Looking for a delicious, sugar-free cookie recipe that’s both simple and healthy? These Banana Walnut Cranberry Cookies are perfect for a guilt-free treat. With only a few wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries, these cookies are naturally sweetened and packed with nutrients. The addition of lavender and green tea provides a unique twist, while the vanillin brings a delightful aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these healthy, clean cookies:
- Bananas: 2 ripe ones
- Walnuts: 1 cup, chopped
- Vanillin: A sprinkle (or use vanilla extract)
- Dried Cranberries: 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
- Lavender and Green Tea (optional, for a unique infusion)
- Rose petals and blackberry (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (380°F). Preheating ensures that the cookies bake evenly and develop a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the two ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher.
- Mash the bananas until they are smooth and creamy. Bananas are the natural sweetener for this recipe, providing a soft and chewy texture to the cookies.
Step 3: Add the Chopped Walnuts
- Fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts into the mashed bananas. The walnuts add a satisfying crunch and provide a boost of healthy fats and protein.
Step 4: Add Vanillin for Flavor
- Sprinkle a small amount of vanillin (or vanilla extract) into the mixture. This step enhances the natural flavors, adding a warm, sweet aroma that complements the bananas and walnuts.
Step 5: Add the Cranberries
- Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the mixture. The cranberries provide a burst of fruity sweetness and a hint of tartness, balancing out the creaminess of the bananas and the crunch of the walnuts.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick baking.
- Use a spoon or your hands to shape the cookie dough into small rounds, about the size of a golf ball.
- Place each cookie onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Press down lightly to flatten the cookies into a round shape.
Step 7: Lavender and Green Tea Infusion (Optional)
For a unique and subtle flavor enhancement, try adding a pinch of lavender and green tea to your cookies.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of lavender and ground green tea over the cookies before baking. This optional step adds a delicate, herbal aroma and flavor that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the bananas.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
- Place your cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until they develop a golden brown color.
- Keep an eye on the cookies during the last 5 minutes of baking to ensure they don’t overbake.
Step 9: Garnish with Elegance (Optional)
For an extra touch of elegance:
- Once the cookies are out of the oven, garnish them with a few rose petals and a light sprinkle of blackberry. This adds both visual appeal and a burst of flavor.
Step 10: Tea Time
These sugar-free cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of lavender-infused tea.
- Simply steep a few rose petals and a pinch of lavender in hot water for about 5 minutes.
- The result is a calming, aromatic tea that complements the earthy, nutty flavors of the cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar-free banana walnut cranberry cookies are perfect for any time of day:
- For breakfast: Pair with a cup of coffee or herbal tea for a light, wholesome start to your day.
- As a snack: These cookies make a great snack that’s both nutritious and satisfying, perfect for an afternoon energy boost.
- For dessert: Enjoy them as a guilt-free dessert after dinner. Their natural sweetness makes them a perfect ending to any meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Depending on the size of your cookies, this recipe yields about 12-15 cookies. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information per cookie:
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Natural Sugars: 7 g
These cookies are low in calories, sugar-free, and packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein. The bananas and cranberries provide natural sweetness, while the walnuts add crunch and essential nutrients.
Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice
1. Sugar-Free and Naturally Sweetened
This recipe uses the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and dried cranberries, eliminating the need for added sugars. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a sweet treat without refined sugar.
2. Simple and Healthy Ingredients
With only a few ingredients, these cookies are easy to make and focus on whole, nutritious foods like bananas, walnuts, and cranberries.
3. Versatile and Customizable
You can easily customize this recipe by swapping out the cranberries for raisins, dates, or even adding dark chocolate chips for an extra treat. The lavender and green tea infusion is optional but adds a special twist for those looking to experiment with flavors.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep
These cookies are great for meal prep! Make a batch and store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze them for a quick snack when you’re on the go.
Conclusion:
These sugar-free Banana Walnut Cranberry Cookies are a perfect example of how clean, healthy ingredients can come together to create a delicious and satisfying treat. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a light dessert, or a guilt-free breakfast option, these cookies fit the bill. With the optional lavender and green tea infusion, they offer a unique twist on traditional cookies, making them a delightful and elegant choice for any occasion.