I first created these cookies when trying to find healthier options for my niece who has a sweet tooth but needed to reduce processed sugar. Now everyone in the family requests them, even those who typically prefer traditional desserts.
- 3 ripe bananas: The riper with brown spots, the better for natural sweetness and easier mashing
- 1/3 cup apple sauce: Adds moisture without oil and enhances natural sweetness
- 2 cups oats: Provides hearty texture and fiber. Choose old fashioned for chewier cookies
- 1/4 cup almond milk: Helps bind ingredients together. Any plant milk works well
- 1/4 cup raisins or nuts: Adds texture and nutrition variation. Choose unsweetened for a truly sugar-free option
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks: Lily’s brand uses stevia instead of sugar for guilt-free indulgence
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors without adding sweetness
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the banana flavor
How To Make Healthy No Sugar No Flour Cookies
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F and ensure rack is in middle position for even baking. This temperature allows the cookies to bake through without burning the bottoms.
- Prepare the Base:
- In a large bowl, thoroughly mash the bananas until smooth and no large chunks remain. Add apple sauce and mix until completely incorporated, forming a wet base.
- Add Flavorings:
- Mix in vanilla extract and cinnamon, ensuring they distribute evenly through the banana mixture. The cinnamon adds complexity that balances the natural sweetness.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Add oats to the wet mixture and stir until every oat is coated. The mixture will be thick but still wet enough to shape.
- Add Mix-ins:
- Pour in almond milk to slightly thin the batter, making it easier to mix. Fold in your chosen combination of raisins, nuts, and chocolate chunks until evenly distributed throughout.
- Form the Cookies:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion dough into 12-15 mounds, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each cookie with your palm as they won’t spread much during baking.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place cookies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until edges become golden brown and centers feel firm to touch. Rotate pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
- Cool Completely:
- Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The cookies will firm up as they cool, making them easier to handle.
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