EVOO - Based Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dec 3, 2024

A Healthier Take on Everyone’s Favorite Treat: Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍪✨

Let’s face it—when it comes to cookies, chocolate chip is the gold standard. They’re warm, comforting, and downright irresistible. But what if you could enjoy all that deliciousness and feel just a little better about your choices? That’s where these healthier chocolate chip cookies come in.

These cookies are all about small swaps that add up, especially during the holiday season when treats are everywhere. Instead of butter, we’re using heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil—a nod to the Mediterranean diet, which is all about wholesome, simple ingredients. It’s a small twist, but it gives the cookies a light, tender texture and a subtle richness you’ll love.

The rest of the recipe sticks to classic cookie vibes: vanilla for sweetness, two kinds of sugar for that perfect chewy-crispy balance, and lots of melty chocolate chips because some things should never change. The result? A cookie that’s just as crave-worthy as the original but feels a little lighter and fresher.

So, whether you’re baking for the holidays, a potluck, or just a Tuesday night treat, these cookies are a sweet way to make small, good choices without sacrificing flavor. Because in the end, it’s all about balance—and maybe sneaking one (or two) straight off the cooling rack. 😉

Now, onto our shopping list...

Ingredients:

(Recipe makes 24 Cookies)

  1.  1 Cup of High-Quality EVOO (Any of these will do nicely!)
  2. 3/4 Cup of White Sugar
  3. 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
  4. 1 Tbs of Vanilla Extract
  5. 1 Tsp of Kasher Salt
  6. 1 Large Egg
  7. 2 Cups of AP Flour
  8. 1/2 Tsp of Baking Soda
  9. 2 Cups of SemiSweet Chocolate Chips (OPTIONAL: If you'd like to up both the decadence and the "Holiday Vibe" factors, swap Chocolate Chips for Red & Green candy-coated chocolates. E.g., Red & Green M&Ms.)

Shopping done? Let's get baking.

Instructions:

🔥 Act 1 - Preheat & Prep the Pans Warm Things Up

Set your oven to 350°F. Grab two, generously sized baking sheets, line those bad-boys with some parchment paper, and set aside while you get going on the cookies. 

🌀 Act 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, vanilla, both sugars, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir it all together until smooth—no lumps allowed!  Then, crack in the egg, and mix until the batter is silky smooth again.

Next, add the flour and baking soda. Gently mix until everything comes together, and there’s no dry flour peeking through. And now for the best part: fold in those glorious chocolate chips. ✨

🖐️ Act 3: Shape that Dough 

Time to get hands-on! Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, roll it into a ball, and place it on the parchment-lined baking sheets. (Yes, your hands will get a little oily—but trust us, it’s worth it!) Give each ball some space—about 2 inches apart.

Once your dough balls are on the sheets, press them down gently with your palm, flattening them halfway. Don’t forget to sprinkle a pinch of Kosher salt on top for that perfect sweet-salty combo. 🧂 

😎 Act 4: Bake & Cool (And enjoy!)

Pop those trays into the preheated oven and bake until the cookies are golden around the edges—about 10 to 12 minutes. ⏳ Once baked, let them chill on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.

Now step back, admire your two dozen beauties, and go enjoy! 🍪