Rise and Shine with Guilt-Free Goodness: Banana Oat Power Cookies
Hey there, fellow food adventurers! Let's be honest, sometimes our sweet tooth craves something comforting without derailing our healthy eating goals. That's where these amazing sugar-free banana oat power cookies come in. These aren't your average cookies, oh no! They're so wholesome and delicious, you might just find yourself reaching for one (or two!) at breakfast time, and I know I do!
I recently had an early start, and these little gems were my savior. Instead of a rushed breakfast, I grabbed a couple of these cookies, and they kept me satisfied and energized for hours. They're the perfect grab-and-go option for busy mornings or a healthy pick-me-up anytime you need a little boost.
What makes them so great? Well, they're incredibly simple to make. We're talking minimal effort and basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The magic comes from the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a scattering of juicy raisins. I like adding my raisins at the end for little bursts of sweetness, but feel free to mix them into the batter if you prefer.
Beyond bananas and raisins, we've got peanut butter for a dose of healthy fats and plant-based protein, giving these cookies some serious staying power. And of course, we can’t forget the rolled oats, adding a satisfying chewiness and gentle fiber. To hold everything together and pump up the nutrition, we're using ground flax seeds. A touch of cinnamon and salt enhance the flavor, and a tiny bit of baking soda helps them rise just right. Trust me, even if you're not a baking pro, you can nail these cookies!
Key Ingredients & Why They Rock:
- Ripe Bananas: The natural sweetener and binder that provides moisture and holds everything together. Mash them well with a fork to release their full potential.
- Nut Butter: I went with peanut butter, but almond butter works just as well. Choose a 100% natural butter with no added sugar or oils for the healthiest option. Whether you prefer crunchy or smooth, it's your call!
- Ground Flax Seeds: These little guys not only add nutritional value but also act as a binder to help hold the cookies together. Ground chia seeds should work similarly but I've not tested them.
- Rolled Oats: I prefer large rolled oats for their delightful chewy texture. They're also less processed than instant oats, which is a great bonus.
- Cinnamon & Salt: A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and flavor, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
- Baking Soda: Just a tiny amount helps these cookies rise to perfection.
- Raisins (or Cranberries, if you must): Add some chewy pops of sweetness and texture. For best results soak the raisins in boiling water for 5 minutes and then squeeze dry to ensure they don't make the dough too wet. If using cranberries check they are not sweetened.
Let's Get Baking!
- First, preheat your oven to 160°C (fan) or 180°C (no fan) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mash those ripe bananas like you mean it with a fork. Add in the nut butter and ground flax seeds, mixing until well combined.
- Next, add the rolled oats, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda. Mix it up until everything is nice and cozy.
- Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to thicken up, or pop it in the freezer if you'd prefer to shape the cookies with your hands later.
- Divide the mixture into 12 even portions on the baking tray, flatten them slightly, and add your raisins, gently pressing them in.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, until the edges are darkish brown. Let them cool down completely before enjoying (they will be fragile initially).
The Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 240g (1 cup mashed) ripe bananas, peeled
- 100g (½ cup) natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 ½ tbsp ground flax seeds
- 140g (1 ½ cups) rolled oats
- ¼ tsp fine salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 20g (2 tbsp) raisins, soaked in boiling water for 5 mins
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 160°C (fan) or 180°C (no fan). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Mash bananas with a fork, add nut butter and flaxseed, mix well.
- Add oats, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda, mix until combined
- Rest for 10-15 mins. Divide the mixture into 12 cookies and flatten, decorate with raisins.
- Bake for ~20 mins, let cool.
Notes:
- If you prefer a sweeter cookie, add more raisins to the batter.
- Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free if you have gluten sensitivities.
Enjoy your healthy treat!
These sugar-free banana oat cookies are perfect for a quick breakfast, a pre-workout snack, or a guilt-free treat anytime. Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to make them your own! Happy baking, and remember to tag us in your creations!
#healthy #sugarfree #oatcookies #bananacookies #healthyrecipes #easybaking