If you’re on the hunt for a delicious yet nutritious treat, look no further! These Healthy Chocolate Cookies are not only packed with flavor but also made with wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about. With ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and a touch of maple syrup, these cookies are a guilt-free indulgence that will satisfy your sweet tooth while nourishing your body. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a post-workout treat, these cookies are easy to whip up and even easier to devour!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Natural sweetness from ripe bananas and pure maple syrup.
- Rich chocolate flavor without the guilt.
- Packed with protein and fiber to keep you satisfied.
- Customizable with your favorite nut butters and mix-ins.
- Easy to make in one bowl—less mess and fuss!
The Ingredient Lineup
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1/3 cup natural creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (can substitute with honey)
- 1 large egg (or a flax egg for a vegan option)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup oat flour
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder*
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats, plus 3 tablespoons
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top
Equipment & Tools
- Mixing bowl: For combining all your ingredients.
- Fork or potato masher: To mash the bananas until smooth.
- Baking sheet: To bake your cookies—line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking perfection.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon: For portioning out your cookie dough.
How to Prepare Healthy Chocolate Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1 cup of mashed bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the creamy peanut butter, pure maple syrup, large egg (or flax egg), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the oat flour, chocolate protein powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, chia seeds (if using), baking soda, and sea salt. This will ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cookies.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the old-fashioned oats and chocolate chips. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 7: Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded amounts of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread a little while baking.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly dry. They may seem soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for that extra touch!
International Equivalents
- 1 cup mashed bananas = approximately 240 ml
- 1/3 cup peanut butter = approximately 80 ml
- 1/4 cup maple syrup = approximately 60 ml
- 1 large egg = approximately 50 g
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats = approximately 90 g
Behind the Recipe
This Healthy Chocolate Cookies recipe combines the goodness of bananas and oats to create a dessert that is not only indulgent but also nutritious. Inspired by the need for healthier sweet treats, these cookies are a perfect way to incorporate more fruits and whole grains into your diet. They are ideal for busy families looking for a quick yet wholesome snack or a nutritious dessert option.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month. To freeze, simply place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds!
Common Questions
Can I use a different nut butter in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for peanut butter, you can easily substitute it with almond butter, cashew butter, or any nut butter of your choice. Just make sure it’s natural and creamy for the best texture.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oat flour and oats, these cookies will be gluten-free. Just be sure to check labels, as not all oats are processed in gluten-free facilities.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, simply replace the egg with a flax egg. To create a flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
Can I add more chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate chips to your liking, or add in your favorite mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of coconut for added flavor.
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Serve & Enjoy
These Healthy Chocolate Cookies are a delightful way to satisfy your chocolate cravings while staying healthy. Serve them fresh out of the oven, or pack them in your lunchbox for a sweet treat during the day. You can even crumble them over yogurt or a smoothie bowl for a delicious breakfast twist. With their rich chocolate flavor and chewy texture, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your home.
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Healthy Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy.
- In a mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1 cup of mashed bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be!
- Add the creamy peanut butter, pure maple syrup, large egg (or flax egg), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the oat flour, chocolate protein powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, chia seeds (if using), baking soda, and sea salt. This will ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cookies.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Gently fold in the old-fashioned oats and chocolate chips. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded amounts of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread a little while baking.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly dry. They may seem soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for that extra touch!
Notes
- For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
