The only thing worse than a chocolate chip cookie that’s dubbed as “healthy” is one that tastes like it is—using applesauce, protein powder, or Splenda to pass as better-for-you (but it tastes  nothing like what your mom used to make, or the ooey-gooey goodness they’re selling at your local bakery).

In order to avoid that, we’ve taken a traditional chocolate chip cookie recipe and cut down on how much butter and chocolate chips it requires. As a result, our version is a lighter, less caloric treat that tastes just as good (yes, really!) as others you’ve had before.

Make this recipe for deliciously decadent chocolate chip cookies on May 15, National Chocolate Chip Day, or literally any other time you’re craving dessert. It will satisfy your sweet tooth and spare you unnecessary calories.

NUTRITION: 190 calories, 8 g fat (5 g saturated), 16 g sugar

MAKES ABOUT 12 COOKIES

YOU’LL NEED

8 tablespoons butter (1 stick), softened
1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1⁄2 tsp baking soda
1⁄2 tsp salt (Salt teases out the flavors in any food it touches—even cookies. The crunchy crystals pair beautifully with the warm chocolate.)
2 cups flour
1⁄2 cup dark chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt (optional)

HOW TO MAKE IT

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
3. Stir in eggs and vanilla until well incorporated. Add the baking soda, salt, and flour, then mix until the dough comes together, being careful not to over-mix. Stir in the chocolate chips.
4. Drop the dough onto a baking sheet in balls about 3 tablespoons in size, leaving at least 3 inches between each.
5. Bake until the edges are golden and the middles are just barely set.
6. Remove from the sheet, sprinkle with a bit of sea salt (if using) and cool on a wire rack.

You can change up the chips by subbing in white or milk chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips. A handful of dark raisins or a half-cup of shredded coconut bring sweetness of a different, natural variety. And any nuts—especially walnuts and pecans—infuse the cookie with heart-healthy fats.

For more healthy baked goods, try one of these 18 other recipes that use chocolate chips or some of our healthier comfort foods.

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