If you’re looking for a delicious yet nutritious snack, these healthy dessert cookies are an excellent choice! Packed with wholesome ingredients and naturally sweetened with fruits, these cookies make for a perfect treat any time of the day. Whether you’re in need of a post-workout snack or a simple dessert, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings without the guilt.
Ingredients
- 120 g oat flour (1 cup)
- 50 g dried cranberries (1/3 cup)
- 50 g walnuts, roughly chopped (1/2 cup)
- 1 banana, mashed (about 1 medium banana)
- 1 apple, grated or finely chopped (1 medium apple)
- 50 g rolled oats (1/2 cup)
- Optional: powdered sugar for decoration
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, mash the banana with a fork until it becomes creamy. This will act as a natural sweetener and binder for your cookies.
- Grate the apple or chop it finely. This adds moisture and a touch of natural sweetness to the cookies.
- In another large bowl, combine the oat flour and rolled oats. Mix them well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Add the mashed banana and grated apple to the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts. Mix until the dough is moist but still manageable.
- With slightly wet hands, form the mixture into cookies, placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly to achieve an even bake.
- Leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread slightly while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Optional: Once completely cool, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie (assuming a batch makes about 10 cookies) is approximately:
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter your cookies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best flavor.
- Alternative Sweeteners: If you prefer, you can add a dash of maple syrup or honey to the mix for additional sweetness.
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Possible Variations
- Chocolate Chip Variation: Replace some or all of the dried cranberries with dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Nut-free Option: Omit the walnuts and substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative that’s just as delicious.
These healthy dessert cookies are not just easy to make but also versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try out the variations, you can enjoy a delightful treat that aligns with your health goals. Happy baking!