3 Ingredient Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (No Flour, Eggs or Dairy)
Welcome to our ultimate guide for baking delicious and healthy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt. These cookies are flourless, eggless, and dairy-free, making them ideal for various dietary needs. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they also offer a wholesome snack option packed with the goodness of oats and the rich flavor of chocolate.
A Brief History of Oatmeal Cookies
Oatmeal cookies have a long-standing tradition in baking, originating from the ancient cultivation of oats. Historically, oats were used for their hearty and nutritious properties, making them a staple in many diets. Over time, bakers began experimenting with oats in various forms, leading to the creation of the beloved oatmeal cookie. The addition of chocolate chips to this classic treat has only elevated its status, providing a delectable fusion of flavors that satisfies sweet cravings while offering nutritional benefits.
Ingredients
Let’s dive into the simple yet delightful ingredients that make these cookies a must-try:
- 1/4 cup (40 g) – 1/2 cup (90 g) semisweet chocolate chips: Depending on your preference for sweetness.
- 1/2 cup (120 g) unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a natural sweetener and binder.
- 1 cup (90 g) quick oats: Provides texture and nutritional value.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures it reaches the optimal temperature for baking your cookies to perfection.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Mixing the Ingredients
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips and applesauce in a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Heat the mixture at full power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between with a spatula. Continue until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and uniform in color. Typically, this takes about 1 minute, but times may vary based on your microwave’s power.
- Combine the Oats: Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the quick oats until they are evenly mixed and fully coated in the chocolate mixture. The mixture will be quite wet and resemble a thick batter rather than traditional cookie dough.
Shaping the Cookies
- Scoop the Dough: Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the oatmeal mixture and place it onto the prepared cookie sheet. Space the cookies about 1.5 inches apart to allow for even baking.
- Flatten the Cookies: Use the back of a metal spoon to flatten each ball of dough into a thick round disk, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Since the cookies do not spread during baking, shape them to your desired final appearance.
Baking
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. This time allows the cookies to set while maintaining a chewy texture.
- Cooling: Let the cookies cool completely on the cookie sheet before removing them. This helps them firm up and achieve the perfect consistency.
Storage
- Store the Cookies: Once cooled, store any uneaten cookies in the fridge or freezer. This keeps them fresh and ready to enjoy whenever you have a craving.
Notes
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you use 1/4 cup of chocolate chips, the cookies will be lightly sweetened. For a sweeter treat, use 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and add an extra tablespoon of quick oats.
- Chocolate Chips: We used Kirkland brand dairy-free semisweet chocolate chips, but regular semisweet chocolate chips can also be used if dairy-free is not a requirement.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional value of these cookies helps in making informed dietary choices. Each serving (1 cookie) contains:
- Calories: 52 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Net Carbs: 8 g
Conclusion
These 3 Ingredient Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies are not just a treat but a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delightful. Perfect for a quick snack, a healthy dessert, or a grab-and-go breakfast, these cookies are versatile and incredibly easy to make.