Healthy Swaps: A Better Chocolate Chip Cookie

One of the biggest fears people have when starting a healthier lifestyle is thinking they have to give up their favorite treats. But real, lasting change isn’t about deprivation - it’s about upgrading your ingredients and redefining what indulgence can look like.

That’s why I love sharing recipes like this one: a family-approved chocolate chip cookie made with simple swaps to lower processed sugar, support digestion, and bring more real food into your daily life - without losing any of the joy.

And as my kids said after their first bite:

"You can't even tell the difference!"

Better Chocolate Chip with M&M Cookies

Recipe: Better Chocolate Chip & M&M Cookies

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup butter (preferably grass-fed), melted and slightly cooled

• ½ cup light brown sugar

• ¾ cup jaggery powder (natural unrefined cane sugar)

• 1 large egg

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 ¾ cups gluten-free flour blend

• ¾ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 2 cups Lily’s sugar-free chocolate chips (or regular if preferred)

• Optional: Unreal milk chocolate gems or M&Ms for a colorful, fun topping

Why These Ingredients Matter

➤ Jaggery Powder:Jaggery is an unrefined natural sweetener that retains more minerals (like iron and potassium) compared to processed white sugar.It causes a slower rise in blood sugar, making it a gentler option for people trying to reduce blood sugar spikes.(Note: While less refined, jaggery is still a form of sugar and should be enjoyed mindfully.)

➤ Gluten-Free Flour:Even for those without celiac disease, minimizing gluten can help reduce inflammation, support gut health, and ease digestive strain — especially when choosing a quality, nutrient-dense gluten-free blend.(Note: Always check for balanced ingredients in gluten-free flours, as some blends can be highly processed.)

➤ Butter Instead of Vegetable Oils:Many processed vegetable oils (like soybean, canola, and corn oil) are highly refined, inflammatory, and can disrupt the body’s natural omega-6 to omega-3 balance.By choosing real butter — a whole food fat — you avoid these concerns and nourish your body with healthy, stable fats that better support digestion, brain health, and hormonal balance.

➤ Sugar-Free or Lower-Sugar Chocolate Chips:Brands like Lily’s use stevia and erythritol instead of refined sugar, providing chocolatey goodness without the sharp blood sugar spike.(Note: Some recent studies suggest potential cardiovascular concerns with excessive erythritol intake. As with any sweetener, moderation is key.)

➤ Unreal Milk Chocolate Gems Instead of M&Ms:Traditional candies like M&Ms often contain artificial dyes (such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1) and preservatives linked to behavioral and digestive issues.Unreal Gems offer the same colorful fun — but without artificial ingredients, using natural colors from fruits and vegetables, and with a lower overall sugar content.(Note: Even naturally colored candies should be enjoyed as treats, not daily staples.)

➤ Mindful Ingredients:By choosing better sweeteners, balancing healthy fats, and reducing processed additives, you help your body (and your family's bodies) thrive — without feeling like you’re missing out.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and jaggery powder until smooth.

3. Beat in the egg and egg yolk, followed by the vanilla.

4. In another bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

6. Fold in the chocolate chips.

7. Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet and press a few M&Ms or Unreal gems on top if using.

8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

9. Let cool slightly — and enjoy!

Healing isn’t about giving up the things you love.It’s about redefining joy in a way that nourishes your body, your mind, and your spirit.

A small swap - like baking cookies with more mindful ingredients - is more than a recipe change.It’s a signal to yourself that you are choosing care, intention, and wholeness.

No step is too small.No choice is too simple.

Every conscious decision is a seed for something greater.

If this recipe inspires you, I invite you to subscribe below - for more easy swaps, simple strategies, and soulful encouragement on your journey toward holistic living.

Let’s keep growing together. ✨