These low-fat chocolate chip cookies are perfect for those who want to indulge in a sweet treat without the guilt. With a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, along with apple sauce for added moisture, these cookies are both delicious and healthier than traditional versions.
Whole wheat pastry flour might not be a staple in everyone's pantry. It is lighter than regular whole wheat flour and adds a delicate texture to baked goods. If you don't already have it, you can find it in the baking section of most supermarkets. Mini chocolate chips are also a specific ingredient to look out for, as their smaller size ensures even distribution throughout the cookies.
Ingredients for Low-Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies
Granulated sugar: Traditional sweetener that adds sweetness and helps with browning.
Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel flavor and moisture to the cookies.
Butter: Provides flavor and structure to the cookies.
Egg white: Acts as a binding agent and adds moisture without the fat of the yolk.
Apple sauce: A low-fat alternative to add moisture and sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile of the cookies.
Whole wheat pastry flour: Adds a light, delicate texture and is a healthier alternative to regular flour.
All purpose flour: Provides structure and balance to the cookie dough.
Baking soda: Leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Mini chocolate chips: Smaller chocolate chips that ensure even distribution and a perfect chocolatey bite in each cookie.
One reader, Joela Rash says:
These low-fat chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat! They have the perfect balance of sweetness and a soft, chewy texture. The use of applesauce and whole wheat flour makes them feel a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth guilt-free!
Baking Techniques for Perfect Low-Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies
How to preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to reach the desired temperature before baking. How to line cookie sheets: Use non-stick silicone baking mats or lightly spray the cookie sheets with cooking spray to prevent the cookies from sticking. How to combine dry ingredients: Mix the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until they are evenly distributed. How to whisk wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the sugars, butter, egg white, applesauce, and vanilla until the mixture is light and fluffy. How to fold in chocolate chips: Gently mix the chocolate chips into the batter until they are evenly distributed. How to drop cookie dough: Use a spoon to drop level spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. How to bake cookies: Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. How to cool cookies: Let the cookies stand for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How To Make Low-fat Chocolate Chip Cookies
These chocolate chip cookies are made lighter and less fatty but are still perfectly soft and chewy with just the right level of sweetness.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupgranulated sugar
- ½cupbrown sugar
- 2tbspbutter,melted
- 1largeegg white
- 2tbspapple sauce
- 1tspvanilla extract
- ½cupwhole wheat pastry flour
- ½cupall purpose flour
- ¼tspbaking soda
- ⅛tspsalt
- ½cupmini chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two cookie sheets with non-stick silicone baking mats or lightly spray cookie sheets with cooking spray.
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In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt and stir to blend.
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In another bowl, whisk the sugars, butter, egg white, applesauce and vanilla together until light and fluffy.
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Whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in two additions until the batter is very well blended. If the batter looks more “crumbly” than smooth, add just a drop of water at a time until it smooths out.
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Fold in chocolate chips. Drop by level spoonfuls about 1 inch apart onto baking sheets.
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Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, and let them stand 5 minutes before removing the cookies from the pans to cool on wire racks.
Nutrition
- Calories: 157.96kcal
- Fat: 4.26g
- Saturated Fat: 2.60g
- Trans Fat: 0.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.52g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.15g
- Carbohydrates: 28.66g
- Fiber: 1.07g
- Sugar: 20.38g
- Protein: 1.79g
- Cholesterol: 6.49mg
- Sodium: 63.73mg
- Calcium: 19.26mg
- Potassium: 40.77mg
- Iron: 0.60mg
- Vitamin A: 16.21µg
- Vitamin C: 0.59mg
Expert Tip for Achieving Chewy Low-Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure your cookies have a consistent texture, make sure to cream the sugars and butter together until they are light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which helps the cookies rise properly and achieve a tender crumb.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Low-Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the baking process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly blend wet and dry ingredients, saving you time and effort.
Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and shape.
Batch baking: Bake multiple cookie sheets at once to reduce overall baking time.
Quick cooling: Transfer cookies to a wire rack immediately after baking to speed up the cooling process.
Substitute Ingredients For Low-fat Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and provides a caramel-like flavor.
brown sugar - Substitute with date sugar: Date sugar is made from dried dates and retains the fiber and nutrients of the fruit.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a healthier fat option and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
egg white - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, mimics the binding properties of egg whites.
apple sauce - Substitute with mashed banana: Mashed banana adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.
whole wheat pastry flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour is gluten-free and adds a mild, nutty flavor.
all purpose flour - Substitute with spelt flour: Spelt flour is more nutritious and has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used if you increase the amount to achieve the same leavening effect.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and contains trace minerals.
mini chocolate chips - Substitute with cacao nibs: Cacao nibs are less processed and provide a rich, intense chocolate flavor.
Creative Ways to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serve smaller portion sizes: Create bite-sized chocolate chip cookies to ensure a refined and elegant presentation. Use a small scoop to drop the dough onto the baking sheets, ensuring uniformity in size.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a light dusting of cocoa powder and a few strategically placed mini chocolate chips. This adds visual appeal and hints at the flavors within the cookies.
Add a touch of luxury: Serve the cookies with a small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache on the side. This elevates the dish and adds a touch of indulgence.
Incorporate texture: Place a few toasted nuts or cacao nibs around the cookies on the plate. This not only adds a crunchy texture but also enhances the overall presentation.
Use elegant plating: Arrange the cookies on a pristine white plate or a slate board to contrast with the rich color of the chocolate chips. This creates a visually striking presentation.
Highlight freshness: Add a small sprig of mint or a few fresh berries to the plate. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dessert.
Create a theme: Use a cookie cutter to shape the cookies into uniform, elegant forms such as circles or hearts. This adds a professional touch and makes the cookies look more sophisticated.
Serve with a beverage pairing: Accompany the cookies with a small glass of milk or a shot of espresso. This not only complements the flavors but also adds a classic touch to the presentation.
Essential Equipment for Baking Low-Fat Cookies
Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350 degrees F.
Non-stick silicone baking mats: Placed on the cookie sheets to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
Cookie sheets: Flat sheets used to hold the cookie dough while baking.
Cooking spray: Used to lightly coat the cookie sheets if not using silicone baking mats, to prevent sticking.
Large bowl: Used to mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt).
Another bowl: Used to whisk together the sugars, butter, egg white, applesauce, and vanilla.
Whisk: Used to blend the wet ingredients until light and fluffy.
Spatula: Used to fold in the chocolate chips and to help mix the batter.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the flour, sugars, and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract.
Wire racks: Used to cool the cookies after they are baked.
Spoon: Used to drop level spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the baking sheets.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Low-Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour, or until they reach your desired level of chewiness.
- For a quick treat, you can also microwave frozen cookies for 10-15 seconds to warm them up and restore their soft, chewy texture.
- If you prefer your cookies to be crispy, you can store them in a loosely covered container at room temperature. The exposure to air will help maintain their crispness.
How To Reheat Leftover Chocolate Chip Cookies
The best way to reheat leftover low-fat chocolate chip cookies is to preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crisp around the edges. This method helps restore the cookies' original texture and brings out the flavor of the chocolate chips.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cookies to become too soft or rubbery. If the cookies are not warm enough after the first interval, continue microwaving them in 5-second increments until they reach the desired temperature.
For a quicker and more convenient method, you can use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on the wire rack. Heat the cookies for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crisp. This method is ideal for reheating small batches of cookies without having to use a full-sized oven.
If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, you can wrap the cookies in a damp paper towel before microwaving them. This helps to introduce moisture back into the cookies, preventing them from drying out during the reheating process. Microwave the wrapped cookies for 10-15 seconds, or until they are warm and soft.
For a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey center, try using a panini press or a waffle iron to reheat your low-fat chocolate chip cookies. Preheat the press or iron to medium heat and place the cookies inside. Close the lid and heat the cookies for 30-60 seconds, or until they are warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. This method works best with thicker, sturdier cookies that can withstand the pressure of the press or iron.
Interesting Trivia About Chocolate Chip Cookies
A random fact about this low-fat chocolate chip cookies recipe is that using apple sauce as a substitute for some of the butter helps reduce the overall fat content while keeping the cookies moist and flavorful.
Budget-Friendly Low-Fat Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
This low-fat chocolate chip cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of whole wheat pastry flour, apple sauce, and minimal butter keeps the cost low while maintaining a healthier profile. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5-$7 USD, considering the small quantities of each ingredient. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Are Low-Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies Healthy?
This low-fat chocolate chip cookie recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate chip cookies. By using whole wheat pastry flour, reducing the amount of butter, and incorporating applesauce, the recipe aims to lower the fat content while maintaining a delicious taste. The use of egg whites instead of whole eggs also contributes to the reduced fat content. However, it's important to note that the recipe still contains a significant amount of sugar, which can have negative health impacts if consumed in excess.
To further improve the healthiness of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar by using a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract
- Replace the all-purpose flour with additional whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Use dark chocolate chips with a high percentage of cocoa (70% or above) to increase the antioxidant content and reduce the sugar
- Add in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a boost of healthy fats and protein
- Experiment with using mashed bananas or Greek yogurt in place of the applesauce for a different flavor profile and added nutritional benefits
Editor's Opinion: Are Low-Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies Worth It?
This low-fat chocolate chip cookie recipe cleverly balances indulgence and health. The use of apple sauce and minimal butter reduces fat content while maintaining moisture. Whole wheat pastry flour adds a subtle nuttiness and a boost of fiber. The combination of granulated and brown sugar ensures a delightful sweetness and chewy texture. Mini chocolate chips provide just the right amount of chocolate in each bite. Overall, it's a smart, delicious choice for those seeking a lighter treat without sacrificing flavor.
Enhance Your Low-fat Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Low-Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies
Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Low-Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies
Why trust this Low-fat Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe:
This low-fat chocolate chip cookies recipe is a perfect blend of whole wheat pastry flour and all-purpose flour, ensuring a delightful texture while keeping it healthier. The use of apple sauce and minimal butter reduces fat content without compromising on flavor. With mini chocolate chips in every bite, these cookies offer a guilt-free indulgence. Trust this recipe for a delicious treat that aligns with your health goals.
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