Healthy Cookie Recipe: No Sugar, No Flour, Just Delicious

These delightful cookies are a revelation! If you're on the lookout for a sweet, guilt-free treat that skips the usual sugar and flour, you’re in for a treat. Imagine a warm, chewy bite filled with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and applesauce, enhanced by dark chocolate chunks and a hint of cinnamon. These cookies are perfect for anyone trying to reduce sugar and flour in their diet without compromising flavor or texture.

Photo byRecipe Smooth

I came across this recipe through the wonderful Recipe Smooth Facebook group, where members share wholesome, inventive recipes. Inspired by their creativity, I couldn't wait to try this one and share it with all of you. The simplicity and nutritious ingredients make these cookies not only easy to whip up but also incredibly satisfying for both kids and adults alike.

These cookies are great for breakfast on the go, a midday snack, or even dessert. They originated as a healthier twist on classic oatmeal cookies, incorporating whole ingredients like oats and walnuts, giving them a heartier, more satisfying texture. Here’s how to make these nourishing cookies at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chunks
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and unsweetened applesauce. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until smooth and well-blended.
3. Add the Oats: Stir in the rolled oats, making sure they are thoroughly mixed with the wet ingredients. This will be the base that binds your cookies and gives them a nice chewy texture.
4. Incorporate the Goodies: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks and chopped walnuts (if using). These additions bring a rich flavor and satisfying crunch to the cookies, making them more indulgent.
5. Form and Flatten: Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon, as they won’t spread much during baking.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. This gives them a slight crispness on the outside, while remaining tender and chewy on the inside.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or store them for later!

These cookies are as customizable as they are easy. Feel free to swap out the walnuts for your favorite nuts or add a sprinkle of shredded coconut for extra flavor. They’re naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats, and you can keep them vegan by using dairy-free chocolate chunks.

A Few Pro Tips:

• Ripe Bananas are Key: The riper your bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be, so make sure they’re fully ripened for optimal flavor.
• Storing Leftovers: Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature or freeze them for up to three months. They make a perfect grab-and-go snack from the freezer!

These cookies are a fantastic addition to any snack rotation, satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping things healthy. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe, so feel free to share any tips or variations you tried in the comments below. Don't forget to follow me for more recipes like this!