Healthy Cookies – No Sugar, No Flour
Description:
These healthy, flourless cookies are the perfect guilt-free treat! With ripe bananas providing natural sweetness and oats offering fiber, these cookies are not only delicious but nutritious too. The addition of almond milk and applesauce keeps them moist and soft. You can also add raisins or nuts for an extra crunch and flavor. Perfect for a snack or a healthy dessert option!
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas (mashed)
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1/3 cup applesauce
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2 cups oats
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1/4 cup almond milk
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1/4 cup raisins or nuts (optional for added texture)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Mash the Bananas:
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In a mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas until smooth. The bananas will act as a natural sweetener and binder.
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Combine Wet Ingredients:
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Add the applesauce and almond milk to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.
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Mix in the Oats:
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Gradually add the oats to the banana mixture, stirring until the oats are fully incorporated into the wet ingredients.
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Add Optional Add-ins:
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If you’re using raisins or nuts, fold them into the mixture. You can use whatever you like, from chopped walnuts to chocolate chips for a healthier twist.
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Form the Cookies:
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Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon to form cookie shapes.
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Bake:
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Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and firm to the touch. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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Serve and Enjoy:
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Once the cookies have cooled, enjoy them as a healthy snack or dessert.
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Notes:
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These cookies have a naturally sweet taste due to the ripe bananas, so no added sugar is necessary.
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You can store these cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
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If you’d like a different flavor, try adding cinnamon or vanilla extract.
Tips:
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Make sure the bananas are ripe for the best natural sweetness and texture.
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If the dough seems too wet, add a little more oats until it firms up.
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If you prefer a chewier cookie, reduce the baking time slightly. For crunchier cookies, bake them a bit longer.
Servings:
This recipe makes approximately 12-15 cookies depending on the size.
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
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Calories: 90-120 kcal (depending on add-ins)
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Carbs: 20g
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Protein: 2g
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Fat: 2g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 7g (natural from bananas and applesauce)
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Sodium: 30mg (depends on add-ins)
Benefits:
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No Added Sugar or Flour: These cookies are naturally sweetened with bananas and applesauce, making them a healthier alternative to traditional cookies.
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Fiber-Rich: Oats provide fiber, helping with digestion and making these cookies more filling.
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Dairy-Free and Vegan: Made with almond milk and no animal products, making them suitable for those on a dairy-free or vegan diet.
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Customizable: You can add raisins, nuts, or even chocolate chips to tailor the recipe to your preferences.
Q&A for the Recipe:
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular milk for almond milk, but the recipe will no longer be dairy-free.
Q: Can I use another type of fruit instead of bananas?
A: Bananas are a key ingredient for both texture and sweetness, but you could experiment with mashed apples or pears as an alternative.
Q: How can I make these cookies more flavorful?
A: Add a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even cocoa powder for extra flavor!