Healthy No-Flour, No-Sugar Energy Cookies

✅ Introduction:

If you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert or snack that still satisfies your sweet tooth, these healthy cookies are your answer! They contain no refined sugar, no flour, and are packed with natural energy from oats, bananas, and nuts. Think of them as soft, chewy cookie bites that fuel your body while tasting delicious. Perfect for meal prep, kids’ lunchboxes, or a clean-eating dessert option.

📝 Ingredients:

  • 2 large ripe bananas (the riper, the sweeter!)
  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
  • ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional, for extra texture)
  • ⅓ cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
  • ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
  • ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Optional: 2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds for added nutrition

🍽️ Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth.
  3. Add the nut butter and vanilla extract to the mashed banana and mix well.
  4. Stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and any optional mix-ins (nuts, chocolate chips, coconut, seeds).
  5. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes. This allows the oats to absorb moisture and helps the cookies hold together.
  6. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form small cookie-shaped mounds on the baking sheet.
  7. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of the spoon or your fingers.
  8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  9. Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They will firm up as they cool.

🧁 Methods/Notes:

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Customization: You can swap peanut butter for tahini or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
  • Natural Sweetness: These cookies rely on the banana for sweetness. If your bananas aren’t very ripe, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup (still refined sugar-free!).
  • Texture Tip: For a smoother texture, pulse the oats in a blender for a few seconds before adding to the mixture.

🎉 Why You’ll Love It:

  • No refined sugar or flour
  • Vegan & gluten-free friendly
  • Great source of fiber, healthy fats, and energy
  • Ready in 20 minutes from start to finish!