5 Choc-Chip Alternatives That Still Make Delicious, Healthy Cookies

Although I love a good choc-chip cookie, I recently went on a picnic where I tasted my very first non-choc-chip cookie. The secret ingredient? Dates. I barely noticed the difference.

Chocolate chips are one of those ingredients that never seem to be sitting in the pantry, so here’s some healthy alternatives that’ll still satisfy all your cookie cravings.

1. Dates

Need I say it? Dates are an amazing substitute for chocolate as they are just as sweet and can be cooked to a similar texture. Here’s a great pecan and date (pardon the pun) cookie recipe.

2. Nuts

Although nuts won’t have the same soft and chewy texture that chocolate tends to have, they do provide a great flavour. Plus, who doesn’t have a lonely box of almonds/macadamias/peanuts somewhere in their pantry? I have just the recipe for that instance.

3. Cacao Nibs

Packed with nutrients and low in sugar, cacao nibs are the perfect option for a guilt-free cookie. The fragments of cocoa bean have a dark chocolate taste, and can be used again in oatmeal, smoothies or even ice cream. I’m drooling at the thought of these peanut butter cacao cookies.

4. Banana

Now, I can’t say I’m a huge fan of banana, though for all you fruit-lovers out there, please give this a try for me. Bonus: it’s great for parents with young kids.

5. Pumpkin Seeds

I love pumpkin seeds and could chew on them all day. Now they’re in cookies too?! This recipe may have some chocolate added to it, but it’s got cranberries and oats too. So maybe we can look past it?

Any other alternatives I need to know about? Let me know down below!