HEALTHY COOKIES _ NO SUGAR! NO FLOUR!
INGREDIENTS:
3 mashed bananas (ripe)
1/3 cup apple sauce
2 cups oats
1/4 cup almond milk
1/4 cup raisins or nuts
1 cup good dark chocolate chunks (Lily’s brand is my fave)
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all ingredients together and
bake for 15-20 minutes
Healthy Banana Oat Cookies with Dark Chocolate Chunks
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup raisins or chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
- 1 cup good-quality dark chocolate chunks (preferably sugar-free, like Lily’s brand)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, oats, almond milk, raisins or nuts, dark chocolate chunks, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Scoop and Shape Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of the spoon to gently flatten and shape each cookie, as they won’t spread much during baking.
4. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes to prevent over-baking, as they can become dry.
5. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are best enjoyed once completely cooled.
Note:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding ingredients like shredded coconut, chia seeds, or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
- Enjoy your guilt-free, naturally sweetened and flourless banana oat cookies with a glass of almond milk or your favorite hot beverage!
Q1: What ingredients are used in these cookies?
A1: The main ingredients typically include ripe bananas, rolled oats, dark chocolate chunks or chips, whole wheat flour or almond flour, baking powder, a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and optional additions like vanilla extract or cinnamon for flavor.
Q2: Are these cookies gluten-free?
A2: They can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour substitute, such as almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Q3: How ripe should the bananas be?
A3: Ripe bananas with brown spots on the peel work best for these cookies. They are sweeter and mash more easily, adding natural sweetness to the recipe.
Q4: Can I substitute ingredients to make the cookies vegan?
A4: Yes, you can make these cookies vegan by using plant-based alternatives. Replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup, and use vegan chocolate chips. Ensure that your dark chocolate is dairy-free.
Q5: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Portion the dough into individual cookie-sized balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a sealed container or bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed.
Q6: How should I store the baked cookies?
A6: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Q7: Can I add nuts or seeds to the recipe?
A7: Absolutely! Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or seeds like chia or flaxseeds, can add extra crunch and nutrition to the cookies. Mix them into the dough before baking.
Q8: Are these cookies suitable for breakfast?
A8: Yes, these cookies are a healthier option compared to many traditional breakfast items. They contain oats, bananas, and dark chocolate, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fiber, and a touch of sweetness.
Q9: Can I adjust the sweetness level?
A9: Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by controlling the amount of sweetener you add. Taste the dough before baking and add more sweetener if desired.
Q10: Are these cookies suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
A10: These cookies can be adapted to various dietary restrictions. Make sure to use suitable substitutes for any ingredients that may be restricted, such as gluten-free flour for a gluten-free diet or vegan alternatives for a plant-based diet. Always check ingredient labels for specific dietary concerns
Preparation Tips:
- Mash Bananas Well:
- Ensure the bananas are well-mashed for even distribution of flavor and sweetness.
- Use Parchment Paper:
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Don’t Overmix:
- Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in tougher cookies.
- Chill the Dough:
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading too much.
Baking Tips:
- Preheat Oven:
- Always preheat your oven to the specified temperature before baking.
- Evenly Sized Cookies:
- Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to ensure uniform-sized cookies for consistent baking.
- Check for Doneness:
- Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the middle.
- Cooling Time:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without breaking.
Storage:
- Store Properly:
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Freeze for Later:
- If you make a large batch, consider freezing some for later. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
By incorporating these tips, you can enjoy delicious banana oat cookies with dark chocolate chunks that are both wholesome and satisfying.
To achieve the best healthy banana oat cookies with dark chocolate chunks, consider these secrets and additional tips to elevate the flavor, texture, and overall quality of your cookies:
1. Choose Quality Ingredients:
- Use ripe, high-quality bananas for natural sweetness.
- Select old-fashioned rolled oats for a heartier texture.
- Opt for a good-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content.
2. Balance Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Achieve the right balance between wet and dry ingredients for the perfect cookie texture. Too much moisture can lead to overly soft cookies, while too much dryness can result in a crumbly texture.
3. Experiment with Flours:
- Mix whole wheat flour with almond flour or coconut flour for added nutrients and a unique flavor profile.
4. Use Melted Coconut Oil or Almond Butter:
- Instead of traditional butter, consider using melted coconut oil or almond butter. These alternatives add a depth of flavor and contribute healthy fats.
5. Add Vanilla Extract:
- Enhance the overall flavor by adding a splash of pure vanilla extract. It complements the banana and chocolate flavors.
6. Toast the Oats:
- Toast the rolled oats in the oven for a few minutes before incorporating them into the dough. This adds a nutty flavor and enhances the texture.
7. Sprinkle Sea Salt:
- A small sprinkle of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking can enhance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
8. Chop Chocolate Chunks:
- Instead of using pre-packaged chocolate chips, chop a high-quality dark chocolate bar into irregular chunks. This ensures a variety of chocolate sizes and textures in each bite.
9. Experiment with Spices:
- Add a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or a blend of spices to elevate the flavor profile.
10. Include Nut Butter Swirls:
- Swirl in a tablespoon of almond or peanut butter for added richness and depth.
11. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:
- Give the cookies enough space to spread during baking. Overcrowding can result in uneven baking.
12. Customize with Nuts or Seeds:
- Customize your cookies by adding chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutritional value.
13. Experiment with Sweeteners:
- Mix different natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar to find the perfect sweetness level for your taste.
14. Add a Touch of Citrus Zest:
- Grate a small amount of citrus zest (lemon or orange) into the dough for a refreshing twist.
15. Test Bake Times:
- Keep a close eye on the first batch to determine the ideal baking time for your oven. The goal is a golden brown color on the edges while maintaining a soft center.
