These 3-ingredient healthy chocolate cookies are a simple and delicious treat made with bananas, oats, and cacao powder. Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, these cookies are gluten-free, vegan, and free from refined sugar. Perfect for a quick snack or healthy dessert, they are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with only three wholesome ingredients
- Naturally sweet—no added sugar required
- Vegan, gluten-free, and healthy
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes
- Customizable with mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 very ripe large bananas
- 1 cup quick oats (use gluten-free oats if needed)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder
- Optional mix-ins: Chocolate chips, cacao nibs, chopped nuts, raisins, coconut flakes, flaxseed, vanilla, diced raspberries, dried cranberries
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick foil.
- Prepare the Dough – In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the unsweetened cacao powder and quick oats, starting with ¾ cup of oats and adding more as needed until a cookie dough-like consistency forms.
- Add Mix-Ins (Optional) – Fold in any additional ingredients like chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Shape the Cookies – Drop about 15 clumps of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten and shape them with your hands, as these cookies won’t spread while baking.
- Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until firm and set.
- Cool and Enjoy – Let the cookies cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm but can be stored for later.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 15 cookies
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Baking Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
Variations
- Classic Banana Oat Cookies – Skip the cacao powder for a more traditional banana oat cookie.
- Nutty Delight – Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch.
- Fruity Twist – Mix in dried cranberries, raisins, or diced raspberries for natural sweetness.
- Coconut Flavor – Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
- Protein Boost – Add a tablespoon of flaxseed or a scoop of protein powder.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration – Keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing – Freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
- Reheating – Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly chewier. You can pulse rolled oats in a food processor to make them finer.
2. Do I have to use cacao powder?
No, you can omit it for a classic banana oat cookie or replace it with cocoa powder.
3. Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
These cookies have a soft, chewy texture.
4. Can I add sweetener to the recipe?
If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can add a tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, or a few stevia drops.
5. How do I make them more chocolatey?
Add chocolate chips or extra cacao powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
6. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
7. What other mix-ins work well?
Nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, dried fruit, and even peanut butter work well in this recipe.
8. Can I make this into a bar instead of cookies?
Yes, spread the mixture into a lined baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, then cut into bars.
9. Are these cookies good for kids?
Yes, they are naturally sweetened and made with wholesome ingredients, making them a great snack for kids.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches or on multiple trays.
Conclusion
These 3-ingredient healthy chocolate cookies are a perfect guilt-free treat, combining natural sweetness with a rich chocolate flavor. Whether you enjoy them plain or customize them with mix-ins, they are easy to make, nutritious, and delicious. Try them warm, fresh out of the oven, or store them for a quick snack anytime!
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Healthy Chocolate Cookies
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 15 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These 3-ingredient healthy chocolate cookies are naturally sweet, soft, and packed with chocolatey goodness! Made with bananas, oats, and cacao powder, they are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. A perfect guilt-free dessert or snack, ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 very ripe large bananas
- 1 cup quick oats (use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cacao powder
- Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, raisins, coconut flakes, vanilla, flax seeds, dried cranberries, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash & Mix – In a bowl, mash the bananas, then mix in the cacao powder and oats until a dough forms. Start with ¾ cup oats and add more if needed.
- Add Mix-ins (Optional) – Stir in any additional ingredients for extra flavor and texture.
- Shape the Cookies – Scoop the mixture onto the baking sheet (about 15 cookies), then flatten and shape with your hands.
- Bake – Bake for 10-15 minutes until firm.
- Enjoy! – Best served warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container for later.
Notes
- Oat Adjustment – The amount of oats needed may vary depending on banana size. Start with less and add as needed.
- Non-Chocolate Version – Skip the cacao powder for a cinnamon raisin or white chocolate cranberry version.
- Prevent Sticky Hands – Rub a little coconut oil on your fingers before shaping the cookies.
- Storage – Store in a sealed container at room temp for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy, Vegan
