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.
