Healthy Cookies

Healthy Cookies – No Sugar! No Flour!

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup apple sauce
• 2 cups oats
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup raisins or nuts
• 1 cup good dark chocolate chunks (Lily’s brand is preferred)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and apple sauce. Stir them together until they are well mixed.
3. Add Flavorings:
   • Add the vanilla extract and cinnamon to the banana and apple sauce mixture. Mix these in thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
4. Incorporate the Oats:
   • Add the oats to the bowl. Stir them into the mixture until they are fully incorporated.
5. Mix in Milk and Add-Ins:
   • Pour the almond milk into the mixture to help moisten the oats. Then, add your choice of raisins, nuts, and dark chocolate chunks. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the add-ins are evenly distributed throughout.
6. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking.
7. Form the Cookies:
   • Spoon out portions of the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. You can use a spoon or a cookie scoop to make uniform cookies. Flatten the cookies slightly with the back of the spoon or your hand, as they will not spread much during baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until they are firm and lightly golden.
9. Cool the Cookies:
   • Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy:
    • Once cooled, your healthy cookies are ready to be enjoyed!

These cookies are a great healthy alternative, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without added sugars or flours. Enjoy your baking!

Popular Questions and Their Answers:

1. Can I substitute the bananas with another fruit?
   • Applesauce or pureed pumpkin can be used as a substitute for bananas.
2. What type of oats should I use?
   • Rolled oats or quick oats work best. Avoid using steel-cut oats as they are too coarse.
3. Can I use a different type of milk?
   • Yes, any plant-based milk or regular milk can be used.
4. Are these cookies gluten-free?
   • Ensure that you use gluten-free oats to make the recipe gluten-free.
5. Can I add other mix-ins?
   • Yes, you can add dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or sunflower seeds.
6. How should I store these cookies?
   • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
7. Can I freeze these cookies?
   • Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
8. Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?
   • No, refrigerating the dough is not necessary for this recipe.
9. Can I make the cookies smaller or larger?
   • Yes, adjust the baking time accordingly if you change the size of the cookies.
10. Are these cookies suitable for diabetics?
    • Yes, they have no added sugar and contain healthy ingredients, but always consult with a healthcare provider.
11. Can I use sweetened applesauce?
    • Yes, but it will increase the sugar content of the cookies slightly.
12. Can I omit the chocolate chunks?
    • Yes, you can leave out the chocolate chunks or replace them with more nuts or dried fruit.
13. What can I use instead of raisins?
    • Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or any dried fruit of your choice.
14. How do I make the cookies crispier?
    • Bake them a few minutes longer until they are more golden brown.
15. Can I add spices?
    • Yes, spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom can be added for extra flavor.
16. Are these cookies vegan?
    • Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products.
17. What can I use instead of almond milk?
    • Any milk alternative such as soy milk, oat milk, or regular dairy milk.
18. Can I use steel-cut oats?
    • It’s not recommended as steel-cut oats are too coarse for this recipe.
19. How do I make the cookies softer?
    • Ensure they are not overbaked and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft.
20. Can I use honey or maple syrup as a sweetener?
    • While the recipe is designed to be sugar-free, a small amount of honey or maple syrup can be added for additional sweetness.

By following these tips and answering these common questions, you can perfect your healthy cookies and enjoy a delicious, guilt-free treat!

Secrets to Achieve the Perfect Healthy Cookies

1. Use Ripe Bananas:
   • Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, making them perfect for healthy cookies. Ensure your bananas are well-mashed for an even texture.
2. High-Quality Oats:
   • Use rolled or quick oats. They provide a good texture and help bind the cookies without needing flour.
3. Balance Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Ensure the right balance between wet (bananas, applesauce) and dry ingredients (oats, nuts). Too much wetness makes cookies soggy, while too much dryness makes them crumbly.
4. Choose the Right Mix-Ins:
   • Use dark chocolate chunks, nuts, and dried fruits to add texture and flavor. Choose high-quality, unsweetened options to keep the cookies healthy.
5. Mind the Bake Time:
   • Healthy cookies can dry out quickly. Bake until they are just set and slightly golden. Check a few minutes before the suggested bake time.
6. Add Spices:
   • Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract enhance flavor without adding calories. Experiment with spices to find your favorite combination.
7. Use Applesauce for Moisture:
   • Unsweetened applesauce keeps the cookies moist and adds a slight sweetness without extra sugar.
8. Incorporate Healthy Fats:
   • Use almond butter, peanut butter, or a small amount of coconut oil for healthy fats that also add flavor.
9. Keep it Simple:
   • Stick to a few high-quality ingredients. Overcomplicating can lead to inconsistent results.
10. Chill the Dough:
    • Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape and improve texture.
11. Proper Storage:
    • Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Adding a slice of apple or bread can keep them soft longer.
12. Use Parchment Paper:
    • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
13. Measure Accurately:
    • Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure the right balance of ingredients.
14. Customize Sweetness:
    • If your bananas aren’t sweet enough, add a bit of honey or maple syrup, but keep it minimal to maintain health benefits.
15. Avoid Overmixing:
    • Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
16. Check Ingredients:
    • Use gluten-free oats if you want gluten-free cookies. Ensure no hidden sugars in mix-ins.
17. Portion Control:
    • Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking. Smaller cookies bake more evenly.
18. Experiment with Bindings:
    • If your cookies fall apart, try adding a tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds soaked in water as an additional binder.
19. Flavor Balance:
    • A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and flavors in your cookies. Don’t skip it.
20. Be Patient:
    • Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. They firm up as they cool and will hold together better.