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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a medium-sized bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The bananas not only add natural sweetness but also help to bind the dough, giving the cookies a soft, chewy texture.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract, and stir until everything is well combined. The applesauce adds moisture and a subtle fruity sweetness without the need for added sugar.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is fully incorporated. If you like, you can also add raisins, chopped nuts, or flaxseeds for added texture and nutrition. The mixture should be thick but sticky.
6. Scoop the Dough onto the Baking Sheet
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each scoop slightly with the back of the spoon, as these cookies won’t spread much while baking.
7. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies feel firm to the touch. The cooking time will depend on the size of your cookies, so keep an eye on them.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Why This Recipe Is the Best
Natural Sweetness
The beauty of this recipe is that it uses whole, nutritious ingredients like ripe bananas and applesauce to create a naturally sweet flavor. This not only eliminates the need for refined sugar but also provides added vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making these cookies a healthier snack option.
No Butter, No Eggs
Another bonus is that these cookies are made without butter or eggs, which makes them a great option for those who are looking for dairy-free, vegan, or egg-free treats. You can easily swap out any ingredients for other allergy-friendly options—such as using a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseeds + 3 tablespoons of water) in place of eggs.
Customizable
This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Add dark chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence, or mix in seeds for a crunchy texture. You can even experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to create a flavor profile that suits your preferences.
Perfect for Meal Prep
These oatmeal cookies are great for meal prep or as a healthy snack throughout the week. They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or you can freeze them for longer storage. Just pop one in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm, comforting treat anytime!
Final Thoughts
If you love oatmeal cookies but want a healthier, sugar-free alternative, this German Oatmeal Cookie recipe is the perfect solution. With the natural sweetness of bananas and applesauce, and the wholesome goodness of oats and nuts, these cookies are both nutritious and delicious. Plus, they’re easy to make, customizable, and free from refined sugar, making them a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier treat without sacrificing flavor.
So, grab a few ripe bananas, some oats, and your favorite add-ins, and treat yourself to the best oatmeal cookies you’ve ever tasted—no sugar required!
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