Indulge in the guilt-free pleasure of these Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies! Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, these cookies are the perfect treat for satisfying your sweet cravings without compromising on nutrition. Made with mashed bananas, oats, and a touch of dark chocolate, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your healthy snack repertoire. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious and nutritious treats.
Ingredients:
- 3 mashed bananas (ripe)
- 1/3 cup applesauce
- 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 extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, oats, almond milk, raisins or nuts, dark chocolate chunks, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and set.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy:
- Serve these delicious Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies as a nutritious snack or dessert. Enjoy them warm with a glass of almond milk or your favorite hot beverage.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Nut Butter Swirl: For an extra boost of protein and flavor, swirl a spoonful of your favorite nut butter into the cookie dough before baking.
- Seed Mix-ins: Add a crunchy texture and nutritional punch by incorporating seeds such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, or pumpkin seeds into the cookie dough.
- Fruit Variations: Experiment with different dried fruits such as cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots for added sweetness and variety.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
Keto-Friendly Version:
- Substitute the oats with almond flour or coconut flour and use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia instead of bananas and chocolate chunks.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce the amount of oats and dried fruit in the recipe and replace them with chopped nuts or seeds to lower the carb content.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
- Yes, you can use quick oats in place of rolled oats, but keep in mind that the texture of the cookies may be slightly different.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
- Yes, you can portion the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze it until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake the frozen dough balls directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- How should I store leftover cookies?
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage and thaw them as needed.
These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a nutritious and delicious treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings while maintaining a balanced diet. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy these wholesome cookies anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re following a healthy lifestyle or simply looking for a tasty snack, these cookies are sure to please your taste buds and nourish your body.
This comprehensive recipe guide provides everything you need to know to make these delightful Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies, including step-by-step instructions, tips for customization, dietary adaptations, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these cookies are a simple and satisfying way to indulge in a guilt-free treat
