• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch & Dinner
      • Side Dishes
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
      • Snacks
      • Drinks
    • Diet
      • Dairy Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Grain Free
      • High Protein
      • Low Carb
      • Nut Free
      • Paleo
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Grilling
      • Meal Prep
      • No Bake
      • One Pot
      • Oven
      • Stove Top
      • Under 30 Minutes
    • Season
      • Fall
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Winter
    • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Air Fryer
  • About
  • Contact
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
  • Side Dishes
  • Snacks
  • Drinks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Healthful Blondie logo

  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Dinner Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • Side Dishes
  • Snacks
  • Drinks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
Home » All Recipes » Dessert

Published: Jan 20, 2025 by Tati Chermayeff · This post may contain affiliate links · 12 Comments

Chocolate Orange Oatmeal Cookies

5 from 8 votes
Jump to Recipe Pin Print
Chewy Chocolate Orange Oatmeal Cookies (healthy)
Chewy Chocolate Orange Oatmeal Cookies (gluten-free)

These chocolate orange oatmeal cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips and fresh orange zest. They're ready in under 30 minutes, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, gluten-free and dairy-free!

thick and chewy chocolate chip orange oatmeal cookies

Update: This recipe, first published in 2021, has been updated with more tips and step-by-step photos showing how easy it is to make these orange chocolate chip oatmeal cookies at home!

The chocolate and orange combo in these oatmeal cookies is seriously perfect. The rich chocolate chips and the fresh orange zest just work together so well, making every bite extra special.

Inspired by my classic healthy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, this orange version is perfect for Spring and Summer. My friends and family can't get enough!

What’s great about these cookies is how easy they are to make with simple, healthy ingredients. In under 30 minutes, you get a delicious treat that’s naturally sweetened and gluten- and dairy-free. It’s a win for everyone and perfect for kids!

Why you'll love these oatmeal cookies:

  1. Thick & Chewy: These cookies are soft and chewy with every bite.
  2. Best Flavor: The combination of chocolate chips and orange zest adds a sweet, citrusy twist.
  3. Quick & Easy: Made in under 30 minutes, these cookies are a breeze to whip up.
  4. Naturally Sweetened: Sweetened with maple syrup for a healthier touch.
  5. Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: You don't have to make any substitutions!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these orange oatmeal cookies with gooey chocolate chips:

all ingredients in chocolate chip orange oatmeal cookies in bowls including rolled oats, egg, almond flour, walnuts, coconut oil, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and orange zest
  • Egg
  • Maple Syrup
  • Coconut Oil
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Rolled Oats (gluten-free certified if needed)
  • Almond Flour
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Baking Powder
  • Walnuts & Chocolate chips
  • Orange

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

These chewy oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips and orange zest come together in under 30 minutes. They're gluten-free and dairy-free! Here’s how:

whisking together egg, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract in a bowl

Whisk the egg, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl.

adding rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to the same bowl with the wet ingredients

Add rolled oats, almond flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Mix until well combined using a spatula.

adding chocolate chips and orange zest

Gently fold in chocolate chips, walnuts, and orange zest.

unbaked chocolate chip orange oatmeal cookies on a baking sheet

Using a cookie scooper or your hands, form 12 – 15 cookie patties and place them evenly on the lined baking tray.

baked chocolate orange oatmeal cookies on a baking sheet

Bake for 15 – 17 minutes, until the cookies are golden brown, and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet.

Top tips

  1. Pack the Almond Flour: Tightly pack almond flour into your measuring cup for accurate measurements.
  2. Use Fresh Baking Powder: Expired baking powder can cause flat cookies, so make sure it’s fresh.
  3. Don’t Skip the Zest: Fresh orange zest is key to the bold citrus flavor, so don’t skimp!

Substations & Variations

  • Make them Nut-Free: Use oat flour instead of almond flour and omit the walnuts.
  • Maple Syrup: You can swap it for honey or agave syrup if you prefer.
  • Almond Flour: Oat flour is the best substitute for almond flour in these oatmeal cookies.
  • Chocolate Chips: Try using dark chocolate, white chocolate, or dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Walnuts: Pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds make great nutty alternatives.
  • Cranberry Orange: Add dried cranberries along with the chocolate chips for a fruity twist.
gluten-free chocolate chip oatmeal cookies with orange zest

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk + Spatula
  • Cookie scoop or spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Zester or grater

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

inside of a soft and thick chocolate chip orange oatmeal cookies

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly different, as quick oats are finer and less chewy.

How do I make these nut-free?

Replace almond flour with oat flour and omit the walnuts.

Why are my oatmeal cookies flat?

If your oatmeal cookies turn out flat, the dough might be too warm, or there may not be enough oats or flour. Try chilling the dough before baking to help them hold their shape.

gluten-free chocolate chip orange oatmeal cookies

More cookie recipes!

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • soft and chewy healthy oatmeal walnut cookies
    Healthy Oatmeal Walnut Cookies
  • healthy apple pie oatmeal cookies with maple glaze
    Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies
  • banana peanut butter oat breakfast cookies
    Banana Oat Breakfast Cookies
  • oat flour chocolate chip cookies
    Oat Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Did you make this recipe?

Don't forget to leave a review and let me know how it turned out! And tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram with #healthfulblondie—I'd love to see and share your creations!

thick and chewy chocolate chip orange oatmeal cookies

Chocolate Orange Oatmeal Cookies

These chocolate orange oatmeal cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips and fresh orange zest. They're ready in under 30 minutes, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, gluten-free and dairy-free!
5 from 8 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Serving 16 cookies

Ingredients
 

  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup real maple syrup
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup almond flour, packed into the mesuring cup
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ cup roughly chopped walnuts
  • ⅓ cup chocolate chips
  • Zest of 1 large orange, about 1 - 2 tsp

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the egg, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the oats, almond flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Mix until everything is combined.
  • Fold in the extras: Gently stir in the walnuts, chocolate chips, and orange zest.
  • Shape the cookies: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough with your hands or a small spoon, then roll it into a ball. Place the balls on the baking sheet, leaving space between each one. This recipe makes 16–18 cookies.
  • Bake: Put the tray in the oven and bake for 15–17 minutes, until the balls are golden brown on the outside.
  • Cool: Let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Enjoy! Your cookies are ready to eat!

Notes

Make them Nut-Free: Use oat flour instead of almond flour and omit the walnuts.
Maple Syrup: You can swap it for honey or agave syrup if you prefer.
Almond Flour: Oat flour is the best substitute for almond flour in these oatmeal cookies.
Rolled Oats: You can use quick oats, but the cookies have a softer texture. DO NOT USE STEEL CUT OATS.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 46mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Please leave a comment and star rating on this post and tag @HealthfulBlondie on Instagram & hashtag it #healthfulblondie!

I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!

Sharing is caring!

More yummy Dessert recipes

  • extra chunky coconut granola
    Chunky Coconut Granola
  • dark chocolate peanut bark
    Dark Chocolate Peanut Bark
  • moist healthy peanut butter banana bread
    Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bread
  • healthy banana oat blender muffins
    Banana Oat Blender Muffins
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly
  • Email

Reader Interactions

5 from 8 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Comment! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

    5 from 8 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Comment! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Emily says

    February 16, 2021 at 12:21 pm

    5 stars
    Made these immediately after Tati posted the recipe. OMG OMG OMG. So delicious!!! Never would have thought that chocolate and orange would go together so well in a cookie.

    Reply
    • Tati Chermayeff says

      February 19, 2021 at 4:13 pm

      YAY!! So hyped to hear this Emily. Such an awesome review!

      Reply
  2. Victoria Kate says

    February 17, 2021 at 8:36 pm

    5 stars
    Super delicious! They were the prefect amount of chewy and soft. Plus the orange flavor was amazingggggg

    Reply
    • Tati Chermayeff says

      February 19, 2021 at 4:15 pm

      Aw, YAY! So happy to hear this 🙂 Thanks for your kind review.

      Reply
  3. Haili Fort says

    March 07, 2021 at 7:35 pm

    5 stars
    So yummy!!!! Love the combo and so easy to make 😍

    Reply
    • Tati Chermayeff says

      March 13, 2021 at 3:27 pm

      Haili, well this made my day!!! Thank you for writing such a kind review.

      Reply
  4. Marcy says

    March 29, 2021 at 10:23 am

    5 stars
    JUST SO GOOD!!!! perfectly chewy and sweet. Love the orange and chocolate combo.

    Reply
    • Tati Chermayeff says

      May 12, 2021 at 6:42 pm

      Beyond excited to hear this 🙂 so glad you loved them as much as me!

      Reply
  5. Annabella says

    April 01, 2021 at 10:49 am

    5 stars
    SUCH A FANTASTIC COOKIE RECIPE!!!!

    Reply
    • Tati Chermayeff says

      May 12, 2021 at 6:45 pm

      Annabella, YAY!! So excited to hear this!

      Reply
  6. Anniebink says

    August 30, 2022 at 6:46 pm

    5 stars
    These are wonderful! So glad I tried it amd can’t wait to share w my grandkids. Easy, and healthier than oatmeal cookies I’ve made before. I substituted raisins for the chocolate chips and used pecans since I didn’t have walnuts. Delicious and will make again.

    Reply
    • Anniebink says

      August 30, 2022 at 6:49 pm

      5 stars
      I meant for that to be a 5 star! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Portrait of Tati, healthy recipe developer, in the kitchen

Hi, I'm Tati!

I'm a foodie, recipe developer, and blogger based in Austin, Texas. I started this blog to show that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Here you’ll find tons of easy, delicious recipes made with everyday ingredients — all lighter takes on your favorite foods. Have a question or want to connect? I’d love to hear from you!

About Me →

Summer Recipes

  • Easy and healthy strawberry oat crumble
    Strawberry Crumble Recipe
  • juiciest grilled turkey burgers
    Juiciest Grilled Turkey Burgers
  • 3 ingredient healthy lemonade popsicles
    Lemonade Popsicles Recipe
  • healthy blackberry crumble
    Healthy Blackberry Crumble

Trending Recipes

  • air fryer boneless and skinless chicken thighs
    Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Boneless & Skinless)
  • high-protein overnight oats with over ten flavors made with protein powder
    High-Protein Overnight Oats
  • air fryer smashed potatoes
    Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
  • crispiest air fryer gnocchi recipe
    Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi

Footer

↑ back to top
New new Healthful Blondie rentina Logo

About

Privacy Policy

About Me

Contact Us

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 HEALTHFUL BLONDIE, LLC.

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.