Introduction
These healthy cookies are perfect for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt. Free from refined sugar and flour, they use wholesome ingredients like oats, bananas, and natural sweeteners. Whether you’re following a gluten-free, paleo, or low-sugar diet, these cookies offer a healthier alternative to traditional cookie recipes. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, making them a great snack or dessert option for any time of day.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas (mashed)
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if necessary)
1/4 cup unsweetened almond butter (or any nut butter)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup raisins or dark chocolate chips (optional)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds) (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Add the almond butter, applesauce, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the mashed bananas and mix well.
Stir in the rolled oats until fully combined.
If desired, fold in raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.
Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten the dough slightly with the back of a spoon to form cookie shapes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Description
These flour- and sugar-free cookies are naturally sweetened by ripe bananas, making them a healthy and satisfying treat. The oats provide fiber, while the nut butter adds healthy fats and protein. The cookies are soft and chewy, with a slight crunch from optional nuts or raisins. Perfect for those seeking a nutritious, guilt-free dessert or snack, these cookies are as versatile as they are delicious.
Tips
Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
Make them vegan: Use a plant-based butter (like almond or cashew butter) and ensure that any chocolate chips you use are dairy-free.
Add-ins: Customize your cookies with your favorite mix-ins such as dried fruit, shredded coconut, or seeds (like chia or flax).
Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, add a few more oats to thicken it up.
Variations
Nut-free version: Replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter to make the cookies nut-free.
Coconut-flavored cookies: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Spices: Try adding ground ginger, nutmeg, or a pinch of cloves to vary the flavor profile.
Chocolate lovers: Use a mix of dark chocolate chips and cocoa powder to create a richer, chocolatey version of these cookies.
Corrections
If the dough is too dry, try adding a bit more applesauce or mashed banana to help bind the ingredients together.
If you prefer a crispier cookie, flatten the dough more before baking and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Enjoy!
Once they’re done baking, let these healthy cookies cool down and enjoy the nutritious sweetness they bring. They make a great snack, post-workout treat, or a light dessert with your favorite hot drink.