These soft and thick healthy oatmeal cookies are a real treat! Packed with melty chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts, they're the perfect healthier dessert-naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free!
Update: This recipe was originally published in January 2021. I've updated it with more details, helpful tips, and step-by-step photos so you can see just how easy it is to make these delicious, healthy chocolate chip walnut cookies at home!
These healthy oatmeal walnut cookies are a year-round family favorite, along with my chewy chocolate chip raisin oatmeal cookies and classic healthy chocolate chip cookie recipe. They're perfect for fall baking when you're craving something warm and comforting, and they make a great addition to holiday cookie swaps or dessert platters.
The cookies are so thick and soft and loaded with toasted walnuts and gooey chocolate chip... melt-in-your-mouth delicious! These are inspired by my love for baking healthier without compromising on taste.... this healthy cookie recipe does NOT taste healthy 🙂
Ingredients
Here is a quick list of all the ingredients you'll need to make these healthy chocolate chip walnut oatmeal cookies:
- Coconut oil - Keeps the cookies moist and soft. Make sure it's melted for easy mixing.
- Coconut sugar - A natural sweetener that gives a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- Egg - Binds everything together and helps create that soft, chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract - Adds warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- Baking soda - Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay puffy.
- Flour - I recommend using gluten-free 1:1 baking flour or all-purpose flour for the best results.
- Oats - Adds a hearty, chewy texture. Quick oats or rolled oats both work well here! Avoid steel-cut oats, and use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Chocolate chips - For those gooey, melty bites. Use dairy-free chips if needed.
- Walnuts - Add a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor. Toast them for even more depth!
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Healthy oatmeal cookies are so easy to make in under 30 minutes. Here's how:
Whisk melted coconut oil and coconut sugar in a bowl. Add the egg and vanilla, mix until smooth, and set aside.
Add in the gluten-free flour, oats, baking soda, walnuts, and chocolate chips.
Form the cookie dough.
Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions, roll into balls, and flatten slightly on the baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, until puffy and golden at the edges. Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Enjoy!
Tip: Toasting the walnuts (8 minutes at 350°F) takes these cookies to the next level, so don't skip it!
Top tips
- Don't skip flattening - These cookies don't spread much, so flatten them slightly before baking to help them cook evenly.
- Toast the walnuts - Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds extra depth to the cookies.
- Measure ingredients carefully - Accurate measurements are key to getting the right texture, so use a kitchen scale or measuring cups and spoons.
Substitutions & Variations
- Coconut oil - Swap with melted butter or a neutral oil like avocado oil.
- Coconut sugar - Replace with brown sugar (light or dark brown sugar works the same).
- Flour - You can use regular all-purpose flour if you don't need the cookies to be gluten-free. I do not recommend using almond flour, but check out my soft Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies!
- Rolled oats - Quick oats work great, but avoid steel-cut oats as they won't soften properly.
- Chocolate chips - Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a dairy-free version or swap for chopped dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Walnuts - Swap with pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative.
- Add dried fruit - Try adding raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for a fruity twist.
- Coconut flakes - Add unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
Equipment
Equipment can make a big difference in how your cookies turn out. Here's what you'll need for these healthy oatmeal cookies:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven thermometer (optional)
Storage
To store these healthy oatmeal cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oatmeal cookies can be a better-for-you treat, especially when made with simple, wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and natural sweeteners. Oats add a hearty texture and a bit of fiber, while ingredients like coconut oil and walnuts bring extra flavor. Traditional recipes can be loaded with sugar and butter, but healthier versions swap those for lighter alternatives. Ultimately, oatmeal cookies are a delicious treat you can feel good about!
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Scoop it into portions, roll it into balls, and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until firm. Then, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time-no need to thaw!
Rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats) are best for oatmeal cookies because they give a chewy texture and hold their shape well. Quick oats can also work, creating a softer, less textured cookie. Avoid steel-cut oats, as they're too tough and won't bake properly. For gluten-free cookies, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Yes, these oatmeal cookies are gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Due to cross-contamination, regular oats can sometimes contain gluten, so double-check the label if needed!
More healthy cookie recipes!
If you liked these thick oatmeal cookies, here are some more healthy cookies you might like:
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!
📖 Recipe
Healthy Oatmeal Walnut Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¾ cup coconut sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, gluten-free 1:1 baking flour or regular AP flour
- 1¼ cups rolled oats, gluten-free if needed
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup walnuts, toasted (8 minutes at 350°F)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil and coconut sugar. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, oats, and baking soda. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and toasted walnuts.
- Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized portions (use a medium cookie scoop) and roll each into a ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly-they won't spread much while baking.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are puffy and the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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!
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Melody says
Hi, when I mixed in both wet and dry it was very dry- I had to mix in a bit more coconut oil.. the cookies turned out pretty dry but still delicious..any tips? Perhaps can you share the flour and oats measurements in gram? I would love to give this another try as it does taste good! Thank you.
Hadley says
These were delicious! You cannot tell they are made with all these better ingredients. I love that they are dairy free and gluten free. I followed the recipe to a T and it was great. kids loved them too. Thank you for this and we will be making these a lot going forward. I even added pecans too.
Jane Myers says
I mean, these are fire! So good and so easy to make. They are not crazy sugary but taste like a "unhealthy" cookie!
Tati Chermayeff says
LOVE TO HEAR IT!!!
Molly Klien says
Nothing better than a chocolate chip cookie and this right here is the best!!!
Tati Chermayeff says
YAY Molly! This makes me so happy! So glad that you liked them!!