Healthy Chocolate Fudge Cookies Recipe by Candace Nelson

Craving a rich, gooey chocolate cookie that’s made with better-for-you ingredients? These Healthy Chocolate Fudge Cookies come from Kroma’s friend and fellow superfood fanatic, Candace Nelson. She’s a pastry chef, food entrepreneur and co-founder of Sprinkles, widely credited as the world’s first cupcake bakery.

Candace’s recipe swaps refined flour and white sugar for almond flour, coconut sugar and our favorite guilt-less pleasure, Kroma OMG Cookie Butter. The cookies come out set on the edges and fudgy in the middle, in about 20 minutes.

WHO IS CANDACE NELSON?

Candace Nelson is an accomplished pastry chef and food entrepreneur best known for co-founding Sprinkles, the Beverly Hills bakery that helped launch the gourmet cupcake craze. She’s also known as a judge on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. A longtime superfood enthusiast, Candace created these cookies to show that a decadent dessert can still be made with wholesome, nourishing ingredients.

WHY THESE HEALTHY CHOCOLATE FUDGE COOKIES?

These cookies get their rich, nutty depth and soft texture from Kroma OMG Cookie Butter. Almond flour makes them gluten-free, and coconut sugar and maple syrup take the place of refined white sugar. Cocoa powder and chocolate chips make them deeply chocolatey.

They’re one-bowl, need no chilling and go from mixing bowl to cooling rack in about 20 minutes.

INGREDIENTS FOR HEALTHY CHOCOLATE FUDGE COOKIES

Makes about 14–16 cookies

• ½ cup Kroma OMG Cookie Butter
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• 6 tbsp coconut sugar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup almond flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp sea salt
  
  
  

HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY CHOCOLATE FUDGE COOKIES

Prep

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

Make the Dough

2. Melt Kroma OMG Cookie Butter and the chocolate chips together in the microwave, stirring until smooth and combined.

3. Mix in the coconut sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and egg until combined.

4. Add the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Mix until a thick dough forms.

Bake

5. Scoop the dough into 1 oz balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

6. Bake for 9–12 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

7. Check for doneness. The cookies should be set around the edges and gooey in the middle.

BENEFITS OF HEALTHY CHOCOLATE FUDGE COOKIES

These cookies have the indulgence of a classic chocolate cookie with smarter ingredients:

• Kroma OMG Cookie Butter: Adds rich, warm, nutty flavor and a fudgy texture, so it’s a better-for-you alternative to butter-heavy cookie dough.
• Almond Flour: Naturally gluten-free and a source of healthy fats, protein, fiber and vitamin E.
• Coconut Sugar and Maple Syrup: Less-refined sweeteners that replace white sugar and add caramel-like depth.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds intense chocolate flavor plus flavanols, plant compounds with antioxidant properties.
• Gluten-Free: Made without wheat flour, so they’re great for gluten-sensitive guests.
  
  
  
  

TIPS FOR THE BEST HEALTHY CHOCOLATE FUDGE COOKIES

• Melt in Short Bursts: Microwave the cookie butter and chocolate in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each, so the chocolate doesn’t scorch.
• Let the Mixture Cool Slightly: Let the melted mixture cool for a minute before adding the egg so it doesn’t start to cook.
• Don’t Overbake: Pull the cookies when the edges are set, and the centers still look soft. They firm up as they cool.
• Cool on the Sheet: Leave the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a rack so they hold their shape.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A 1 oz scoop gives evenly sized cookies that bake at the same rate.
  
  
  
  

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Add Flaky Salt: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top right out of the oven for a sweet-salty finish.
• Make an Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich dairy-free ice cream or banana nice-cream between two cookies.
• Pair with a Warm Drink: Serve alongside a matcha latte or hot cocoa.
• Freeze for Later: Freeze the scooped dough balls and bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
  
  

These Healthy Chocolate Fudge Cookies bring together Candace Nelson’s pastry expertise, the rich flavor of Kroma OMG Cookie Butter, and wholesome swaps that make dessert feel good. It’s a simple way to treat yourself, one gooey bite at a time.

ENJOY!