Discover a delicious healthy cookies recipe made without sugar! Naturally sweetened, easy to make, and perfect for guilt-free everyday snacking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of everyday ingredients can make such magical cookies. Each ingredient stars in its own right here—bananas and applesauce naturally sweeten, oats provide irresistible chew, and chocolate brings that special something. Here’s how each one brings these Healthy Cookies Without Sugar to life:
- Ripe Bananas: Use the ripest bananas you can find; they’re the secret weapon for natural sweetness and a soft cookie texture.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds extra moisture and boosts the natural sweetness without adding sugar.
- Oats: Heart-healthy and wonderfully hearty, oats give the cookies a chewy structure and fiber boost.
- Almond Milk: Moistens the dough and ensures those oats bake up tender, not dry.
- Raisins or Nuts: Pick your favorite! Raisins add bursts of sweetness; nuts offer crunch and healthy fats.
- Dark Chocolate Chunks: Be sure to choose a no-sugar-added brand (like Lily’s) for rich, decadent chocolate in every bite.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and makes the cookie aroma irresistible.
- Ground Cinnamon: Brings a warm, cozy spice that plays beautifully with banana and chocolate.
How to Make Healthy Cookies Without Sugar
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and helps set them up for that perfect golden color. Don’t skip the preheat—beginning with a hot oven is key for the right texture in these Healthy Cookies Without Sugar.
Step 2: Mix Banana and Applesauce
Mash up your three ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl, then stir in the unsweetened applesauce. Work them together until you get a smooth, creamy base. This combo is where all the natural sweetness comes from, and it helps keep the cookies perfectly moist.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Now, pour in your vanilla extract and sprinkle in the cinnamon. Stir well to combine—the kitchen will start smelling amazing already. These additions make a world of difference, turning humble bananas and oats into a treat that’s genuinely crave-worthy.
Step 4: Fold in Oats
Time for the oats! Gently fold them into your wet mixture until everything is fully combined. The oats absorb the moisture and hold the cookies together, so make sure you stir thoroughly for even distribution.
Step 5: Add Almond Milk, Raisins or Nuts, and Chocolate
Pour in the almond milk and stir to moisten those oats. Next, add your chosen mix-in—raisins for fruity pockets or nuts for crunch—plus the dark chocolate chunks. Make sure everything is spread throughout so every bite has a bit of everything.
Step 6: Prep the Baking Sheet
Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a light coating of oil. This step prevents sticking and ensures your Healthy Cookies Without Sugar lift right off after baking without fuss.
Step 7: Scoop and Shape
Spoon out heaping tablespoons of batter onto the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Flatten them slightly with the back of your spoon or your hand—they won’t spread much as they bake, so shape them now for the perfect cookie look.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for cookies that feel firm and are just turning golden at the edges. Keep an eye on them—your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and chocolate!
Step 9: Cool on the Baking Sheet
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the tray before moving them. This resting time helps them firm up and makes transferring them to a wire rack easy and mess-free.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Once they’re completely cooled, your Healthy Cookies Without Sugar are ready to share or savor solo. Pour yourself a coffee or tea and dig in—you’ve earned it!
How to Serve Healthy Cookies Without Sugar
Garnishes
Top each cookie with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a few chocolate shavings, or even a dusting of finely chopped nuts. These small touches add both visual appeal and a flavor boost, taking your Healthy Cookies Without Sugar right over the top.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of almond milk or a warm mug of herbal tea for a comforting snack. For breakfast, serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or Greek yogurt for the ultimate nutritious morning treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies on a rustic platter, wrap them up in parchment and tie with string for adorable gifts, or sandwich two cookies around a smear of natural nut butter for a decadent twist. However you share them, Healthy Cookies Without Sugar will wow friends and family every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place completely cooled cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, making them perfect for on-the-go snacks or healthy lunchbox additions.
Freezing
Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature overnight whenever you want a homemade treat.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. The chocolate will get perfectly melty, and the cookies will taste just like freshly baked Healthy Cookies Without Sugar.
FAQs
Can I substitute the bananas with another fruit?
You can swap the bananas for pureed pumpkin or sweet potato, but keep in mind the taste and sweetness will change. Bananas give both moisture and natural sugars, which make these Healthy Cookies Without Sugar extra special.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free oats, your cookies will be entirely gluten-free. Always check the packaging, especially if you’re baking for someone with severe sensitivities.
What are the best nuts to use?
Pecans, walnuts, or almonds work perfectly—each brings its own flavor and crunch. Pick your personal favorite or even use a mix for extra texture in every bite of your Healthy Cookies Without Sugar.
Can I leave out the chocolate?
Absolutely! If you want to keep things extra wholesome or avoid chocolate, try using extra raisins, dried cranberries, or even shredded coconut for a different but equally delicious take.
How can I make the cookies chewier?
For extra chewy cookies, simply bake them at the lower end of the time range and let them cool completely. The natural moisture from the bananas and applesauce helps keep Healthy Cookies Without Sugar soft and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Healthy Cookies Without Sugar—they turn everyday ingredients into something you’ll crave all week long. Whip up a batch, share with loved ones, and enjoy the sweet side of healthy eating!
Print
Healthy Cookies Without Sugar Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These healthy cookies without sugar are naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and applesauce, making them a delicious and guilt-free treat. Packed with oats, raisins or nuts, and rich dark chocolate chunks, they’re satisfying, easy to make, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Free from refined sugar, dairy, and flour, these wholesome cookies are ideal for those looking for a nutritious option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups oats
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Add-ins
- 1/4 cup raisins or nuts (your choice)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (e.g., Lily’s brand)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Combine Bananas and Applesauce: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas and add the unsweetened applesauce. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Vanilla and Cinnamon: Mix in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly so the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Incorporate Oats: Add the oats to the bowl. Stir until the oats are fully coated and combined with the banana mixture.
- Add Almond Milk and Extras: Pour in the almond milk to help moisten the oats. Fold in the raisins or nuts and dark chocolate chunks, ensuring that all add-ins are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking while baking.
- Shape the Cookies: Spoon out portions of the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Gently flatten each portion with the back of a spoon or your hand for even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are firm and lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, the cookies are ready to enjoy. Serve as a healthy snack, breakfast, or dessert!
Notes
- Use spotty, overripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness.
- Customize the add-ins—swap raisins for cranberries, or nuts for seeds if desired.
- The cookies will not spread much, so shape them before baking.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American