If you’ve ever craved a warm, chewy cookie that feels like a hug in every bite but want to skip the sugar and flour, then this Healthy No-Sugar, No-Flour Cookies with Bananas, Oats, and Dark Chocolate Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with natural sweetness from ripe bananas and enriched with hearty oats and rich dark chocolate chunks, these cookies are not only delicious but also nourishing. They bring together simplicity and wholesome ingredients in a way that’ll make you feel good about indulging without any guilt. Trust me, these cookies will quickly become a staple in your kitchen whether you’re after a quick snack or a delightful dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Healthy No-Sugar, No-Flour Cookies with Bananas, Oats, and Dark Chocolate Recipe is a breeze. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding moisture, texture, or that irresistible chocolate-y pop you’ll love.
- Ripe bananas: The natural sweetener and binding agent that makes these cookies soft and chewy.
- Unsweetened apple sauce: Adds moisture and a subtle fruitiness without extra sugars.
- Oats: Provide fiber and a hearty texture that keeps you full longer.
- Almond milk: A dairy-free liquid to bring the dough together smoothly.
- Raisins or nuts (optional): A bit of chewiness or crunch to add extra character and nutrients.
- Dark chocolate chunks: The star that adds deep, intense chocolate flavor without refined sugars.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the natural sweetness and adds warmth to the flavor profile.
- Cinnamon: Brings a subtle spice that complements the fruit and chocolate beautifully.
How to Make Healthy No-Sugar, No-Flour Cookies with Bananas, Oats, and Dark Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly for that perfect golden edge.
Step 2: Mix the Magic
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas and unsweetened apple sauce. Stir in the oats, almond milk, optional raisins or nuts, dark chocolate chunks, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix everything until all the ingredients are well incorporated. The dough will be sticky but manageable—this mixture is what makes your cookies wholesome and flavorful.
Step 3: Shape Your Cookies
Using a spoon, drop generous dollops of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Don’t worry about making perfect rounds—the rustic look just adds to their charm. Make sure to leave a little space between each dollop as they’ll spread slightly while baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cookies are set and the edges turn a lovely golden brown. The kitchen will start smelling heavenly, and that’s your signal that deliciousness is just moments away.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so they firm up enough to transfer without breaking. Move them to a wire rack to cool completely before diving in, although I won’t blame you if you sneak one while still warm!
How to Serve Healthy No-Sugar, No-Flour Cookies with Bananas, Oats, and Dark Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little sea salt or a few extra dark chocolate shards on top of freshly baked cookies for a refined sweet-and-salty finish that elevates every bite. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can also add cozy aroma and warmth.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cup of unsweetened herbal tea or your favorite plant-based milk for a balanced snack. If you’re aiming for a mini meal vibe, serve alongside fresh fruit slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt to incorporate some protein and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into a charming dessert by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. For a packed lunch or snack box, stack them with parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking. You can also crush a few cookies to sprinkle over smoothie bowls or yogurt parfaits for added texture and natural sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The oats and bananas keep them moist, so they won’t dry out quickly, but because of the fresh fruit, it’s best to enjoy them relatively soon for the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a later treat, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive the warm, gooey feeling of freshly baked cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back that lovely soft texture and slightly melty chocolate that’s just irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free oats for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using gluten-free oats is a great way to make this Healthy No-Sugar, No-Flour Cookies with Bananas, Oats, and Dark Chocolate Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising taste or texture.
What kind of dark chocolate is best for these cookies?
Choose a dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa and no added sugars, like Lily’s brand. The richer the chocolate, the deeper the flavor, and you keep the cookie truly healthy and low on sugar.
Can I substitute the almond milk with another liquid?
Yes, feel free to swap almond milk for any other plant-based milk or even regular milk if you prefer. The key is to maintain a similar liquid ratio so the dough stays moist but not too wet.
Are these cookies suitable for meal prep or packed lunches?
Definitely! They’re hearty, nutrient-dense, and travel well, making them an ideal healthy snack to keep you energized throughout the day.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
Ripe bananas are crucial because they provide natural sweetness and moisture. If yours aren’t very ripe, you can gently microwave them for 30 seconds to soften and bring out their sugars before mashing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about biting into a cookie that’s both delicious and nourishing, and this Healthy No-Sugar, No-Flour Cookies with Bananas, Oats, and Dark Chocolate Recipe delivers exactly that. It’s a recipe that keeps your sweet tooth happy while supporting your health goals, using simple, real-food ingredients that you probably already have at home. These cookies are meant to be enjoyed, shared, and made over and over again—so go ahead and treat yourself to a batch today. Your taste buds and body will thank you!
Print
Healthy No-Sugar, No-Flour Cookies with Bananas, Oats, and Dark Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Healthy Cookies are a delicious no sugar, no flour treat made with natural sweeteners like ripe bananas and applesauce. Packed with oats, dark chocolate chunks, and optional nuts or raisins, they offer a wholesome snack option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for anyone looking for a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups oats
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (e.g., Lily’s brand)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/4 cup raisins or nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, unsweetened apple sauce, oats, almond milk, raisins or nuts if using, dark chocolate chunks, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is well combined and uniform in texture.
- Portion the Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are set and golden brown around the edges, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which improves their texture and prevents sogginess.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the nuts and replace with extra raisins or dark chocolate chunks.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- You can substitute almond milk with any plant-based milk or regular milk as preferred.
- If you want the cookies sweeter, consider adding a natural sweetener like maple syrup, though this will add sugar.
- Use gluten-free oats if you require a gluten-free version.
