Imagine sinking your teeth into a decadent chocolate cookie that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also nourishes your body. These Healthy Chocolate Cherry Soft Cookies are the ultimate game-changer for dessert lovers who want to enjoy a treat without compromising their wellness goals. Packed with wholesome ingredients like almond flour and antioxidant-rich dark chocolate and cherries, these cookies prove that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 22 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to eliminate any lumps and ensure even distribution.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix honey and unsweetened applesauce until well blended. The applesauce will help keep the cookies moist while reducing overall fat content.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until a consistent dough forms. The texture should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Gently fold in dark chocolate chips and dried cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough to ensure each cookie has a balanced flavor profile.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Slightly flatten each cookie mound with the back of a spoon or your fingertips to create a more uniform shape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure better mixing and a more consistent dough texture.
- For extra moisture, make sure your honey and applesauce are well-blended before adding to dry ingredients.
- Don't overmix the dough - this can make the cookies tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or weigh each portion to ensure consistent sizing.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain their soft texture.
- For a variation, try toasting the dried cherries lightly before adding them to enhance their flavor.
- If the dough feels too sticky, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before shaping and baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
