Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup nut butter (such as almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional mix-ins:
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rolled oats, nut butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined. If you’re adding any mix-ins, fold them into the dough.
- Scoop the Cookies:
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of the spoon or your fingers.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges. They may appear soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- 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.
Tips for Success:
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness.
- Nut Butter: Feel free to use any nut or seed butter of your choice. Just make sure it’s smooth for the best texture.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just thaw before enjoying.
Customization Ideas:
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger, or add a teaspoon of cocoa powder for chocolate-flavored cookies.
- Add Texture: Incorporate chia seeds, flaxseeds, or shredded coconut for added nutrition and texture.
- Fruity Options: Substitute some of the bananas with applesauce for a different flavor profile while maintaining moisture.
Healthy No-Sugar, No-Flour Cookies are a fantastic way to satisfy your cravings for something sweet without compromising on health. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, these cookies make a perfect treat for all ages. Enjoy the goodness of these guilt-free delights!
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges. They may appear soft but will firm up as they cool.