Introduction
warm, chewy cookies that satisfy your sweet tooth — but without the sugar or flour. These healthy cookies are exactly that: wholesome, naturally sweet treats made from bananas, oats, and nutrient-rich mix-ins like dark chocolate and raisins or nuts. They’re simple to make, comforting to eat, and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Best of all, they feel indulgent while being kind to your body.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Naturally sweetened: Overripe bananas and applesauce provide natural sugar without needing refined sweeteners.
- Flour-free: Oats are the base, offering fiber and whole-grain goodness.
- Versatile mix-ins: Add raisins, nuts, or dark chocolate chunks to suit your taste.
- Quick and easy: From mixing bowl to oven in minutes, with just a few simple steps.
- Diet-friendly: Gluten-free (when using certified oats), vegan-friendly, and great for healthy snacking.
Ingredients (Makes ~12-15 Cookies)
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed until smooth
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or your preferred plant-based milk)
- 1/4 cup raisins or chopped nuts, for texture
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (choose a no-added-sugar brand if possible)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (about 177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. - Create the Base
In a large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly until smooth. Stir in the unsweetened applesauce until well combined. - Add Flavor
Mix in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the banana mixture. - Incorporate the Oats
Add the rolled oats to the wet mixture. Stir until every oat is coated and the batter becomes thick but manageable. - Mix in Your Add-Ons
Pour in the almond milk to help bind and slightly loosen the mixture. Then gently fold in your chosen raisins or nuts and the dark chocolate chunks. - Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous mounds (about 12–15) of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten them a little with your hand or the back of the spoon, since they won’t spread much while baking. - Bake
Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers feel set when touched. - Cool Down
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely — they will firm up as they cool.
Tips & Tricks
- Use very ripe bananas (with brown spots) — they are sweeter and mash more easily.
- Let the batter sit for a few minutes before baking to help the oats absorb some moisture, which improves texture.
- For more crunch, toast the nuts lightly beforehand.
- Feel free to swap the chocolate chunks for dried fruit or seeds if you want a different flavor or texture.
- These cookies freeze well: wrap individually or lay flat in a container, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Variations
- Tropical twist: Add unsweetened shredded coconut and dried pineapple instead of chocolate.
- Nut-free option: Replace nuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Spiced version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warm spice notes.
- Protein boost: Stir in a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder (unflavored) to make these more filling.
- Breakfast-style: Press the dough into a square pan and slice into bars for a portable oatmeal cookie bar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes — instant oats will work, but the cookies may be softer and less chewy.
Q: Can I use dairy milk instead of almond milk?
A: Absolutely. Use any milk you prefer — dairy or plant-based — to suit your diet.
Q: Are these cookies gluten-free?
A: They can be, if you use certified gluten-free oats. Otherwise, oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes — you can mix the dough and refrigerate it for a couple of hours before scooping and baking.
Final Thoughts
These Healthy Cookies — No Sugar, No Flour are proof that you can enjoy a sweet, satisfying treat without the guilt. The combination of bananas, oats, and delicious mix-ins creates a snack that’s wholesome, simple, and full of flavor. Whether you want something to grab on the go, serve at breakfast, or share as a dessert, these cookies deliver — in the healthiest way.