Healthy No-Sugar, No-Flour Cookies

Welcome to a delightful recipe for healthy cookies that satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your wellness goals! These delicious cookies are free from refined sugars and flours, making them an excellent choice for those on a health journey, including followers of Weight Watchers. Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious treat.

Ingredients

To create these nourishing cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 3 Ripe Bananas: The base of our cookies, ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture. Choose bananas that are heavily speckled or even slightly brown for the best flavor.
  • 1/3 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce: This ingredient adds additional moisture and sweetness without added sugars, while also acting as a binding agent.
  • 2 Cups Rolled Oats: Oats are a fantastic source of fiber and whole grains, contributing to the cookie’s structure and heartiness. Use gluten-free oats if necessary.
  • 1/4 Cup Almond Milk: This non-dairy milk enhances the moisture content of the dough. Feel free to substitute with any plant-based milk of your choice.
  • 1/4 Cup Raisins or Nuts: Add-ins like raisins provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture, while nuts add crunch and healthy fats. Choose your favorites!
  • 1 Cup Dark Chocolate Chunks: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate, such as Lily’s brand, which is sugar-free and made with stevia. This will give the cookies a rich chocolatey flavor.
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies, lending a warm and inviting aroma.
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the cookies while offering potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Preheating ensures that the cookies bake evenly, resulting in a perfectly cooked treat. While the oven is warming up, you can prepare the cookie dough.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the three ripe bananas until smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this task. Aim for a consistency that is almost pureed, as this will help blend seamlessly with the other ingredients. Next, add the 1/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce to the bowl and mix thoroughly until both wet ingredients are fully combined.

Step 3: Add Flavorings

To enhance the flavor of your cookie mixture, incorporate 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir these ingredients into the banana and applesauce mixture until they are evenly distributed. The vanilla will impart a lovely aroma, while the cinnamon adds a comforting warmth.

Step 4: Incorporate the Oats

Now, it’s time to add 2 cups of rolled oats to the bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the oats into the wet mixture until they are fully combined. The oats will absorb moisture and provide structure to your cookies, so make sure they are well incorporated.

Step 5: Mix in Milk and Add-Ins

Pour in 1/4 cup of almond milk to moisten the oats and create a cohesive dough. Stir gently to combine. Next, fold in your choice of add-ins: whether you prefer 1/4 cup of raisins, nuts, or a combination of both, this is the stage where you can customize your cookies. Finally, add the 1 cup of dark chocolate chunks, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. This step is crucial to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure easy cleanup after baking.

Step 7: Form the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. For uniform cookies, aim for tablespoon-sized portions. Since these cookies do not spread much during baking, it’s a good idea to flatten each dough mound slightly with the back of a spoon or your hand.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary based on your oven. The cookies are ready when they are firm to the touch and lightly golden around the edges.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This resting period helps them firm up. After a few minutes, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Healthy Cookies!

Your healthy, no-sugar, no-flour cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! These treats are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the oats, bananas, and dark chocolate. They make for a perfect snack or a guilt-free dessert.

Additional Tips and Nutritional Information

  • Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
  • Customization: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins. Chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of chia seeds can be excellent additions.
  • Nutritional Benefits: These cookies are rich in fiber due to the oats and bananas, which can aid digestion and help keep you feeling full. The use of dark chocolate provides antioxidants, while the absence of added sugars makes these cookies a heart-healthy option.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair these cookies with a glass of almond milk or enjoy them alongside a cup of herbal tea for a satisfying treat.

By following this detailed recipe, you’ll not only indulge in a deliciously healthy snack but also share a delightful treat with family and friends. Enjoy your baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!