Are you on the lookout for a deliciously healthy treat that caters to your sweet tooth without the guilt? If so, then you’re in for a treat with these Healthy Cookies: No Sugar, No Flour, Guilt-Free Treats. This delightful recipe allows you to enjoy the rich flavors of cookies while steering clear of refined sugars and flour. Made primarily with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas and oats, these cookies are not only nutritious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re indulging in a snack post-workout or just looking for a healthier dessert option, these cookies embrace the joy of baking with a conscience.
What makes these cookies stand out is their flexibility; they can easily be transformed to suit your taste preferences. With the addition of dark chocolate chunks or raisins and optional almond milk, you can create cookie masterpieces that your whole family will love. Plus, for those mindful of their dietary needs, this recipe offers substitutes that make it inclusive for everyone. Get ready to bake a batch of these wonderful cookies that everyone will eagerly devour, all while feeling good about the ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Cookie Recipe
- Nutritious Ingredients: Made with wholesome components like ripe bananas and oats, these cookies are a healthier alternative.
- No Sugar or Flour: You don’t have to worry about refined sugars or flours, allowing you to enjoy guilt-free indulgence.
- Easy to Make: Perfect for beginners, this recipe requires no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Family-Friendly: A treat that both kids and adults will love, making it an excellent addition to snack time!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the sweet adventure of baking these healthy cookies, it’s important to prepare your workspace and gather the necessary tools. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C), allowing it to reach the desired temperature while you mix the ingredients. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. For this recipe, you’ll need a large mixing bowl for combining your ingredients and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
Having a spoon or a cookie scoop will help you portion the dough into uniform cookie shapes, ensuring even baking. Additionally, measuring cups will be essential for accurately gauging your ingredients. If you want to add a personal touch, consider using fun cookie cutters to shape your cookies instead of just spooning them onto the baking sheet. Now that your kitchen is ready, let’s dive into the list of ingredients!
Ingredients
- 3 mashed ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup apple sauce
- 2 cups oats
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or coconut milk for a nut-free option)
- 1/4 cup raisins or nuts
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (preferably Lily’s)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies bake perfectly and achieve that delightful golden-brown color.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas and apple sauce. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until they form a smooth mixture. The natural sweetness from the bananas will be the foundation of your cookies, providing moisture and flavor without added sugars.
Step 3: Add Flavor Enhancers
Next, incorporate the vanilla extract and cinnamon into your banana and apple sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout, enhancing the overall taste of your cookies.
Step 4: Incorporate the Oats
Add the oats to the mixture, folding them in gently. The oats will provide structure to the cookies and contribute to their hearty texture. Ensure that every oat is coated with the wet ingredients for a more uniform cookie.
Step 5: Mix in Almond Milk and Add-Ins
Pour in the almond milk to moisten the oats further. This will help bind the ingredients together. At this stage, add your choice of raisins, nuts, or dark chocolate chunks. Stir well to ensure an even spread of these delightful add-ins, each bite bursting with flavors!
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Now it’s time to prepare your baking sheet! Line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep your cookies from sticking. This step is key for easy cleanup post-baking.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten the tops slightly with the back of the spoon or your hand. Remember, these cookies won’t spread much while baking, so the shape you make now will be the shape they hold!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them — they are ready when they are firm to the touch and lightly golden.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these healthy cookies warm or at room temperature!
Variations
- Protein: For an added protein boost, consider mixing in protein powder or substituting nut butter in place of almond milk.
- Vegetables: Add grated zucchini or carrots for increased nutrition and moisture.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to give your cookies new flavor profiles!
Cooking Notes
- To ensure your bananas are ripe, look for yellow bananas with brown spots, as these will be the sweetest!
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these cookies with a glass of almond milk for a delightful snack.
- Serve them warm as an afternoon treat or as a healthier dessert option after dinner.
Tips
- If the mixture seems too dry, add an extra splash of almond milk for moisture.
- For a bit of crunch, you can toast the nuts before adding them to the cookie mix.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
FAQs
Can I use another type of milk instead of almond milk?
Yes! You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as coconut milk for a nut-free option or even oat milk.
How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for longer freshness.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure that the oats are certified gluten-free, these cookies can be enjoyed by those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for long-term storage.
Conclusion
These Healthy Cookies: No Sugar, No Flour are a fantastic way to indulge in a delicious treat without compromising your health goals. With wholesome ingredients that provide nutrients and flavor, they are perfect for anyone looking to satisfy their cravings while maintaining a balanced diet. Experiment with different variations or enjoy them as they are — either way, you’re bound to love them!
So why not gather your ingredients and get baking? We’d love to hear how your cookies turned out or any unique twists you added! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to spread the word about these guilt-free cookies!
Print
Healthy Cookies: No Sugar, No Flour, Guilt-Free Treats
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Healthy Cookies: No Sugar, No Flour are a fantastic way to indulge in a delicious treat without compromising your health goals.
Ingredients
- 3 mashed ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup apple sauce
- 2 cups oats
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or coconut milk for a nut-free option)
- 1/4 cup raisins or nuts
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (preferably Lily’s)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies bake perfectly and achieve that delightful golden-brown color.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas and apple sauce. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until they form a smooth mixture. The natural sweetness from the bananas will be the foundation of your cookies, providing moisture and flavor without added sugars.
- Next, incorporate the vanilla extract and cinnamon into your banana and apple sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout, enhancing the overall taste of your cookies.
- Add the oats to the mixture, folding them in gently. The oats will provide structure to the cookies and contribute to their hearty texture. Ensure that every oat is coated with the wet ingredients for a more uniform cookie.
- Pour in the almond milk to moisten the oats further. This will help bind the ingredients together. At this stage, add your choice of raisins, nuts, or dark chocolate chunks. Stir well to ensure an even spread of these delightful add-ins, each bite bursting with flavors!
- Now it’s time to prepare your baking sheet! Line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep your cookies from sticking. This step is key for easy cleanup post-baking.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten the tops slightly with the back of the spoon or your hand. Remember, these cookies won’t spread much while baking, so the shape you make now will be the shape they hold!
- Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them — they are ready when they are firm to the touch and lightly golden.
- Once out of the oven, allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these healthy cookies warm or at room temperature!
Notes
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Protein: 3 g