Healthy Banana Oat Cookies Recipe

These Healthy Banana Oat Cookies are a delicious and nutritious snack, combining the natural sweetness of bananas with the wholesome goodness of oats. They’re simple to make, and you can customize them with your favorite nuts or dried fruits. Best of all, they’re a guilt-free treat you can enjoy anytime!

Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas
250 grams oat flakes (you can use gluten-free oats if needed)
1 teaspoon baking powder or baking soda
40 grams cashew nuts (or any nuts of your choice, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bananas:

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until they are smooth and creamy. Make sure to mash the bananas well to avoid any large chunks in the cookies.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:

Add the oat flakes, baking powder (or baking soda), and cashew nuts (or other nuts of your choice, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans) into the mashed bananas.
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. You should have a thick dough that holds together.

3. Shape the Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Using your hands or a spoon, shape the dough into small, round cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading as they bake.

4. Bake the Cookies:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Check the cookies after 20 minutes to make sure they’re not overbaking. If they’re starting to get too brown, you can remove them earlier.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Enjoy these healthy and tasty banana oat cookies as a snack, breakfast, or dessert!

Nutritional Information:

These cookies are made with nutritious ingredients, and here’s why they’re so good for you:

Bananas provide natural sweetness, potassium, and fiber.
Oat flakes are a great source of fiber and protein, which help in digestion and provide lasting energy.
Cashew nuts (or other nuts) add healthy fats and protein, promoting heart health and fullness.
These cookies are naturally sweetened, so they’re a great option if you’re looking to reduce refined sugar intake.

Dietary Information:

Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is vegan if you skip using honey or any other non-vegan ingredients.
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure that the oat flakes you use are certified gluten-free to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage:

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and thaw before consuming.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies:

Healthy Snack: Packed with fiber from oats and nutrients from bananas, these cookies are a wholesome snack.
Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, these cookies are a breeze to make.
Customizable: Add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to make these cookies your own. Try adding chocolate chips, cranberries, or raisins for variety.
Great for Weight Management: These cookies are naturally sweetened, high in fiber, and provide healthy fats, making them a great snack for weight management when eaten in moderation.

FAQs (Q/A)

1. Can I use other fruits instead of bananas?

Yes! While bananas provide the natural sweetness and moisture needed in this recipe, you can experiment with other fruits like applesauce or pumpkin puree. Just keep in mind that this may slightly change the texture and flavor of the cookies.

2. Can I use other types of nuts?

Absolutely! You can swap cashew nuts for other nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts based on your preference. You can also skip the nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.

3. How can I make these cookies sweeter?

If you prefer sweeter cookies, you can add a bit of maple syrup, agave syrup, or a small amount of stevia or coconut sugar to the mixture. Adjust according to your sweetness preference.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! To make these cookies gluten-free, just ensure that the oat flakes you use are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

5. Can I add chocolate chips or dried fruits to these cookies?

Definitely! You can mix in a handful of chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries, or even dried apricots for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the quantity of oats to maintain the right consistency for the dough.

6. How long can I store the cookies?

These cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw and enjoy!

Conclusion:

These Healthy Banana Oat Cookies are a delightful treat that is both nutritious and delicious. They are perfect for a quick snack, breakfast, or dessert, and the best part is that they’re easy to make and customizable to your preferences. Packed with the goodness of oats and bananas, these cookies are a great way to indulge in a healthier treat. Give them a try, and enjoy a guilt-free moment!