Craving a delicious treat but worried about derailing your healthy eating plan? Fear not! We have the perfect guilt-free cookie recipe that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also packs a punch of nutritional goodness. These functional cookies are the perfect balance of taste and health, making them an ideal guilt-free snack for any time of day. Let’s dive into this wholesome recipe and indulge without the guilt!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for added indulgence)
- You can buy all ingridients on Sainsburys website
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, chia seeds, ground flaxseeds, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the unsweetened applesauce, almond butter, and pure vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until you have a creamy, well-combined mixture.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly incorporated. If desired, fold in the dark chocolate chips for a delightful touch of sweetness.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon or your fingers, as they won’t spread much during baking.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your guilt-free functional cookies with a cup of tea or a glass of almond milk for a delightful snack that won’t compromise your healthy lifestyle.
Health Benefits:
These functional cookies are not only delicious but also offer an array of health benefits:
- Oats: Rich in fiber, oats aid in digestion, keep you feeling full, and help stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Almond Flour and Almond Butter: Both are excellent sources of healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E, promoting heart health and providing sustained energy.
- Chia Seeds and Flaxseeds: Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and essential nutrients, these seeds contribute to better heart health and improved digestion.
- Cinnamon: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Dark Chocolate (optional): Packed with antioxidants, dark chocolate in moderation can be a mood booster and improve heart health.
Conclusion
Who said you can’t have your cookies and eat them guilt-free too? With this functional cookie recipe, you can enjoy a delicious treat while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. So, go ahead and bake a batch of these delightful cookies, savoring every guilt-free bite. Remember, indulging in healthier alternatives is a sweet way to stay on track with your wellness goals without compromising on taste!
