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# Banana Apple Oat Cookies (No Sugar, No Flour): A Healthy, Delicious Treat
In today’s world, where people are becoming increasingly health-conscious, the demand for delicious yet nutritious recipes has skyrocketed. Whether you’re looking for a snack to curb your sweet cravings or a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, **Banana Apple Oat Cookies (No Sugar, No Flour)** might just be the answer you’re looking for. These cookies are not only simple to make but are also packed with wholesome ingredients, offering a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about these healthy cookies, from their ingredients, health benefits, and step-by-step instructions, to variations and tips for making them even more versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone looking for a simple yet nutritious treat, these banana apple oat cookies are sure to delight your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
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## **Why Choose Banana Apple Oat Cookies?**
### **1. No Sugar, No Flour – Just Wholesome Ingredients**
One of the most enticing aspects of this recipe is that it contains **no added sugar** and **no flour**. Most traditional cookie recipes rely heavily on sugar and refined flour to create texture and sweetness. However, these cookies break from convention by using the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and apples, making them a healthier alternative. By using rolled oats as the base of the dough, these cookies are naturally gluten-free (if certified gluten-free oats are used) and contain fiber that promotes digestive health.
The simplicity of these ingredients also makes the cookies an ideal choice for anyone looking to avoid processed foods or following specific dietary restrictions. You won’t find any artificial sweeteners or refined ingredients here, making these cookies a great option for those who are mindful of their health.
### **2. Naturally Sweetened by Bananas and Apples**
Bananas and apples are both natural sources of sweetness, which makes them the perfect base for a cookie recipe. Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, providing essential nutrients that support overall health. They also contain a type of fiber called pectin, which supports gut health and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Apples, on the other hand, are high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. The combination of these two fruits provides a naturally sweet and satisfying treat that doesn’t rely on any added sugar. In fact, the sweetness from the banana and apple is more than enough to satisfy your cravings for a sugary snack, without the blood sugar spikes associated with refined sugar.
### **3. Packed with Nutrients**
The oats in these cookies are a powerhouse of nutrients. They provide **soluble fiber**, which is beneficial for heart health, lowering cholesterol, and maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Oats also provide **complex carbohydrates**, which are digested slowly, offering sustained energy throughout the day. By choosing oats over flour, these cookies offer a more nutritious alternative to traditional baked goods.
In addition to the oats, bananas and apples provide essential vitamins and minerals, while other optional add-ins, such as nuts, seeds, or dried fruit, can further enhance the nutrient content of the cookies.
### **4. Perfect for a Quick Snack or Breakfast**
Banana Apple Oat Cookies are incredibly versatile and can serve as both a nutritious snack and a quick breakfast option. Whether you’re rushing out the door in the morning or need an energy boost in the middle of the day, these cookies are a satisfying and healthy choice. They provide the perfect balance of fiber, natural sugars, and healthy fats to keep you full and energized for hours.
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## **Ingredients for Banana Apple Oat Cookies**
To make these delicious and nutritious cookies, you only need a few simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
### **Main Ingredients:**
– **2 ripe bananas**: The key ingredient for natural sweetness and moisture in the dough.
– **1 apple**: The apple will add more natural sweetness and moisture while providing an additional layer of flavor.
– **2 cups rolled oats**: The base of the cookie dough that provides fiber and texture. You can use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free option.
– **½ teaspoon cinnamon**: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor of the cookies.
– **½ teaspoon vanilla extract**: Enhances the overall flavor and sweetness of the cookies.
– **¼ teaspoon salt**: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
### **Optional Add-ins:**
– **¼ cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, or pecans)**: Adds crunch and healthy fats to the cookies.
– **¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries**: Provides extra sweetness and chewy texture.
– **2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds**: Adds a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
– **1-2 tablespoons nut butter (almond butter or peanut butter)**: Adds richness and flavor.
These optional add-ins can be mixed and matched according to your preferences or dietary needs. You can even experiment with other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or strawberries for a new twist on the classic recipe.
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Banana Apple Oat Cookies**
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making these delicious and nutritious cookies step by step.
### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
### **Step 2: Prepare the Banana and Apple**
– **Mash the Bananas**: Peel the ripe bananas and mash them in a bowl using a fork or potato masher. You want the bananas to be as smooth as possible, but some small lumps are fine.
– **Grate the Apple**: Grate the apple using a box grater or a food processor. There’s no need to peel the apple—just remove the seeds and core. The grated apple will add moisture to the dough and help bind everything together.
### **Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, grated apple, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky, but easy to stir.
### **Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients**
Now, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients:
– **Oats**: Stir in the rolled oats until they’re evenly mixed with the banana and apple mixture.
– **Cinnamon**: Add the cinnamon to give the cookies a warm, comforting flavor.
– **Salt**: Add salt to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Mix everything together until you have a thick, sticky dough. If the dough is too runny, you can add a bit more oats to help thicken it up.
### **Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients**
At this point, you can add any optional ingredients such as chopped nuts, raisins, dried cranberries, or seeds. Stir these in to evenly distribute them throughout the dough. If you’re adding nut butter, you can stir it in at this stage to enhance the richness of the cookies.
### **Step 6: Scoop the Dough onto the Baking Sheet**
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 1-2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading. Since these cookies don’t contain flour, they won’t spread too much, so don’t worry about them becoming too thin.
### **Step 7: Bake the Cookies**
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for **12-15 minutes**, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown around the edges. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your cookies.
Once they’re done, 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.
### **Step 8: Enjoy**
Once the cookies have cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! These cookies have a soft, chewy texture with a slight crispiness around the edges. They’re the perfect healthy snack or breakfast option, and they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage if you want to have a ready-made snack on hand at all times.
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