These Healthy Gluten-Free Cookies are perfect for anyone seeking a nutritious treat without compromising on flavor. Made with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, gluten-free oats, and creamy peanut butter, these cookies are both nutritious and delicious. They are free from added sugars and oils, making them a lighter, guilt-free alternative to traditional cookies. Enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a healthy dessert option that everyone can appreciate!

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (or 1 cup applesauce as a substitute)
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter of your choice)
• 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (almond milk is recommended, but any non-dairy milk works)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts or raisins (optional)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (use dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate based on preference)

Preparation

Step 1: Mash the Bananas

• In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the ripe bananas until they reach a smooth, almost creamy consistency. If substituting with applesauce, add it directly to the bowl.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

• Add the creamy peanut butter, gluten-free oats, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the bowl.
• If desired, include the optional chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture.
• Add the chocolate chips and stir everything together until well-combined. The mixture should be thick but sticky.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

• Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• These cookies won’t spread much in the oven since they lack flour or baking powder, so shape each one as you prefer them to look after baking.

Step 4: Chill

• Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes. This step is essential for helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Step 5: Bake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake the cookies for approximately 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the tops look set.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
• Enjoy these gluten-free, healthy cookies warm or at room temperature.

Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to make these cookies nut-free.
• Add Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Coconut Flakes: Add unsweetened coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
• Fruit Variation: Replace the chocolate chips with dried cranberries, cherries, or blueberries for a fruity version.

Cooking Note

• Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you need the cookies to be fully gluten-free.
• For a chewier texture, reduce baking time slightly; for a firmer cookie, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Use ripe bananas, as they’ll mash easily and provide natural sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies with a glass of almond milk for a dairy-free pairing.
• These cookies make a great addition to a healthy breakfast spread or a snack platter.
• Top each cookie with a dollop of almond butter or drizzle melted dark chocolate for added indulgence.

Tips

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, in the fridge for up to 7 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Chilling: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps firm up the dough and keeps the cookies from spreading.
• Banana Substitute: Applesauce works as an excellent substitute for bananas if you prefer a different flavor or need to use what you have on hand.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Protein: 2 grams
• Sodium: 50 mg

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on one cookie.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What makes these cookies healthy?
A: These cookies are free from refined flour, added sugars, and oils. Instead, they rely on natural sweetness from bananas and creamy nut butter, making them lighter than traditional cookies.

Q2: Can I omit the nuts or raisins?
A: Yes, the nuts and raisins are entirely optional. If you don’t want to add them, feel free to substitute with more oats or skip them altogether.

Q3: What’s the best way to store these cookies?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They can also be kept in the refrigerator for a week or frozen for up to 2 months.

Q4: Are these cookies vegan?
A: Yes, these cookies are vegan, as they don’t contain any dairy or eggs. Just make sure the chocolate chips you use are dairy-free.

Q5: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes, quick oats will work if that’s what you have on hand. They may yield a slightly softer texture, but the cookies will still taste great.

Q6: How can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?
A: If you prefer them without chocolate chips, you can substitute with dried fruits, more nuts, or just omit them altogether.

Conclusion

These Healthy Gluten-Free Cookies are a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet treat while keeping things nutritious and wholesome. The combination of bananas, oats, and peanut butter offers a satisfying texture and flavor, while chocolate chips add a hint of indulgence. Perfect for busy mornings, mid-day snacks, or post-workout fuel, these cookies are versatile, easy to make, and naturally gluten-free. Give them a try and discover just how delicious healthy eating can be!