These Healthy Cookies are a wholesome treat made with simple ingredients like ripe bananas, oats, and almond milk. With no added sugar or flour, they are naturally sweetened and full of flavor, making them a perfect guilt-free snack or breakfast option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. They’re ideal for those following a gluten-free, refined sugar-free, or vegan diet. The natural sweetness from bananas and apple sauce, combined with dark chocolate chunks and the texture of oats, makes them satisfying and indulgent without compromising on health. Plus, they’re great for meal prep and can be customized with different add-ins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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3 mashed ripe bananas
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1/3 cup apple sauce
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2 cups oats
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1/4 cup almond milk
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1/4 cup raisins or nuts
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1 cup good dark chocolate chunks (Lily’s brand is recommended)
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1 tsp vanilla
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1 tsp cinnamon
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
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Add the apple sauce, almond milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
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Mix in the oats, followed by the raisins or nuts and dark chocolate chunks.
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Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes so the oats can absorb some moisture.
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Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet, flattening slightly with the back of a spoon.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the cookies are golden and firm to the touch.
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Allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12 cookies.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: 25–28 minutes
Variations
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Nut-Free Option: Replace nuts with sunflower seeds or additional raisins.
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Different Add-ins: Try chopped dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or chopped dates.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
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Chocolate-Free Version: Skip the chocolate and use more fruit for a naturally sweet bite.
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Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or chia seeds.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a toaster oven until heated through.
FAQs
What makes these cookies healthy?
These cookies are free from refined sugar and flour, using whole food ingredients like bananas, oats, and apple sauce for natural sweetness and fiber.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats will work, but they may result in a slightly softer texture.
Are these cookies vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients used are plant-based, making these cookies vegan-friendly.
Can I substitute the almond milk?
Absolutely. You can use any plant-based milk or regular dairy milk if preferred.
What can I use instead of apple sauce?
Mashed sweet potato or pumpkin puree are good alternatives to apple sauce.
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these cookies are gluten-free.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better. Overripe bananas with brown spots provide more sweetness and better texture.
Can I add eggs to this recipe?
You can, but they aren’t necessary. If you want a firmer texture, one egg can be added.
How do I prevent the cookies from being too soft?
Make sure to let the mixture sit before baking so the oats absorb moisture, and bake until they are golden and set.
Conclusion
These Healthy Cookies without sugar or flour are a simple yet satisfying treat for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier dessert or snack. With minimal ingredients and endless customization options, they’re perfect for busy weekdays or weekend baking. Wholesome, tasty, and easy to make—these cookies are a must-try for the health-conscious baker.
Print
Healthy Cookies – No Sugar! No Flour!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 12 cookies
Description
These Healthy Cookies – No Sugar! No Flour! are the ultimate guilt-free treat made with wholesome ingredients like bananas, oats, and dark chocolate. Naturally sweetened and easy to make, they’re perfect for clean snacking or a healthy dessert option!
Ingredients
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
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2 cups rolled oats
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1/4 cup almond milk
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1/4 cup raisins or chopped nuts
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1 cup dark chocolate chunks (sugar-free, such as Lily’s)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas. Stir in the applesauce, almond milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
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Add the oats and mix until combined.
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Fold in raisins or nuts and dark chocolate chunks.
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Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and cookies are set.
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Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
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Customize with your favorite add-ins like chia seeds, coconut flakes, or sunflower seeds.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
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Great for breakfast on-the-go or a healthy lunchbox snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes