the perfect sweetness and texture.
- Oven temperatures can vary: Keep an eye on your cookies, as ovens can sometimes bake unevenly.
Best Ways to Store
Store your Low Fat Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Reader Questions
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick cooking oats?
Yes, you can use old-fashioned oats, but the texture will be slightly different. The cookies may be chewier and will take a bit longer to bake.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use a vegan butter substitute in place of the unsalted butter.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure that the oats are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition to these cookies. Just make sure to adjust the amount of oats slightly to keep the cookie dough balanced.
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the details and tips for making the perfect Low Fat Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! With their delightful chewiness and rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or saved for later, you can feel great about indulging in these healthier treats. Happy baking!
Low Fat Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
- Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and allspice. Make sure everything is evenly combined so that your cookies rise nicely.
- Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients. In another bowl, combine the granulated white sugar, light brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Step 6: Fold in Oats and Chocolate Chips. Gently fold in the quick cooking oats and miniature semisweet chocolate chips. This step adds the delightful texture and sweetness that make these cookies irresistible.
- Step 7: Scoop the Dough. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Step 8: Bake. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Step 9: Cool and Serve. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Low Fat Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freeze cookies in a single layer for longer storage, up to three months.
- Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
