Description
These guilt-free healthy cookies are naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and unsweetened applesauce, making them a perfect no-sugar treat. Packed with oats, dark chocolate chunks, and optional nuts or raisins, they offer a wholesome, delicious snack that’s easy to make and ideal for a nutritious indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk alternative like oat or soy milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups oats (instant oats can be used but may affect texture)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Mix-ins (Optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or nuts (optional)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (e.g., Lily’s brand for sugar-free option)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to create that perfect baking temperature for golden cookies.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the unsweetened applesauce until smooth and well blended.
- Add Flavors: Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, releasing delightful aromas that will fill your kitchen.
- Incorporate Oats: Gently fold in the oats, ensuring they are completely mixed with the banana mixture.
- Add Moisture and Mix-ins: Add the almond milk for moisture, then incorporate any optional raisins or nuts and dark chocolate chunks.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep your cookies from sticking.
- Shape Cookies: Use a spoon to drop cookie portions onto the baking sheet, flattening them slightly for even baking.
- Bake: Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cookies feel firm and are lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Using ripe bananas helps naturally sweeten the cookies without added sugar.
- Instant oats can be used, but the cookies might have a softer texture.
- Almond milk can be substituted with any plant-based milk to keep the recipe dairy-free.
- Optional add-ins like raisins or nuts add texture and flavor but can be omitted for simplicity.
- Dark chocolate chunks from a sugar-free brand are recommended to maintain the no-sugar profile.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
