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#### **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven** to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. **Prepare the bananas**: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be, so make sure to choose bananas that are speckled with brown spots.
3. **Add the apples**: Peel, core, and finely chop the apple. Add the chopped apple to the mashed bananas, stirring to combine.
4. **Mix in the oats**: Add the rolled oats to the banana and apple mixture. Stir well until everything is fully combined. If you’d like to add cinnamon, vanilla extract, or other spices, now is the time to add them.
5. **Add optional ingredients**: If you want to add raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture. If you prefer a lighter texture, add the baking powder at this stage.
6. **Form the cookies**: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press the dough down to flatten them slightly.
7. **Bake**: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
8. **Cool and enjoy**: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your Banana Apple Oat Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a healthy snack throughout the day.
### **Tips for the Perfect Banana Apple Oat Cookies**
– **Use ripe bananas**: Ripe bananas are sweeter and easier to mash, making them the perfect base for these cookies. If your bananas are not quite ripe enough, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two.
– **Don’t overmix the dough**: Stir the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense, dry cookies.
– **Adjust the sweetness**: If you prefer your cookies sweeter, you can add a tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar to the dough. However, the natural sweetness of the bananas and apples is usually sufficient.
– **Store leftovers properly**: These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze them for up to three months.
### **Conclusion: A Guilt-Free Treat for Any Occasion**
Banana Apple Oat Cookies (No Sugar, No Flour) are the perfect combination of health and indulgence. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, these cookies are naturally sweetened and provide essential nutrients without the use of refined sugars or flour. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast on the go, a midday snack, or a guilt-free dessert, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings without compromising your health goals.
By making Banana Apple Oat Cookies, you’re not only treating yourself to a delicious snack, but you’re also nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients that support your overall well-being. So, the next time you crave something sweet, skip the processed treats and whip up a batch of these healthy cookies instead. Your body (and your taste buds) will thank you!
