How to bake healthy cookies: Easy recipes and smart swaps

What you’ll learn:   

• With a few ingredient swaps, you can transform traditional cookies into delicious, more nutritious treats.       
• Incorporating natural sweeteners and nuts can boost the nutritional value of your homemade cookies.       
• Meal prepping and using nutrient-dense ingredients make it easier to enjoy healthy cookies as part of a balanced diet.

Cookies are undeniably one of life’s most joyful treats. Their comforting sweetness, nostalgic flavors, and endless variety can take us back to childhood, mark a special celebration, or simply brighten an ordinary afternoon. But let’s be real, traditional cookie recipes often come loaded with sugar, butter, and rich add-ins that, while delicious, can be high in calories and saturated fat. Cookies are, of course, totally fine in moderation, but what if you want to enjoy cookies more often without veering off your wellness goals?

At Noom, we don’t believe in labeling foods as “good” or “bad”—cookies included. Healthy cookies do exist, and they’re not just possible—they’re really good. With a few simple ingredient swaps, you can boost nutrition, cut back on sugar, and still bake something that feels like a treat. It’s all about balance, mindfulness, and making choices that serve both your taste buds and your health.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make cookies a smarter part of your routine. You’ll find easy ingredient upgrades, seasonal ideas, and six healthy cookie recipes, including healthy oatmeal cookies and a go-to healthy chocolate chip cookie recipe you can feel great about baking (and eating). So grab your mixing bowl—it’s time to turn your favorite treat into a feel-good win.

What makes a cookie healthy?

It’s not about stripping away all the fun—it’s about making a few smart swaps that boost nutrition while keeping the flavor you love. With the right ingredients, cookies can offer more than just sweetness—they can deliver fiber, healthy fats, protein, and even antioxidants.

Ready to see how simple changes can make a big difference? Here are some easy ways to level up your cookie game.

Healthy cookies: Ingredient swaps to boost nutrition

By choosing nutrient-rich alternatives, you can boost a cookie’s nutritional value without losing flavor. Here’s how to make smart swaps:

• Upgrade your flour: Switch refined white flour for whole-grain options like whole wheat, oat flour, or almond flour.
  • Whole wheat flour is rich in fiber and B vitamins like folate and niacin, which support energy production. 
  • Oat flour provides beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that aids heart health. 
  • Almond flour adds vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, along with magnesium for muscle and bone health.
• Choose natural sweeteners: Replace refined sugar with options like mashed bananas, dates, or honey.
  • Mashed bananas bring potassium to support heart health and muscle function.
  • Dates are packed with fiber, iron, and antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
  • Honey provides trace amounts of vitamins like B6 and minerals like calcium and zinc.
• Cut back on butter: Use unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt as a partial substitute for butter.
  • Applesauce is low in calories and adds vitamin C for immune support. 
  • Greek yogurt offers protein and calcium, which are essential for strong bones and muscle repair.
• Add nutrient-packed mix-ins: Incorporate nuts, seeds, or superfoods like chia or flaxseeds.
  • Nuts like almonds and walnuts are rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium. 
  • Chia seeds provide calcium and fiber
  • Flaxseeds are a great source of lignans, antioxidants that may support heart health.
• Go for dark chocolate: Choose dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or more for less sugar and an antioxidant boost.
  • Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which support heart health, and magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure.

With these nutrient-dense swaps, you can create cookies that are not only delicious but also contribute to your overall wellness. These small changes add significant health benefits, making your cookies a smarter choice for any eating plan.

Seasonal ingredients for healthy cookies

Incorporating seasonal ingredients into your cookies can also add a fresh twist while boosting nutritional value. Seasonal fruits and spices not only enhance flavor but also align with nature’s offerings throughout the year.

• Summer bliss: Try shredded zucchini or ripe peaches for extra moisture and nutrients in your cookies.
• Fall favorites: Use pumpkin puree, apples, or pears for moist and naturally sweet cookies. Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for warmth.
• Winter delights: Incorporate cranberries, oranges, and even peppermint to create festive treats with vibrant flavors.
• Spring picks: Fresh or dried berries like strawberries or blueberries are excellent additions for a tangy-sweet touch.

6 healthy cookie recipes to try

Noom makes it easy to bake delicious, nutrient-rich cookies that fit into your health goals. Whether you’re craving something chocolatey or want a classic treat, these recipes from Noom’s recipe collection offer a variety of flavors and nutritional benefits. Best of all, they’re simple to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients. Looking for more? Go to your Success Kit in the app and search thousands of recipes. 

1.  Cherry Oatmeal Cookies

Made with whole grain pastry flour and old-fashioned oats, these cookies offer a boost of fiber to support fullness and steady energy. A blend of butter and reduced-fat cream cheese helps cut back on saturated fat, while dried cherries add natural sweetness and antioxidants. With just the right amount of sugar and warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, they’re a tasty, more balanced take on a classic cookie.

Servings: 24 | Calories per serving: 106 | Time to make: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1.5 cups whole grain pastry flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2  teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar”
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups dried cherries, chopped

Directions::

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 
2. In a medium bowl, mix the oats, flour, cinnamon, cardamom, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
4. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat for 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and almond extract. Gradually beat in the oat mixture. Stir in the cherries.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoons about 2 inches apart onto 2 ungreased baking sheets.
6. Bake 1 sheet at a time for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on a rack for 2 minutes. Remove from the sheet and place on the rack to cool completely.

2. Chocolate Bliss Cookies 

If you’re a chocolate lover, these low-calorie treats will hit the spot. These cookies are made without oil or butter, and the combination of cocoa powder and egg whites makes them super light with a deep chocolate flavor. Plus, the cocoa powder doesn’t just deliver rich taste—it’s also packed with antioxidants like flavonoids, which may support heart health and reduce inflammation. 

Servings: 24 | Calories per serving: 35 | Time to make: 60 minutes

Ingredients: 

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• A pinch of salt
• ½ cup sugar, divided
• 3 large egg whites
• ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line 2 baking sheets with foil. 
2. In a small bowl, sift together cocoa, salt, and ¼ cup of sugar.
3. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer at medium-low speed, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Beat in the remaining ¼ cup of sugar, ½ a tablespoon at a time, until the meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form. Fold in the cocoa mixture and vanilla extract. 
4. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake for 25 minutes for soft, chewy cookies or 40 minutes for crisp ones. Dust the cooled cookies with confectioners’ sugar.

3. Linzer Cookies 

This healthier take on Linzer cookies uses less sugar and butter without compromising on flavor. The peek-a-boo raspberry jam in the center of these cookies gives them extra sweetness.

Servings: 24 | Calories per serving: 70 | Time to make: 52 minutes

Ingredients: 

• ¼ cup trans-fat-free margarine or butter, softened 
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• Grated peel of 1 lemon (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional)
• ⅓ cup raspberry jam
• Confectioners’ sugar

Directions: 

1. Beat margarine (or butter), oil, granulated sugar, and lemon peel (if using) until light. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the sugar mixture, and stir by hand until the dough is soft. Divide dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour or until dough is well chilled.
3. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F.
4. Between two pieces of wax paper, roll out one disk to ¼ inch thickness. Cut out cookies using a 1 ½ inch to 2-inch round cookie cutter or glass rim. Cut centers out of half the cookies using a ½ inch round or shaped cookie cutter. 
5. Place cookies 2 to 3 inches apart on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle cookies with centers cut out with almonds (if using), pressing gently to help them adhere. 
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges. Transfer to a rack to cool. Repeat with the remaining disk, re-rolling scraps to get as many cookies as possible. 
7. Spread solid cookies with jam, and sprinkle cut-out cookies lightly with confectioners’ sugar. Top each solid cookie with a cut-out cookie. 

4. Healthy Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies 

This chocolate chip cookie recipe swaps whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, adding a boost of fiber while keeping the classic flavor you love. The butter is partially replaced with lower-fat cream cheese, reducing the overall fat content without sacrificing richness. For added convenience, portion the dough into balls and freeze them—this way, you’ll have a healthier sweet treat ready to bake any time!

Servings: 40 | Calories per serving: 83 | Time to make: 27 minutes

Ingredients: 

• 2 ¼ cup whole-grain pastry flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons room-temperature butter
• 2 ounces room-temperature reduced-fat cream cheese
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg white
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
  

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat 2 large baking sheets with cooking spray. 
2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. 
3. Place the butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat for 1 minute, or until smooth. Beat in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and creamy. Beat in the egg, egg white, and vanilla. 
4. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture in two batches, beating until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop the dough by rounded teaspoons about 1 ½” apart onto the prepared baking sheets. 
5. Bake one sheet at a time for 9 to 12 minutes or until golden. Cool for 2 minutes, then remove from the sheet and place on a rack to cool completely.

5. Spiced Molasses Cookies 

These cookies are packed with warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Applesauce replaces some of the oil, and egg white lightens the texture. The best part? They are only 54 calories and take just 15 minutes to make.

Servings: 42 | Calories per serving: 54 | Time to make: 15 minutes

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups whole-grain pastry flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup canola oil
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2 large egg whites
  

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat 2 large baking sheets with cooking spray. 
2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, cloves, and salt. 
3. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, applesauce, oil, molasses, and egg whites. Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat for 1 minute or until well combined. With the mixture at low speed, gradually beat in the flour mixture.
4. Drop the dough by level tablespoons about 1 inch apart onto the prepared baking sheets. 
5. Bake one sheet at a time for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes, then remove from the sheet and place on a rack to cool completely. 

6. Banana Sunflower Cookies 

Ripe mashed banana replaces the eggs in this recipe and some of the oil. Adding a cup of sunflower seeds adds healthy fats, plant-based protein, fiber, and key nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium, while also adding a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. The combination of natural sweetness and healthy fats makes these cookies a satisfying option for mid-morning energy.

Servings: 24 | Calories per serving: 143 | Time to make: 48 minutes

Ingredients: 

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup canola oil
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together the bananas, oil, and sugar for 1 minute.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the sunflower seeds, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 
4. Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the baking sheet, placing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Tips for keeping healthy cookies on hand all the time

Yes, it’s easier to get a box of cookies at the store, but the ones you bake from scratch taste so much better—and may be better for you. Making healthy cookies doesn’t have to take over your free time—seriously. Let’s talk about some easy ways to make a healthy cookie a part of your week. With a little planning, you can have these treats anytime. We’ve brought together some simple meal prep tricks anyone can use. Here’s what to do:

• Freeze cookie dough in pre-portioned balls: Scoop your dough into individual portions and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or bag. When you’re in the mood for cookies, just bake what you need—fresh cookies on demand!
• Dedicate one hour a week to cookie prep: During this time, measure dry ingredients, chop nuts, or mix dough. Prepping in batches saves time later and ensures you’re always ready to bake or grab a delicious snack.
• Label containers for easy access: Write the cookie type and the date on your storage containers. This keeps your freezer or pantry organized and ensures you know how fresh your dough or cookies are. Freezing helps maintain the flavor and texture, so you can enjoy fresh-baked cookies anytime. Most cookie dough can be stored in the freezer for up to three months if properly sealed.

With these strategies, you’ll have homemade, healthy cookies ready to enjoy without stress. Meal prepping helps you stay on track with your wellness goals, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or convenience for healthy eating.

Enjoying healthy cookies with Noom

Making healthy cookies isn’t just about cutting calories—it’s about finding joy in treats that fuel your body. By swapping in wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and dark chocolate, you’re not only whipping up tasty snacks but also taking steps toward better eating habits. These smart baking choices fit right in with Noom’s approach to balanced eating, which encourages you to savor all foods in moderation.

Feeling inspired to whip up some cookies? Give one of the recipes we’ve shared a try and see how easy it can be to bake treats that are both delicious and nutritious. If you make one of these recipes, be sure to share your results on social media and tag us!

Noom’s program can help you make more mindful food choices that suit your lifestyle and goals. With the right know-how and a little support, you can indulge your sweet tooth while working towards a healthier you—one cookie at a time.