Healthy Cookies – No Sugar, No Flour Recipe
Craving a sweet treat that won’t send your energy crashing or leave you with a sugar hangover? Let me introduce you to my favorite guilt-free snack: Healthy Cookies – No Sugar, No Flour! These power-packed cookies deliver all the chewy satisfaction of a homemade cookie, minus the usual suspects. Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and dried fruit, every bite is loaded with nourishing ingredients you can feel truly great about. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast on the go, a wholesome lunchbox surprise, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies fit the bill with their delightful flavor and incredible simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Healthy Cookies – No Sugar, No Flour couldn’t be easier. Each of these pantry staples does double-duty, enhancing flavor, texture, and even color. Here’s what you’ll need and why every bit matters:
- Ripe Bananas: Nature’s sweetener! The riper, the better for extra flavor and binding power.
- Rolled Oats: They give these cookies a hearty, chewy base and lasting energy.
- Natural Peanut Butter or Almond Butter: Brings healthy fats, creaminess, and a nutty richness that ties everything together.
- Raisins or Chopped Dates: Adds bursts of natural sweetness and extra chewiness.
- Chopped Nuts (Walnuts or Almonds): For subtle crunch, satisfying texture, and a nutrition boost.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash elevates all the flavors with sweet, aromatic warmth.
- Cinnamon: This little pinch is the secret to that cozy, irresistible cookie aroma.
- Pinch of Salt: It balances the sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
- Optional – Unsweetened Shredded Coconut or Dark Chocolate Chips (No Sugar Added): For a hint of tropical flair or a chocolatey surprise that stays within healthy boundaries.
How to Make Healthy Cookies – No Sugar, No Flour
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to make sure it’s perfectly hot by the time your dough is ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze—trust me, you’ll appreciate it later!
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Grab a medium bowl and mash your ripe bananas until smooth and creamy. This step is key, as those bananas are going to act as your base and binder, keeping the cookies moist and subtly sweet without any added sugar.
Step 3: Mix in Nut Butter and Vanilla
Add the natural peanut butter (or almond butter) and vanilla extract to your mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture helps glue the oats and other mix-ins together, while the vanilla rounds out the flavor.
Step 4: Add Oats, Dried Fruit, Nuts, Spice, and Salt
Now toss in the rolled oats, raisins or chopped dates, nuts, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Fold everything together gently so you don’t over-mix. If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s the time to sprinkle in a handful of shredded coconut or sugar-free dark chocolate chips for extra fun!
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. These cookies won’t spread much, so flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon for that perfect cookie shape.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your cookies into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until they’re set and just lightly golden on the edges. Once done, let them cool on the pan for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack (if you can resist grabbing one straight out of the oven!).
How to Serve Healthy Cookies – No Sugar, No Flour
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts on top just before serving adds a pop of color and a boost of flavor. You could even drizzle with a little warmed nut butter for extra decadence (without the guilt).
Side Dishes
These cookies are great alongside a morning coffee, a glass of cold almond milk, or some tangy Greek yogurt. They pair perfectly with a fruit salad for a balanced breakfast, or even as a wholesome side for an afternoon tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking them in a mason jar for a pretty, portable snack, or arrange them on a rustic wooden board with dried fruits and extra nuts for a healthy cookie platter. For kids, tuck a couple into their lunchbox with a silly note—they’ll love the novelty of a cookie that’s good for them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Healthy Cookies – No Sugar, No Flour fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and chewy—just the way they’re meant to be.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll last up to three months—perfect for those moments a healthy treat craving strikes.
Reheating
If you love warm cookies as much as I do, pop one or two in the microwave for about ten seconds, or heat them in a toaster oven. This brings back that fresh-baked taste and makes the cookies extra aromatic and soft.
FAQs
Are these cookies really sweet enough without sugar?
Absolutely! The ripe bananas and dried fruit (like raisins or dates) give Healthy Cookies – No Sugar, No Flour all the natural sweetness they need. You’ll be surprised at how satisfying and flavorful these cookies are, even without any added sugars.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats and double-check your optional add-ins. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great option for anyone avoiding wheat.
What other mix-ins can I try?
These cookies are incredibly customizable. Feel free to experiment with pumpkin seeds, chopped dried apricots, a dash of pumpkin spice, or even orange zest for a twist. The key is to keep the mix-ins wholesome and unsweetened.
Can I use a different nut or seed butter?
Definitely! Sunflower seed butter works well for those with nut allergies. You can also try cashew butter for a slightly sweeter, creamier cookie. Each one gives a unique, delicious flavor to your Healthy Cookies – No Sugar, No Flour.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are ready when they are set and lightly golden on the edges. They don’t get as crisp as traditional cookies, but letting them cool before moving helps them firm up and hold their chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried baking Healthy Cookies – No Sugar, No Flour yet, you’re honestly in for a surprise. They’re proof that wholesome can be downright delicious, and I can’t wait for these bites of goodness to become a favorite in your kitchen, too. Happy baking!
Print
Healthy Cookies – No Sugar, No Flour Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Healthy Cookies are a guilt-free delight, free from sugar and flour. Made with wholesome ingredients like bananas, oats, and nut butter, they are perfect for a nutritious snack or breakfast. Easy to make and delicious to eat!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/3 cup raisins or chopped dates
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- optional: 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut or dark chocolate chips (no sugar added)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Add the oats, raisins, chopped nuts, cinnamon, salt, and any optional ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheet and flatten slightly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Let cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally sweet from the bananas and dried fruit.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
