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This chocolate chip cookie recipe with applesauce is made with simple ingredients. This recipe is a game-changer for those seeking a healthier indulgence. Unlike traditional chocolate chip cookies, this version is made with gluten-free flour, coconut oil, dark chocolate chips, and homemade unsweetened applesauce. Recipes that use applesauce have a natural sweetness without any refined sugar.  

These biscuit-like cookies are perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions or simply looking for a lighter, healthier way to enjoy a classic treat.

These chocolate chip applesauce cookies are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and low-sugar. Since they are not overly sweet, they pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying afternoon snack.

These cookies boast a chunky, dense texture reminiscent of a biscuit while satisfying your sweet tooth without guilt.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe with Applesauce Ingredients

You will need a few simple kitchen tools and ingredients to make this applesauce chocolate chip cookie recipe. Here is the list of ingredients and everything you will need:

• 2 cups of 1:1 gluten-free baking flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp tapioca powder
• 1 tsp vanilla bean powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips

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Ingredients Tips and Substitutions

For these healthy chocolate chip cookies, I recommend using a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill, which offers a convenient substitute for all-purpose flour in gluten-free baking. In my experience, there’s little difference between 1:1 all-purpose blends and gluten-free baking flour. Make sure whichever you choose that it is a 1:1 flour. These are my go-to flours: flour.

Homemade or storebought applesauce both work great! Feel free to use my easy applesauce recipe for a touch of personalization, or grab your favorite unsweetened applesauce from the grocery store for a convenient option.

To keep these cookies on the healthier side, I swap brown sugar for coconut sugar. Coconut sugar boasts a lower glycemic index, meaning it’s less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar compared to refined sugars, like brown or white sugar. This is the one that I use: coconut palm sugar.

Vanilla bean powder is a pure form of vanilla, made from ground vanilla beans. If you don’t have vanilla powder, you can get it online here: vanilla powder, or substitute 2 tsp of vanilla extract for 1 tsp of vanilla powder.

Chocolate chips – you can use your favorite semi-sweet chocolate chips for this recipe. I love these dairy-free chocolate chips. They are organic bitter-sweet chips made from 85% cacao and are not overly sweet. My kids think they are fake chocolate, when in reality they are more real than any processed milk chocolate chips on the market. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, then opt for some with a lower cacao content. 

You will also need a large bowl, a hand mixer, and a baking sheet.

Make sure to check out all of my essentials for healthy gluten-free baking.

How to Make This Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe 

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Then add the gluten-free flour to a large bowl and add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, tapioca flour, and vanilla bean powder.

Whisk the flour mixture together and set aside. 

In a separate bowl combine the melted coconut oil and the sugar.

Stir until thoroughly combined, and then add the applesauce.

Combine the dry ingredients with the wet applesauce mixture. 

Then use an electric hand mixer to mix the cookie dough batter. 

Once mixed, fold in the chocolate chips. 

Bake Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cookies

Next, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. 

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form 1-2″ cookie dough balls, and place them on a cookie sheet spaced 2″ apart. Optional: Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 15 minutes for chewier cookies.

Place the cookies in the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 12 minutes.

After 6 minutes, use the back of a spoon to gently press down in the center of each cookie to slightly flatten.

When done, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. 

Healthy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cookies

This wholesome, refined sugar-free recipe makes perfect cookies for those on a medically restrictive diet, or in need of an easy recipe for a healthier version of classic cookies. Whether you are avoiding gluten, dairy, and sugar, or following a vegan lifestyle, these eggless chocolate chip cookies fit the bill.

Grab a glass of milk or cup of joe, these dense and healthy cookies with lighter swaps for wholesome ingredients are a winner. Enjoy a semi-sweet indulgence without the guilt or processed ingredients. 

The abundance of chocolate chunks is reminiscent of a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe but with less added sugar and a mild great taste. 

Store your cookies in an airtight container for later. Make sure they are cooled to room temperature before storing. 

In conclusion, these amazing applesauce chocolate chip cookies are a game-changer, offering a healthier spin on a classic treat. Unlike traditional versions loaded with refined sugar and gluten, these cookies are made with wholesome ingredients suitable for a variety of dietary restrictions.

Gluten-free flour forms the base, while coconut oil adds a touch of healthy fat. For natural sweetness, homemade or storebought applesauce is used, keeping the sugar content low. This recipe is also dairy-free and vegan, making it perfect for those with allergies or following a plant-based lifestyle.

But these cookies aren’t just about being good for you – they’re also bursting with flavor! Packed with dark chocolate chips, they deliver a satisfyingly sweet and decadent taste without any guilt. The texture is delightful, boasting a dense, chunky bite reminiscent of a biscuit.

So whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or simply looking for a lighter treat, these wholesome cookies are a winner. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

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