Discover the secret to making incredibly delicious, kid-friendly cookies packed with a nutritional punch! These award-winning Healthy Chocolate Chip Spinach Cookies are crafted with fresh spinach, ripe pineapple, and sweet bananas, offering a delightful way to enjoy your favorite treat while boosting your daily nutrient intake. Imagine a chocolate chip cookie that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also provides essential vitamins and minerals – it’s no longer just a dream!

These remarkable chocolate chip cookies earned top honors in the prestigious Farmers’ Almanac Spinach Contest, proving that healthy can indeed be incredibly tasty. They are perfect as a guilt-free dessert, a wholesome after-school snack, or a delightful addition to any lunchbox, no matter the season. The inspiration for this unique recipe stemmed from a passion for culinary challenges and a desire to create an innovative and award-winning dish featuring spinach.

What makes these cookies truly special is their ability to win over even the pickiest eaters. My own children, who are generally not fond of spinach, not only know that this leafy green is a key ingredient but absolutely adore these cookies. If you’ve been searching for a healthy spinach cookie recipe that genuinely delivers on taste and nutritional benefits, your search ends here. These cookies seamlessly blend the familiar comfort of a classic chocolate chip cookie with the unexpected goodness of fresh vegetables and fruits, making them a fantastic choice for the entire family.

If you’re a fan of sneaking vegetables into your baked goods, you’ll also love my Chocolate Chip Zucchini Drop Cookies. They offer another delicious way to enjoy a sweet treat with an added veggie boost!

🥘 Ingredient Notes for Perfect Spinach Cookies

Creating these delightful healthy chocolate chip spinach cookies relies on a few key ingredients. Understanding their role and selecting the best quality will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly moist, flavorful, and nutrient-rich.

Did you know that spinach is an exceptional source of calcium, often containing more per serving than milk? Beyond calcium, spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins (K, A, C), iron, and folate, making these cookies a truly smart choice for a snack or dessert.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter is crucial as it allows you to precisely control the salt content in your baking. The amount of salt can vary significantly between different brands of salted butter, and consistency is key for optimal flavor. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
• Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Ripe bananas (with brown spots) also mash more easily and contribute to the moist, tender texture of the cookies. You can absolutely use previously frozen bananas; just make sure they are fully defrosted and any excess liquid is thoroughly drained before mashing to avoid a watery dough. Bananas also add a good dose of potassium and natural sweetness.
• Fresh Spinach: Both regular and baby spinach varieties work for this recipe. However, baby spinach is often preferred due to its milder, slightly sweeter flavor profile, which integrates even more seamlessly into the cookies without being overtly “green.” Make sure to chop the spinach finely so it blends into the dough almost imperceptibly, especially for kids who might be wary of visible vegetables.
• Pineapple: This tropical fruit adds a wonderful tang and additional sweetness that complements the banana and spinach. You can use either fresh or canned pineapple. If opting for canned, ensure it is thoroughly drained. While draining is important, there’s no need to squeeze out every last drop of liquid from canned pineapple as a little moisture can be beneficial, but excessive liquid will alter the dough consistency. For fresh pineapple, dice it into very small pieces.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: The creamy, mellow sweetness of milk chocolate chips pairs exceptionally well with the subtle flavors of spinach, banana, and pineapple in these cookies. While other chocolate types can be used, milk chocolate provides a comforting, classic chocolate chip cookie experience that appeals to most palates, particularly children.
• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Cinnamon, Salt: These standard baking ingredients work together to provide structure, lift, and balanced flavor. The cinnamon adds a warm, inviting note that enhances the overall taste profile.

*Please refer to the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and precise quantities.

📖 Creative Variations & Smart Substitutions

One of the best things about this healthy chocolate chip spinach cookie recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with these variations and substitutions to tailor the cookies to your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand.

• Chocolate Chips: While milk chocolate is recommended for its smooth pairing, you can easily use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a slightly less sweet and more intense chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate chips will add a bolder, more sophisticated taste, while white chocolate chips offer a creamy, distinct sweetness. Mini chocolate chips are also a great option, as they distribute more evenly throughout the dough, ensuring chocolate in every bite.
• Butter: If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but remember to omit the ¼ teaspoon of added salt from the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty. For a dairy-free alternative, a good quality plant-based butter substitute or coconut oil (though this may slightly alter the flavor and texture) can be used.
• Banana Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of bananas or simply don’t have them, unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind these will slightly change the flavor and texture of the cookies, but they will still provide moisture and natural sweetness. For a richer, subtly savory note, mashed avocado can also work as a fat replacement, though it might impact the color slightly.
• Different Greens: While spinach is ideal for its mild flavor, finely chopped kale can also be used. However, kale has a stronger, more bitter taste, so you might want to blanch and then thoroughly squeeze out excess water from the kale before chopping and adding it to the dough to mellow its flavor.
• Pineapple Swaps: If pineapple isn’t available, you could experiment with other finely diced fruits like mango or grated zucchini (ensure zucchini is squeezed dry) to maintain moisture and sweetness.
• Flour Options: For a chewier texture and an extra fiber boost, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. For a gluten-free version, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can typically be used successfully, but ensure it contains xanthan gum or add ¼ teaspoon if it doesn’t, to help with structure.
• Add-ins for Texture and Flavor: Enhance your cookies by mixing in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. A tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flax seeds can also boost omega-3s and fiber content without significantly altering the taste. A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of almond extract can add another layer of aromatic flavor.

🔪 How to Make Healthy Chocolate Chip Spinach Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these nutritious and delicious cookies is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps to create a batch of wholesome treats your family will adore.

PREP: Begin by preheating your oven to 370 degrees F (187 degrees C). While the oven heats, lightly spray your baking sheets with a non-stick cooking spray or line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

1. Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ texture.

2. Step 2: Beat in Mashed Banana. Add the mashed ripe bananas to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to beat with the electric mixer until the banana is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. The banana provides natural sweetness and moisture.

3. Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla. Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

4. Step 4: Incorporate Wet Add-ins. Gently fold in the vanilla extract (if not added with the egg), finely chopped pineapple, finely chopped fresh spinach, and your chosen chocolate chips. A spatula works best for this step to ensure everything is evenly distributed without overworking the mixture.

5. Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to ensure all the wet ingredients, fruits, and spinach are well combined. The mixture should be thick and uniform.

6. Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and baking powder until they are thoroughly combined. This prevents pockets of leavening agents or salt in your final cookies.

7. Step 7: Mix Wet and Dry. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet (spinach) mixture. Mix with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. A few streaks of flour are acceptable.

8. Step 8: Scoop Dough. Drop the cookie dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. For uniform cookies, consider using a cookie scoop.

9. Step 9: Bake. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies.

10. Step 10: Cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This crucial step helps them firm up before transferring. Then, carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely. *For the absolute best flavor and texture, it is highly recommended to let these cookies cool entirely before enjoying. When still warm, the banana flavor can be quite pronounced; cooling allows all the wonderful flavors to meld and shine.

Recipe Tips for the Best Spinach Chocolate Chip Cookies

Achieving perfectly baked, flavorful, and healthy chocolate chip spinach cookies is easy with these helpful tips:

• Drain Pineapple Well: If you’re using canned pineapple, it’s essential to drain it thoroughly. Excess moisture in the dough can lead to a less desirable, soggy cookie texture that won’t crisp up properly. While draining is key, there’s no need to rigorously squeeze out every last drop of liquid – a good drain is sufficient.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing flour activates the gluten, which can result in tough, dense cookies rather than light and tender ones. A few streaks of flour are better than an overmixed dough.
• Chop Spinach Finely: For a seamless integration and to make the cookies more appealing to those who might be hesitant about vegetables, chop your spinach as finely as possible. Small pieces blend into the dough much better, ensuring even distribution and preventing large, noticeable pockets of spinach that could affect the texture and taste experience.
• Allow Cookies to Cool on the Baking Sheet: After baking, let your cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes. This brief cooling period is vital, as it allows the cookies to set and firm up. Attempting to transfer them too soon can cause them to break apart, especially since these cookies are naturally softer due to the fruit content.
• Cool Completely for Best Flavor: This might be the hardest tip to follow, but it’s arguably the most important for these cookies. The banana flavor can be quite dominant when the cookies are still warm. Allowing them to cool completely allows all the ingredients – the chocolate, pineapple, and subtle spinach – to fully meld and shine through, resulting in a much more balanced and enjoyable flavor profile. Patience is a virtue when it comes to peak cookie deliciousness!
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps them cream together more smoothly with the sugar, creating a uniform batter and a better cookie texture.
• Accurate Measuring: Especially when it comes to flour, measuring accurately is crucial. Too much flour can lead to dry, crumbly cookies, while too little can make them too thin and spread too much. Use the “spoon and level” method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
• Consider a Cookie Scoop: For perfectly uniform cookies that bake evenly, a cookie scoop is a fantastic tool. It ensures each cookie is the same size, eliminating guesswork and preventing some cookies from being under or over-baked.

👪 Serving Size & Making Adjustments

This healthy spinach chocolate chip cookie recipe is designed to yield a generous batch of approximately 24-30 cookies, depending on the size you choose to make them. If you prefer smaller cookies, perhaps for little hands or portion control, simply use a heaping teaspoon or a small cookie scoop for dropping the dough. In this case, you might need to reduce the baking time slightly to 9-12 minutes.

One of the convenient features of the recipe card below is its flexibility. If you wish to halve the recipe, or even double or triple it for a larger crowd, you can easily adjust the serving size. Just click on the servings number in the recipe card, select your desired quantity, and all the ingredient amounts will automatically adjust for you. This makes it simple to prepare just the right amount, whether for a small family treat or a big party!

Bright Ideas for Leftover Spinach: Savory & Sweet

You might find yourself with some leftover fresh spinach after making these delicious cookies. Don’t let it go to waste! Spinach is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes. Here are some fantastic savory and sweet ideas to make the most of your remaining greens:

Savory Spinach Delights:

• Easy Homemade Lasagna: Layer fresh spinach into your lasagna for added nutrients and a pop of color. It wilts down beautifully and blends perfectly with the rich tomato sauce and cheese.
• Potato, Spinach and Beef Casserole (Gluten-free): A hearty and comforting meal where spinach adds freshness and vitamins to a savory beef and potato base.
• Stuffed Beef Cannelloni: Mix finely chopped spinach with ricotta cheese and ground beef for a delicious and nutritious filling for cannelloni.
• Mediterranean Breakfast Burritos: Sauté spinach with eggs, feta cheese, and other veggies for a wholesome and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
• Mediterranean Pasta Toss: Toss fresh spinach into warm pasta with cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, and a light dressing for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.

Sweet Spinach Surprises:

And if you’re looking for more ways to incorporate spinach into sweet treats, these recipes are perfect for a hidden veggie boost:

• Healthy Homemade Jello Fruit & Veggie Snack: Blend spinach into this fun and colorful Jello snack for a refreshing and nutritious treat.
• Healthy Applesauce & Spinach Brownies (shown): These brownies are incredibly fudgy and secretly healthy, thanks to the applesauce and spinach which add moisture and nutrients without altering the rich chocolate flavor.

🌡️ Storing Your Healthy Chocolate Chip Spinach Cookies

Proper storage ensures your delicious healthy chocolate chip spinach cookies stay fresh and enjoyable for longer. Here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature/Fridge: For immediate enjoyment, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To extend their freshness, particularly in warmer climates or if your home is humid, transfer them to the refrigerator where they will keep well for up to 4 days. Storing them in an airtight container prevents them from drying out and helps maintain their moist texture.
• Freezer: These cookies freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping or having a healthy treat on hand whenever a craving strikes. Once completely cooled, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for an hour or two, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds for a freshly baked feel.

❔ Recipe FAQs About Spinach Cookies

Here are some frequently asked questions about making these healthy chocolate chip spinach cookies:

While I strive to embrace healthy eating, I confess that living without chocolate is simply not an option for me! That’s why I’m always looking for ways to enjoy chocolate while also gaining some health benefits. This is precisely why I adore recipes like these Healthy Chocolate Chip Spinach Cookies (with bananas)! They offer the best of both worlds – the satisfying indulgence of chocolate combined with wholesome, nutritious ingredients. It’s a sweet win-win!

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