Healthy Banana Oat Cookies with Dark Chocolate and Nuts Recipe

Introduction

These healthy cookies are naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and applesauce, making them a guilt-free treat perfect for any time of day. Packed with oats, nuts, and dark chocolate chunks, they offer a delightful balance of flavor and texture without any added sugar.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 cups oats
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup raisins or nuts
• 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (e.g., Lily’s brand)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and unsweetened applesauce. Stir until well mixed.
3. Step 3: Add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon to the mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
4. Step 4: Stir in the oats until fully combined with the wet ingredients.
5. Step 5: Pour in the almond milk to moisten the oats, then fold in the raisins or nuts and dark chocolate chunks evenly.
6. Step 6: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
7. Step 7: Spoon portions of the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each slightly with the back of a spoon or your hand.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cookies are firm and lightly golden.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Step 10: Once cooled, serve and enjoy your healthy, naturally sweet cookies!

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit the nuts or substitute with extra raisins or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• You can swap almond milk for any other plant-based or dairy milk you prefer.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Try adding shredded coconut or ground flaxseed for extra texture and nutrition.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave or oven until soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, you can substitute almond milk with any type of milk you have on hand, including dairy milk. The texture may vary slightly but the cookies will still turn out delicious.

Are these cookies suitable for diabetics?

These cookies contain natural sugars from bananas and raisins, but no added refined sugar. They can be a better option than traditional cookies, but portion control is important for those monitoring blood sugar levels.

Healthy Banana Oat Cookies with Dark Chocolate and Nuts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 683 reviews

Delicious and wholesome healthy cookies made without any added sugar, using ripe bananas and unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness. These cookies combine oats, almond milk, raisins or nuts, and dark chocolate chunks for a nutritious snack that’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a guilt-free treat.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 16 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups oats
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Add-ins

• 1/4 cup raisins or nuts
• 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (e.g., Lily’s brand)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (177°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas and stir in the unsweetened applesauce until well blended.
3. Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon to infuse the mixture with a warm, fragrant flavor.
4. Incorporate Oats: Add the oats to the banana mixture and stir gently until fully combined, allowing the oats to absorb the moisture.
5. Add Almond Milk and Mix-ins: Pour the almond milk into the mixture to moisten the oats and stir in the raisins or nuts and dark chocolate chunks, ensuring an even distribution for bursts of texture and sweetness.
6. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking during baking.
7. Form Cookies: Spoon out portions of the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten each portion slightly with the back of a spoon or your hand to form cookie shapes.
8. Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cookies are firm to the touch and lightly golden around the edges.
9. Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve these healthy, naturally sweet cookies as a wholesome snack or dessert.

Notes

• For a nut-free version, substitute the nuts with additional raisins or seeds.
• The dark chocolate chunks add richness but can be omitted or replaced with carob chips for a caffeine-free option.
• Make sure bananas are very ripe for maximum natural sweetness.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep longer.
• These cookies freeze well; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Keywords: healthy cookies, sugar-free cookies, banana oat cookies, guilt-free dessert, dark chocolate cookies, sugarless snacks, vegan cookies