Who says you can’t indulge in cookies while staying on track with your health goals? With these low-calorie cookie recipes, you can enjoy the sweet satisfaction of a cookie without the extra calories. Whether you’re craving a classic chocolate chip or something a bit more creative, we’ve rounded up the best options. These guilt-free treats are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy their favorite snacks in a healthier way.
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1. No-Sugar-Added Oatmeal Cookies
This recipe from EatingWell is designed to avoid added sugar by using ripe bananas and chopped dates for natural sweetness. The cookies are made with quick oats, oat flour, eggs, coconut oil or butter, and a few standard baking ingredients like cinnamon and vanilla. The result is a basic oatmeal cookie with a soft texture and mild flavor, without relying on refined sugar.
The recipe is gluten-free if made with certified gluten-free oats and flour. It’s also nut-free and can be made dairy-free depending on the fat used. These cookies are not overly sweet and don’t spread much during baking. They are meant to be simple, easy to make, and work as a straightforward snack or light treat.
Key Highlights:
- No added sugar
- Uses bananas and dates for sweetness
- Can be made gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free
- Includes basic ingredients and simple prep
- Stores at room temperature for a few days
Who It’s Best For:
- Anyone avoiding added sugar
- People with dietary restrictions (gluten, dairy, nuts)
- Home bakers looking for a basic oatmeal cookie
- Those wanting a low-effort snack option
2. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
This simple peanut butter chocolate chip cookie recipe from EatingWell combines just five ingredients – egg, peanut butter, brown sugar, chocolate chips, and salt – to create a soft, chewy, gluten-free treat. The lack of flour makes this recipe quick and easy to prepare, with a total time of just 45 minutes. The cookies are a great option for anyone looking for a gluten-free, low-carb dessert or snack, and they can easily be made by kids or beginner bakers.
The recipe uses natural peanut butter and light brown sugar for a slightly sweet, nutty flavor with the added richness of semisweet chocolate chips. These cookies are not overly sweet and are perfect for those looking for a lighter option with fewer ingredients. They are a versatile recipe that works well for parties, holiday treats, or a simple snack.
Key Highlights:
- Flourless recipe for a quick and simple bake
- Naturally gluten-free and low-carb
- Made with just five ingredients
- Soft and chewy texture
- Suitable for various dietary preferences, including vegetarian
Who It’s Best For:
- People avoiding gluten or flour
- Those looking for a low-carb, simple cookie recipe
- Anyone wanting a peanut butter and chocolate snack
Beginner bakers or those short on time
3. Cinnamon-Raisin Oatmeal Cookies
This recipe from EatingWell adds cinnamon and raisins to a basic oatmeal cookie. It’s simple to make, with just a few ingredients: whole-wheat flour, oats, raisins, butter, and brown sugar. The cookies are soft and chewy with a mild spice from the cinnamon.
These cookies are low in calories, heart-healthy, and easy to store. They are a good option for a simple, lighter snack that still offers flavor and texture. The recipe makes 24 cookies, and they can be stored at room temperature for up to three days.
Key Highlights:
- Simple recipe with basic ingredients
- Includes oats and whole-wheat flour for added nutrition
- Soft, chewy texture with cinnamon and raisins
- Low-calorie and heart-healthy
- Can be stored for a few days
Who It’s Best For:
- Those looking for a low-calorie oatmeal cookie
- People who enjoy cinnamon and raisin flavors
- Home bakers seeking a quick recipe
- Anyone looking for a healthier treat
4. Flourless Chocolate Cookies
These flourless chocolate cookies from EatingWell are made using whipped egg whites to give them volume instead of flour, making them a gluten-free option. The cookies are rich in chocolate flavor, thanks to cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate chips. They have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, similar to meringue. The recipe is quick and simple, requiring only 40 minutes to prepare and bake.
With only a few ingredients, these cookies are a low-carb, low-fat treat. While some reviews mention the batter being runny, others recommend adjusting the consistency by ensuring the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks. These cookies can be stored for up to 3 days, making them a convenient option for a chocolatey, gluten-free snack.
Key Highlights:
- No flour, using whipped egg whites for texture
- Rich chocolate flavor with cocoa powder and chocolate chips
- Quick and simple to make
- Gluten-free, low-carb, and low-fat
- Can be stored for a few days
Who It’s Best For:
- Those needing a gluten-free dessert
- People looking for a low-carb, low-fat treat
- Chocolate lovers who want a rich, simple cookie
- Home bakers with limited ingredients
5. Vegan No-Bake Cookies
These vegan no-bake cookies from EatingWell are made with almond butter, coconut oil, and oats. The ingredients are heated together on the stovetop, then chilled in the fridge to set. The recipe is quick and easy, taking about 25 minutes of prep time, plus 2 hours for refrigeration. The cookies are sweetened with brown sugar and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.
They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making them suitable for a variety of diets. The recipe is also customizable, allowing you to swap almond butter for another nut butter if desired. Once set, the cookies are ready to enjoy and can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Key Highlights:
- No baking required
- Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free
- Quick prep time and minimal ingredients
- Can be made with different nut butters
- Stores for up to 5 days
Who It’s Best For:
- People following a vegan or dairy-free diet
- Those looking for a simple no-bake recipe
- Anyone needing a quick, gluten-free treat
- Home bakers who want an easy dessert
6. Bev’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bev’s Chocolate Chip Cookies from EatingWell are a healthier version of the classic treat. By cutting back on sugar and incorporating whole grains, this recipe offers a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. The inclusion of almond meal instead of rolled oats boosts the protein content, making these cookies a bit more filling. The recipe is straightforward, with basic ingredients like butter, oil, and chocolate chips, creating a soft, chewy cookie.
They can be stored for up to three days in an airtight container or frozen for longer storage. The recipe is also adaptable; some reviewers suggest replacing oil with applesauce or reducing the sugar for a healthier twist.
Key Highlights:
- Healthier take on chocolate chip cookies
- Uses whole-wheat flour and almond meal for added nutrition
- Lower in sugar compared to traditional recipes
- Soft, chewy texture with chocolate chips
- Can be stored for up to 3 days or frozen
Who It’s Best For:
- Those looking for a healthier chocolate chip cookie
- People reducing sugar in their diet
- Home bakers who enjoy a quick, simple recipe
- Anyone looking for a heart-healthy cookie option
7. 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie
This 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie recipe from EatingWell is simple and diabetic-friendly, making it an easy and healthier option for a sweet treat. It requires only four ingredients: sugar, peanut butter, an egg, and some extra sugar for decoration. The cookies are quick to make, with only 9 minutes of baking time, and they are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in carbs.
The recipe results in soft, slightly chewy cookies with a light sweetness. They can be shaped with a fork or a cookie cutter for added flair. These cookies are perfect for those looking for a simple, quick, and healthier alternative to traditional cookies.
Key Highlights:
- Made with just 4 ingredients
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb
- Quick to make with only 9 minutes of baking
- Customizable with different shapes or decorations
- Can be stored for several days
Who It’s Best For:
- People looking for a simple, low-carb cookie
- Those with dietary restrictions (gluten-free, dairy-free)
- Anyone who enjoys peanut butter-flavored treats
- Home bakers short on time or ingredients
8. Spiced Pumpkin Cookies
These Spiced Pumpkin Cookies from EatingWell feature a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg, along with the natural sweetness of pumpkin. The recipe uses whole-wheat flour for added nutrition and skips butter, making it a healthier option.
These cookies are soft and cakey, with the option to sandwich them with cream cheese frosting for extra flavor. You can store them for a couple of days in an airtight container or freeze them for longer storage. They are perfect for fall and can be customized by adding raisins or other mix-ins.
Key Highlights:
- Made with whole-wheat flour for added fiber
- Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg
- Soft, cakey texture with an option for cream cheese frosting
Who It’s Best For:
- Those who enjoy soft, cake-like cookies
- People looking for a healthier pumpkin cookie
- Home bakers who love fall flavors
- Anyone looking to make a large batch for sharing
9. Apple-Oatmeal Cookies
EatingWell’s Apple-Oatmeal Cookies are a healthier, low-calorie option that combines oats, apples, and a touch of brown sugar. The cookies are made with whole-wheat pastry flour, which adds fiber while maintaining a light texture.
They also include raisins and shredded apple for added moisture and flavor, along with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. The cookies are slightly chewy with a mild sweetness and are perfect for a healthy snack or a light dessert. They can be stored for a couple of days or frozen for longer storage.
Key Highlights:
- Made with whole-wheat flour for added nutrition
- Includes oats, raisins, and shredded apple
- Lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg
- Low-calorie and heart-healthy
- Can be stored for a few days or frozen
Who It’s Best For:
- People looking for a healthy oatmeal cookie
- Those who enjoy apple and oat flavors
- Anyone wanting a low-calorie snack
- Home bakers looking for a quick, easy recipe
10. Healthy Oatmeal-Chocolate Chip Cookies
EatingWell’s Healthy Oatmeal-Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a lighter take on the classic treat. They use whole-wheat flour for added fiber and less sugar and butter compared to traditional recipes, making them a healthier choice without compromising on flavor. The result is a soft, chewy cookie with the perfect mix of oats and chocolate chips.
This recipe is quick to prepare and bake, making it a great option for a snack or dessert. The cookies stay fresh for several days at room temperature and are a simple, easy-to-follow recipe perfect for those looking for a healthier cookie.
Key Highlights:
- Made with whole-wheat flour for added fiber
- Reduced sugar and butter compared to traditional recipes
- Soft, chewy texture with oats and chocolate chips
- Simple and quick to prepare
- Can be stored for several days
Who It’s Best For:
- Those looking for a healthier oatmeal cookie
- People wanting a lighter version of chocolate chip cookies
- Home bakers seeking a quick, easy recipe
- Anyone after a low-calorie treat
11. Soft Sugar Cookies
These Soft Sugar Cookies from EatingWell are made with a blend of all-purpose flour and white whole-wheat flour, adding extra fiber to the classic recipe. The dough includes cream cheese and butter, making the cookies soft and tender. The recipe reduces sugar compared to traditional versions, offering a healthier alternative while maintaining a delicious, mild sweetness.
The cookies are easy to prepare and bake at a low temperature, which helps keep their soft texture. This recipe makes a large batch of cookies, perfect for sharing, and can be customized with sugar substitutes if desired. The cookies can be stored at room temperature for a few days or frozen for longer storage.
Key Highlights:
- Made with a mix of all-purpose and white whole-wheat flour
- Soft and tender texture from butter and cream cheese
- Reduced sugar for a lighter alternative
- Easy to prepare and bake at a low temperature
- Can be stored at room temperature or frozen
Who It’s Best For:
- Those looking for a healthier version of sugar cookies
- People who enjoy soft, tender cookies
- Home bakers who need a simple, large-batch cookie recipe
- Anyone looking for a low-calorie dessert option
12. Brownie Cookies
These Brownie Cookies from EatingWell offer the rich, fudgy flavor of brownies in a cookie form. Made with cocoa powder, brown sugar, and buttermilk, they deliver a deep chocolate taste while staying lower in calories than traditional brownies. The dough is chilled before baking, ensuring a firm yet chewy texture, and the cookies are finished off with a light dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
The cookies are easy to make and have a texture that’s somewhere between a cookie and a brownie, making them a great treat for chocolate lovers.
Key Highlights:
- Rich, fudgy chocolate flavor
- Lower in calories compared to traditional brownies
- Chilled dough ensures a chewy texture
- Can be made ahead and stored for a few days
- Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar
Who It’s Best For:
- Chocolate lovers who enjoy brownies in cookie form
- Those looking for a lower-calorie dessert
- Home bakers who want a quick yet satisfying chocolate treat
- Anyone seeking an easy, no-fuss cookie recipe
13. Lemon Thins
These Lemon Thins from EatingWell are light, refreshing cookies made with whole-wheat pastry flour for added fiber. They get their zesty flavor from fresh lemon zest and juice, offering a natural citrus taste. The cookies are perfect for an afternoon treat or paired with a cup of tea.
The dough is simple to make and shaped into thin, crisp cookies. After baking, they cool to a light, crisp texture. These cookies are low-calorie and heart-healthy, with the option to reduce sugar by using sugar substitutes. They can be stored for a few days, making them a convenient option for a quick snack.
Key Highlights:
- Made with whole-wheat pastry flour for added fiber
- Zesty lemon flavor from fresh zest and juice
- Light, crisp texture
- Can be stored for several days
- Low-calorie and heart-healthy
Who It’s Best For:
- Those who enjoy citrus-flavored treats
- Anyone looking for a light, low-calorie cookie
- Home bakers who want a quick and easy recipe
- People looking for a healthier option for afternoon tea
14. Peanut Butter Brownie Bites
These Peanut Butter Brownie Bites from EatingWell combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a bite-sized treat. The use of quinoa flour makes them gluten-free and adds extra protein, although white whole-wheat flour can be used as an alternative. These mini desserts are not overly sweet, making them a satisfying snack or dessert without the heaviness of traditional brownies.
The recipe is quick and easy to prepare, baked in a mini muffin tin, and finished with a sprinkle of chocolate chips. The brownie bites can be stored at room temperature for several days, making them a convenient snack option.
Key Highlights:
- Made with quinoa flour for added protein and a gluten-free option
- Rich peanut butter and chocolate flavor
- Not too sweet, offering a healthier dessert
- Easy to prepare in a mini muffin tin
- Can be stored for several days
Who It’s Best For:
- Those who enjoy peanut butter and chocolate flavors
- People looking for a gluten-free, low-calorie treat
- Anyone in need of a quick, easy dessert
- Home bakers who want bite-sized snacks
15. Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls
These Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls from EatingWell are a healthier version of classic cookie dough that’s safe to eat raw. Made with chickpeas and nut butter, they are vegan, gluten-free, and full of protein, making them a satisfying treat. The dough is simple to prepare and shaped into bite-sized balls that are perfect for snacking.
After blending the ingredients in a food processor, the dough is chilled for at least an hour to firm up. These dough balls are sweetened with a bit of brown sugar and finished with mini chocolate chips. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months, allowing for a convenient, on-hand treat whenever you’re craving something sweet.
Key Highlights:
- Made with chickpeas and nut butter for a healthier dough
- Safe to eat raw and easy to prepare
- Sweetened with brown sugar and loaded with mini chocolate chips
- Freezable for up to 2 months
- Vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie
Who It’s Best For:
- People looking for a healthier, raw cookie dough alternative
- Those following vegan or gluten-free diets
- Anyone in need of a quick, protein-packed snack
- Home bakers who want a simple, no-bake treat
Conclusion
Low-calorie cookies offer a satisfying way to indulge in sweet treats without compromising on health goals. By incorporating ingredients like whole grains, natural sweeteners, and healthier fats, these cookies provide a guilt-free option for those seeking to manage their calorie intake.
Whether you prefer oatmeal, peanut butter, or chocolate chip varieties, there are plenty of recipes to suit different tastes and dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegan, and diabetic-friendly options. With the right balance of ingredients, low-calorie cookies can be both delicious and nutritious, making them a perfect snack or dessert to enjoy any time.