Healthy Cookies – No Sugar! No Flour!

When you’re craving a sweet treat but want to skip the sugar and flour, these healthy cookies are the perfect solution. Made with just five wholesome ingredients, these cookies are both delicious and nutritious. They are naturally sweetened by ripe bananas and packed with oats, raisins, nuts, and coconut. The recipe is simple to make, and in just 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of chewy, golden brown cookies that are perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast.

Whether you’re following a specific diet or just looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, these banana oat cookies are sure to satisfy. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and contain no refined sugars, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your tastes, too! These cookies can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. With their simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, they make for a guilt-free indulgence. So, why not whip up a batch today?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why you’ll love these healthy cookies. First, they are made with no added sugars or flour, making them a great option for anyone looking to reduce their intake of refined carbs or processed ingredients. The bananas provide natural sweetness, while oats give the cookies a chewy texture and a boost of fiber. The added nuts, raisins, and shredded coconut add depth of flavor and texture, making each bite satisfying.

Additionally, this recipe is highly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. You can swap out raisins for dried cranberries, add a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even incorporate dark chocolate chips for an extra treat. These cookies are quick and easy to make, requiring just 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of baking. Plus, with only five ingredients, they’re a breeze to throw together when you need a healthy snack or dessert.

Ingredients

• Ripe bananas
• Oats
• Raisins
• Chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
• Shredded coconut

Variations

While this recipe is already packed with flavor, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are some ideas for variations you can try:

• Dried Fruit: Instead of raisins, you can use dried cranberries, apricots, or chopped dates for a different fruity flavor.
• Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile of your cookies.
• Nut Butter: Swapping out some of the chopped nuts for almond butter or peanut butter will give the cookies a creamy texture and added richness.
• Chocolate Chips: For a sweet touch, you can fold in a handful of dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
• Seeds: Add chia seeds, flax seeds, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutritional benefits.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1 cup of mashed bananas.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Add the oats, raisins, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Form the Cookies

Scoop spoonfuls of the cookie mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to flatten each scoop into a cookie shape.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and smoother the cookies will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe.
• Customize the Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like dark chocolate chips, seeds, or other dried fruits.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir the ingredients just until they’re combined. Overmixing the dough can result in dense cookies.
• Adjust Consistency: If the dough feels too wet, add a little more oats. If it feels too dry, you can add a splash of plant-based milk or water.

How to Serve

These healthy cookies are perfect for a quick breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. Enjoy them with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or pair them with a glass of almond milk for a satisfying treat. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or can be served as an after-school snack for kids.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer shelf life, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies to enjoy them later. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work just as well as fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw them before mashing.

2. Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, these cookies are naturally gluten-free because they are made with oats instead of flour.

3. Can I use another type of nut besides the ones listed in the recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any nuts you prefer, such as almonds, pecans, or cashews.

4. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, these cookies are naturally vegan since they contain no animal products.

5. Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes, adding dark chocolate chips is a great idea if you want a touch of sweetness and a rich flavor.

6. How can I make these cookies sweeter?

If you prefer sweeter cookies, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the mixture.

7. Can I substitute the oats with another ingredient?

You can try using quinoa flakes or ground almonds, but keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

8. How long do these cookies take to bake?

These cookies bake in about 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven.

9. Can I use coconut flakes instead of shredded coconut?

Yes, you can use either coconut flakes or shredded coconut in this recipe, as both provide a similar texture.

10. Can I use other dried fruits besides raisins?

Yes, feel free to substitute raisins with dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or dates.

Conclusion

These healthy, no-sugar, no-flour cookies are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings without the guilt. With just a few wholesome ingredients, they come together quickly and easily, making them an excellent choice for busy mornings or afternoon snacks. You can customize them to suit your tastes and dietary preferences, whether you want to add chocolate chips, experiment with different nuts, or try out various dried fruits. Not only are these cookies delicious, but they’re also a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier, more natural treat. So, grab your bananas and oats, and treat yourself to these wholesome cookies today!

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