These cookies are the ultimate healthy treat for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while sticking to a nutritious, low-sugar, and gluten-free lifestyle. With bananas and applesauce as natural sweeteners, and oats providing fiber and heartiness, these cookies offer the best of both worlds — a delicious snack that’s good for you, too!
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity and reliance on whole, unprocessed ingredients. By using bananas and applesauce, you achieve a natural sweetness that’s subtle but satisfying. The oats add texture and substance, making these cookies more filling than typical treats. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile, letting you tailor it with various mix-ins like nuts, dried fruits, and dark chocolate. The cookies also require minimal preparation, making them a quick and easy option for busy days.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Main Ingredients
- Ripe Bananas: Bananas are a natural source of sweetness, binding, and moisture. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Applesauce: Another natural sweetener, applesauce helps keep the cookies moist without adding sugar or extra fat.
- Oats: A gluten-free whole grain, oats add fiber and create a chewy texture. They also lend a bit of protein and essential minerals, making these cookies more nutritious.
- Almond Milk: This non-dairy milk adds moisture to the dough and helps to soften the oats.
- Raisins or Nuts (optional): These add-ins provide texture, flavor, and extra nutrients. Raisins are rich in antioxidants and iron, while nuts offer healthy fats and protein.
- Dark Chocolate Chunks: Opt for high-quality, dark chocolate with minimal added sugar. Dark chocolate provides antioxidants and a rich, satisfying taste that complements the banana and oats.
- Vanilla Extract and Cinnamon: These spices add warmth and enhance the natural sweetness of the bananas and applesauce, making the cookies taste more complex and dessert-like.
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas and applesauce. Use a spoon or a whisk to combine them well, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency. This step is crucial for achieving even sweetness and texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon. These ingredients don’t just add flavor but also enhance the natural sweetness of the bananas and applesauce, making the cookies taste even richer.
Step 4: Incorporate the Oats
Add the oats to your wet mixture. Stir them in until fully incorporated. The oats are what give these cookies a chewy, satisfying texture, and they’ll absorb some of the moisture from the bananas and applesauce as the cookies bake.
Step 5: Mix in Milk and Add-Ins
Pour the almond milk into the mixture to add a bit of extra moisture and help bind the ingredients. Then, add your choice of raisins or nuts and the dark chocolate chunks. Stir well to ensure that the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spoon or your hands to press each scoop into a cookie shape, as these cookies won’t spread much while baking.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on the edges and firm to the touch. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm, or store them in an airtight container for a healthy, grab-and-go snack!
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and softer your cookies will be. Look for bananas that are soft and heavily speckled with brown spots.
- Measure the Oats Accurately: Too many oats can make the cookies dry, while too few can make them overly soft. The 2-cup measurement is a guideline, but you can adjust slightly based on the moisture content of your bananas and applesauce.
- Add Milk Gradually: If your dough seems too thick, add a little extra almond milk a tablespoon at a time. If it seems too thin, you can add a bit more oats.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Customize the cookies with other healthy add-ins like shredded coconut, chia seeds, or dried cranberries. Just keep in mind that these additions may slightly change the texture and flavor of the final cookies.
- Bake on the Middle Rack: For even baking, place the cookies on the middle rack of your oven and rotate the pan halfway through baking.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
Breakfast Treat: Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or a smoothie for a quick, energy-boosting breakfast.
Snack: Pack a few in a lunchbox or keep them on hand for a nutritious, midday snack.
Dessert: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a healthy yet indulgent dessert.
Nutritional Benefits
These cookies are packed with healthy ingredients that offer a range of nutrients:
Bananas: High in potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber, bananas provide natural energy and aid in digestive health.
Applesauce: Applesauce adds natural sweetness and is low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for health-conscious baking.
Oats: Oats are a whole grain rich in fiber, protein, and important vitamins and minerals. They’re known to help with heart health, digestive health, and blood sugar control.
Almond Milk: Low in calories and high in vitamin E, almond milk adds moisture to the cookies without adding extra sugar or fat.
Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can help improve heart health, blood flow, and mood.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add a tablespoon of nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew) to the wet ingredients for a rich, nutty flavor and a bit of extra protein.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies: Skip the raisins and nuts, and add more dark chocolate chunks or chips for a flavor that’s closer to banana bread with chocolate chips.
- Coconut Craze: Add a quarter cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Pumpkin Spice: For a seasonal twist, add a tablespoon of pumpkin puree and a dash of pumpkin spice.
- Fruit Medley: Mix in dried cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots for a unique flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
A: Yes! Rolled oats work well in this recipe and will add a slightly chewier texture. However, if you prefer a softer cookie, stick to quick oats.
Q: How should I store these cookies?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well — just place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to three months.
Q: Can I use another type of milk?
A: Yes, feel free to use any milk you prefer, such as cow’s milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Just keep in mind that this might slightly alter the flavor and nutritional profile.
Q: Are these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe is entirely gluten-free!
Q: Can I add protein powder to these cookies?
A: Absolutely! Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the batter for an extra boost of protein. You may need to add a splash of extra almond milk to keep the dough from becoming too dry.
The Bottom Line
These Healthy No Sugar, No Flour Cookies are the perfect blend of taste and nutrition, making them a fantastic option for anyone looking to indulge without the guilt. They’re easy to make, filled with wholesome ingredients, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or a holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit!