Looking for a guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without the added sugar or flour? These Healthy Cookies made with ripe bananas and oats are just what you need! Bursting with natural sweetness and wholesome ingredients, these cookies are a delicious way to indulge without compromising your health goals. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they make for a wonderful snack, breakfast option, or a delightful addition to lunchboxes. Plus, they're incredibly easy to whip up, requiring only 20 minutes from start to finish. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that promises to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
3 Ripe Bananas, Mashed
Bananas are the star of this recipe, providing natural sweetness and moisture. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be. They also act as a binding agent, replacing the need for flour.
1/3 Cup Applesauce
Applesauce adds extra moisture and a hint of apple flavor to the cookies. It's a fantastic low-calorie substitute for oil or butter, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
2 Cups Oats
Oats serve as the base of these cookies, providing a hearty texture and a good dose of fiber. They are excellent for heart health and help keep you feeling full longer.
1/4 Cup Almond Milk
Almond milk adds a creaminess without adding sugar, making these cookies dairy-free. You can substitute it with any other milk of your choice if desired.
1/2 Cup Raisins or Dark Chocolate Chips
Both raisins and dark chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence. Choose raisins for a healthier option or dark chocolate chips for a more decadent treat—both will complement the banana flavor beautifully.
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, adding a warm and inviting aroma that makes these treats irresistible.
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
Cinnamon not only adds a warm, comforting flavor but also brings numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar regulation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Start by mashing the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Then, add the applesauce, oats, almond milk, raisins or chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring the oats are evenly coated with the mixture.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking. This step is crucial for easy cleanup!
Step 4: Drop the Dough
Using a spoon, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough may not spread much, so shape them into a rounded cookie form.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cookies are golden and set. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your healthy cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for later!
Why These Cookies Are Loved
These cookies are loved not just for their delicious taste but also for their health benefits. With no added sugars and no flour, they are perfect for those looking for a healthier snack option. The use of whole, natural ingredients makes them a fantastic choice for gluten-free diets and for anyone wanting to cut down on processed foods.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Cookies
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or even coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies, as they can become dry if baked too long. They should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
These healthy cookies pair beautifully with a glass of almond milk or your favorite hot beverage. They can also be served alongside fresh fruit for a well-rounded snack or breakfast option. If you’re feeling indulgent, consider topping them with a dollop of nut butter for extra flavor and protein!
Conclusion
In summary, these Healthy Cookies are not just a delightful treat but also a simple and nutritious option for satisfying your sweet cravings. With their wholesome ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy a guilt-free snack any time of the day. So, gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of these irresistibly delicious cookies today. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Remember, great recipes like this deserve to be shared, so make sure to pass it along to friends and family. Enjoy your healthy baking adventure!