Healthy Banana-Blueberry Almond Cookies
A Health-Conscious, Blood Sugar-Friendly Treat
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Yield: 12-15 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (not too ripe to lower sugar content)
- 1 cup almond flour (for lower carbohydrate content)
- ½ cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- Natural sweetener (stevia or monk fruit sweetener, quantity to taste)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (maintains moisture without added sugar)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon (helps with blood sugar control)
- ¼ tsp salt
- Chopped walnuts (rich in healthy fats)
- Frozen blueberries (one for each cookie; low in sugar, high in antioxidants)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine almond flour, rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, thoroughly mix the mashed banana, chosen sweetener, and applesauce.
- Combine: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Add Walnuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden.
- Top with Blueberries: Immediately after baking, gently press a frozen blueberry into the top of each cookie.
- Cool: Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Health Value Indicators:
- Low Glycemic Index: Almond flour and natural sweeteners help keep the blood sugar impact low.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: Walnuts add omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
- Antioxidant-Rich: Blueberries offer a boost of antioxidants.
- Gluten-Free Potential: By using gluten-free oats, this recipe can be made suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Recommendations & Options:
- Sweetener Variations: Adjust the type and amount of sweetener based on dietary needs and taste preferences.
- Nut Substitutions: Feel free to substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds for varied nutrition and flavor.
- Add-Ins for Fun: Consider incorporating a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract for added depth in flavor.
- Play with Shapes and Colors: Use cookie cutters and natural food coloring for a more whimsical presentation.
- Decorative Toppings: Garnish with unsweetened coconut flakes or edible flowers for an extra special touch.
Enjoy these delightful, health-conscious cookies that are as pleasing to the palate as they are beneficial for your well-being. Perfect for sharing with friends and family who are mindful of their sugar intake but still enjoy a sweet, wholesome treat. Happy baking!
