HEALTHY COOKIES

If you’re looking for a delicious cookie recipe that’s both healthy and satisfying, look no further! These Healthy Cookies are packed with wholesome ingredients and free from refined sugars and flour. Perfect for a quick snack or a nutritious dessert, these cookies prove that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for health.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 2 cups oats
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup raisins or nuts (your choice)
• 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (Lily’s brand recommended)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, and almond milk. Stir in the oats, chocolate chunks, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well mixed. Add raisins or nuts if using.
3. Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping them into cookie forms. These cookies will not spread much, so shape them as you’d like them to appear.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
5. 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. Enjoy your healthy, homemade treat!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Serving Warm: These Healthy Cookies are delicious when enjoyed warm right out of the oven. The chocolate chunks will be slightly gooey, making them extra comforting.
• Pairing: Serve them with a glass of almond milk or a cup of herbal tea for a delightful snack or light dessert.
• Portion Control: These cookies are nutritious but still calorie-dense, so enjoy them in moderation. They make for a great on-the-go snack or a quick energy boost.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store your Healthy Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming too dry.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: To thaw frozen cookies, leave them at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before eating. For a warm treat, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Avoid Humidity: Keep the cookies away from high humidity to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Healthy Cookies at their best, whether fresh or after freezing.

Variations:

1. Nut Butter Version: Substitute the apple sauce with 1/4 cup of your favorite nut butter (like almond or peanut butter) for added richness and a nutty flavor.
2. Add Seeds: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of chia seeds or flaxseeds into the mix for extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Different Fruits: Swap raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or chopped dates to change up the sweetness and texture.
4. Spiced Cookies: Enhance the flavor profile by adding spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of each to find the perfect balance.
5. Coconut Flakes: Mix in 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut for a chewy texture and a hint of tropical flavor.
6. Protein Boost: Add a scoop of protein powder to the mixture to increase the protein content. This is especially useful for a post-workout snack.
7. Vegan Option: Replace the dark chocolate chunks with vegan chocolate chips and ensure your almond milk is fortified and plant-based.
8. Zest and Juice: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest and a tablespoon of juice for a citrusy twist.
9. Chunky Style: For more texture, mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even some additional dark chocolate chunks.
10. Granola Cookies: Blend in 1/2 cup of granola for added crunch and a different texture.
11. Chia Jam Filling: Add a spoonful of chia seed jam (made with chia seeds, fruit puree, and a bit of sweetener) in the center of each cookie before baking for a fruity surprise.
12. Apple Cinnamon: Mix in 1/2 cup finely chopped apple and a bit more cinnamon for a delicious apple cinnamon flavor.
13. Peanut Butter Swirl: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (or any nut butter) to the cookie dough and swirl it in for a nutty twist.
14. Matcha Cookies: Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into the dough for a unique flavor and a boost of antioxidants.
15. Pumpkin Spice: Replace the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and mix in 1/2 cup canned pumpkin for a seasonal twist.
16. Berry Burst: Use dried blueberries or strawberries instead of raisins for a burst of berry flavor.

Feel free to experiment with these variations to create your perfect batch of Healthy Cookies!

FAQs:

1. Can I use other types of milk besides almond milk? Yes, you can use any type of milk, such as cow’s milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Just ensure that it’s unsweetened if you’re aiming to keep the recipe healthy.

2. Can I substitute the mashed bananas with something else? Yes, you can use applesauce, pumpkin puree, or mashed sweet potatoes as a substitute for mashed bananas. However, this will alter the flavor and texture slightly.

3. Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies? If you have nut allergies, avoid using almond milk and nut-based chocolate. You can substitute these with other allergy-friendly options like oat milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.

4. Can I make these cookies without raisins or nuts? Absolutely! You can omit the raisins or nuts or substitute them with other mix-ins like seeds or dried fruit.

5. How do I make these cookies vegan? To make these cookies vegan, ensure you use vegan chocolate chunks and check that your almond milk is plant-based. The recipe is already egg-free and dairy-free.

6. Can I add protein powder to this recipe? Yes, adding a scoop of protein powder is a great way to boost the protein content. Just ensure it’s a flavor that complements the cookies.

7. How long do these cookies stay fresh? These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them.

8. Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze these cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

9. How do I prevent the cookies from being too dry? To prevent dryness, be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.

10. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends as a substitute for all-purpose flour. The texture may vary slightly depending on the flour used.

These FAQs should help address common questions and assist you in customizing your Healthy Cookies to suit your preferences and dietary needs!

These Healthy Cookies are a fantastic way to enjoy a guilt-free treat that’s both nutritious and delicious. With simple ingredients and a quick baking time, you can easily whip up a batch of these wholesome cookies for a satisfying snack or dessert. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cookies or just a tasty new recipe, these cookies are sure to become a favorite! Enjoy baking and savoring every bite of these delightful treats.