Okay, friend, let’s talk cookies! You know how sometimes you just *need* a good cookie, but you’re trying to watch the sugar? I used to think that meant saying goodbye to my favorite treats. Then, I stumbled upon this incredible recipe for Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies, and honestly, my cookie game changed forever! It all started when I was trying to find a way to satisfy my sweet tooth without that sugar rush and crash afterward. My grandma used to make the most amazing oatmeal drop cookies, but they were packed with sugar. I wanted to capture that same homey, comforting flavor, but make it something I could feel genuinely good about. After a few tries, tweaking the sweetness and using some clever ingredient swaps, these became my go-to. Theyโre soft, chewy, packed with wholesome goodness, and just sweet enough. Itโs like getting all the cozy vibes of a classic cookie, but with a healthier twist!

Why You’ll Love These Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
Honestly, why wouldn’t you love these? They’re seriously a game-changer for anyone who loves a good cookie but is trying to cut back on sugar:
- They actually taste amazing! Seriously, you won’t miss the extra sugar. They’re perfectly sweet, with that lovely comforting oatmeal flavor.
- So much healthier! We’re using whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and unsweetened applesauce, so you get some good stuff in every bite.
- Super simple to whip up! You don’t need any fancy techniques. Mix, scoop, bake โ it’s that easy!
- So versatile! You can totally jazz them up with nuts or sugar-free chocolate chips. They’re a great base for any yummy add-in you can dream up.

Gather Your Ingredients for Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
Alright, let’s get our ingredients together! This recipe is fantastic because it uses simple, wholesome stuff you probably already have in your pantry, with just a few key players that make all the difference. Having everything prepped makes the whole baking process a breeze.
You’ll need 1 cup of rolled oats โ make sure they’re rolled oats, not instant, for that perfect chewy texture. Then, we’ve got 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour, giving our cookies a nice hearty feel. For sweetness and moisture, we’re using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce; itโs such a clever way to add natural sweetness and keep the cookies soft without tons of sugar! Don’t forget 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil โ it adds a lovely subtle richness. And for that touch of glorious sweetness, we’ll use 1/4 cup of maple syrup. A splash of 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is a must for that classic cookie flavor, plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda for a little rise and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to balance everything out. See? Simple, good stuff!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
Okay, let’s get baking! This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these delicious cookies come together. Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and the result is totally worth it. We’re going to break it down step-by-step so you can have these yummy treats on your cooling rack in no time. It’s kind of like how my healthy banana muffins come together so easily, or even those decadent healthy chocolate chickpea truffles. Baking shouldn’t be complicated!
Preheating and Preparing Your Baking Sheet
First things first, let’s get that oven warm! Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). While it’s heating up, grab a couple of baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This is super important, guys! Parchment paper not only stops your cookies from sticking, but it also helps them bake more evenly. No one wants cookies stuck to the pan, right?
Combining Dry Ingredients for Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
Now for the dry ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl โ nothing too fancy here โ toss in your rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt. Give them a good whisk together. This just helps make sure everything is evenly distributed, so you don’t get a clump of baking soda in one bite and nothing in another. The whole wheat flour gives these cookies a lovely, slightly nutty flavor and a bit more substance, while the baking soda works its magic to give them a little lift.
Creating the Wet Ingredient Mixture
In a totally separate bowl, letโs get our wet ingredients ready. You’ll take your unsweetened applesauce, the melted coconut oil, that gorgeous maple syrup, and the vanilla extract. Whisk them all together until theyโre really well combined. The applesauce is our secret weapon for moisture and a touch of natural sweetness. Make sure that coconut oil is fully incorporated โ you don’t want little puddles of oil in there!
Bringing It All Together: Dough Formation
This is where the magic happens! Pour your beautifully combined wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Now, mix them together until they’re *just* combined. Seriously, don’t go crazy mixing here. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, and we want them nice and tender. Stop as soon as you don’t see any dry flour streaks. A few little lumps are totally fine, don’t worry about it.
Shaping and Flattening the Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
Time to shape these little beauties! Grab a tablespoon and drop rounded spoonfuls of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between them because they will spread a bit. Then, take the back of your spoon or even the bottom of a small glass and gently flatten each cookie slightly. This helps them bake up nice and even, and a little flatter is just what we want for this style of cookie.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Into the preheated oven they go! Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown. The centers might still look a little soft, and thatโs perfectly okay! They’ll continue to set up as they cool. Keep an eye on them, though, because ovens can be a bit quirky, and we don’t want to burn these gems!
Cooling Your Delicious Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
Once theyโre baked to that perfect golden edge, carefully take the baking sheets out of the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes โ maybe 2-3 minutes. This gives them a chance to firm up a bit so they don’t fall apart. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is super important for getting that perfect chewy texture weโre aiming for. Patience here is key!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
Okay, let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec, because sometimes you need a little flexibility in the kitchen, right? Iโve found that these cookies are pretty forgiving, which is why I love them so much. If you don’t have coconut oil, don’t fret! Melted unsalted butter works beautifully as a substitute, or even a neutral oil like avocado or light olive oil. Just be aware that different fats can slightly alter the flavor profile. For the sweetener, maple syrup is my favorite for its flavor, but you could totally use honey or even agave nectar. If youโre looking for an even lower-sugar option, a good sugar-free maple syrup alternative or monk fruit sweetener can work, but you might need to adjust the amount slightly to get the sweetness just right. And if whole wheat flour isn’t your jam, you can absolutely swap it out for all-purpose flour, or even a gluten-free blend if you need to keep things GF โ check out my keto flourless fudge cookies for a GF idea! Just remember, gluten-free blends can sometimes absorb more liquid, so you might need a tiny splash more applesauce or oil if the dough seems too stiff. Sometimes I even toss in some chopped nuts or seeds, like in my healthy nut energy cookies, to change things up! Itโs all about making these cookies work for *you*!
Tips for Perfectly Baked Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
Alright, so you’ve got the recipe, you’ve got the ingredients โ now let’s talk about making these Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies absolutely perfect every single time. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that really make a difference, and I’m happy to share them!
First off, don’t skip the parchment paper! I know I mentioned it before, but itโs seriously a lifesaver for easy cleanup and ensuring those bottoms don’t get too dark. Also, pay attention to your oven. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your first batch. If theyโre browning too quickly around the edges, you can lower the temperature just a smidge or bake them for a minute less. And remember that flattening step? It might seem minor, but it really helps them bake evenly. I learned that the hard way when I skipped it once and ended up with little cookie domes!
Variations to Customize Your Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
Now that you’ve got the basic Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies down, let’s have some fun and jazz them up! The beauty of these cookies is how easily you can tweak them to your heart’s content. I love adding about 1/4 cup of sugar-free chocolate chips for a little decadent touch โ it makes them feel like a real treat! Or, go for a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice nutty crunch. For a real flavor boost, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon along with the dry ingredients, maybe even a pinch of nutmeg or ginger if youโre feeling festive. You could even toss in some unsalted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra texture and goodness!
Storing and Reheating Your Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
So, you’ve baked a batch of these amazing Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies and you have leftovers (if there are any, that is!). To keep them tasting as good as when they’re fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay nice and chewy for about 3-4 days. If you’re in a super organized mood, you can even pop them in the fridge, and they’ll probably last a little longer, maybe up to a week, though they might firm up a bit. If you need to reheat them, just pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. It perks them right up and makes them all warm and gooey again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! Baking these Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies is pretty straightforward, but I know sometimes you just need that little bit of extra info. Here are some of the things people ask me most often!
Can I make these cookies vegan?
You sure can! Since weโre already using applesauce instead of eggs and coconut oil instead of butter, these Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies are super close to being vegan. Just double-check that your maple syrup is indeed vegan-friendly, as some types can be processed with non-vegan ingredients. Easy peasy!
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Well, they’re not *technically* gluten-free because we’re using whole wheat flour. But, if you need to avoid gluten, you can totally swap the whole wheat flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend! Just make sure it works well in cookies. You might need a tiny bit more liquid if the dough feels too dry.
What is the best way to sweeten these cookies if I want them sweeter?
If you find you like things a little sweeter, you can absolutely add a bit more maple syrup, but start with just a tablespoon more and see how you like it. Another great option is to add some sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped dates โ they add natural sweetness and a lovely texture without spiking the sugar content too much!
Nutritional Information for Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
Now, I always like to give folks a heads-up that this is an *estimate*, okay? Because we all use slightly different brands or maybe add an extra sprinkle of this or that, the exact numbers can wiggle around a bit. But for one of these yummy Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies, you’re generally looking at around 120 calories. That’s pretty great for a satisfying treat! You get about 7g of sugar, which is way lower than most cookies, plus roughly 6g of fat and 15g of carbs. They also offer a little fiber and protein to help keep you going. For more healthy baking inspo, you should totally check out these diet recipes and all the fantastic healthy recipes out there!
Share Your Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookie Creations!
Okay, so I’ve shared my heart (and my kitchen tricks!) with you about these Low Sugar Oatmeal Cookies, and now it’s your turn! I just *adore* hearing from you all. Did you try them? How did they turn out? Did you jazz them up with that sugar-free chocolate or maybe some cinnamon like I suggested? Please, please, please leave a comment below and tell me everything! And if you snap a pic, tag me on social media โ Iโd love to see your baking masterpieces! You can learn a little more about me over at my about me page if you’re curious! Happy baking, friends!
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PrintLow Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
Simple oatmeal cookies with reduced sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 22 min
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together applesauce, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a chewier cookie, bake for a shorter time.
- Add sugar-free chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: low sugar cookies, oatmeal cookies, healthy cookies, reduced sugar baking, whole wheat cookies


