These Banana Oat Cookies with Carrots, Nuts, and Seeds are a healthy and delicious snack, perfect for breakfast or a post-workout treat. Packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, bananas, carrots, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds, these cookies offer a great balance of fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. This recipe is simple to make and customizable, allowing you to tweak it to suit your taste. Let’s dive into the details of how to make these wholesome cookies!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 100g oat flakes – Oats are the base of these cookies and provide fiber, which helps keep you full longer.
- 150ml coconut milk – Adds moisture and a subtle coconut flavor to the dough.
- 2 bananas, mashed – The bananas sweeten the cookies naturally while adding a rich texture.
- 1 carrot, finely grated – Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a boost of vitamin A.
- 40g walnuts, chopped – Walnuts provide healthy fats and a crunchy texture.
- 40g raisins – Adds natural sweetness and chewiness to the cookies.
- 30g pumpkin seeds – A great source of antioxidants and healthy fats that contribute to the cookie’s texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds a warm, comforting flavor to balance the sweetness of the bananas and carrots.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Oats
In a large mixing bowl, combine 100g of oat flakes with 150ml of coconut milk. Stir well until the oats are evenly coated in the milk. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the oats to absorb the liquid, softening and becoming the base for your cookie dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Bananas and Carrot
While the oats are soaking, mash the 2 bananas in a separate bowl until they form a smooth puree. You can use a fork or a potato masher to do this. Then, grate the carrot using a fine grater. The grated carrot will integrate well into the dough and add a pleasant texture.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Once the oats have absorbed the coconut milk, add the mashed bananas, grated carrot, 40g of chopped walnuts, 40g of raisins, 30g of pumpkin seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the oat mixture. Stir everything together well to form a thick dough. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Tray
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with baking paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. Spread the dough thinly onto the tray, using a spatula to flatten it into an even layer. The thickness of the dough can vary depending on how thick or thin you want your cookies to be.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown on top. Check them at the 20-minute mark to ensure they are baking evenly. The cookies should firm up as they cool.
Once done, remove the tray from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cookies have cooled, cut them into squares or break them into pieces. These Banana Oat Cookies with Carrots, Nuts, and Seeds make a wholesome snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Pair them with a cup of tea, coffee, or a refreshing glass of almond milk for a satisfying snack or breakfast.
Cooking Tips
- Extra sweetness: If you prefer sweeter cookies, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dough before mixing. This will add a bit of extra sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors of the bananas and carrots.
- Nut variations: Feel free to swap out the walnuts for other nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts, depending on your preference. This will give your cookies a different texture and flavor.
- Indulgent option: For a more indulgent treat, you can add some dark chocolate chips to the dough. This will give the cookies a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and bananas.
Nutritional Benefits
These cookies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:
- Oats are a great source of fiber and can help maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.
- Bananas provide natural sweetness along with a healthy dose of potassium, which is essential for heart health and muscle function.
- Walnuts and pumpkin seeds are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, which promote heart health and provide energy.
- Carrots offer a boost of beta-carotene and vitamin A, which are essential for eye health and skin integrity.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. It’s a great option for those with gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease.
- Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, made without any animal-based products. It uses coconut milk and other plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Fat: 10g
These cookies are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making them a satisfying snack that provides steady energy.
Storage
To keep your Banana Oat Cookies fresh:
- Room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well for up to 1 month. Wrap them individually or in small batches and store in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave for a few seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Yes! You can easily add other fruits like apples, pears, or dried apricots to the dough for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to chop the fruits into small pieces before adding them to the mix.
2. Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk for the coconut milk. The flavor will change slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.
3. Can I make these cookies with gluten-containing oats?
If you’re not following a gluten-free diet, you can use regular oats in place of gluten-free oats. The texture and flavor will remain the same, but you may want to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the type of oats you use.
Conclusion
Banana Oat Cookies with Carrots, Nuts, and Seeds are a delicious and nutritious treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a filling breakfast, or a post-workout boost, these cookies provide the perfect balance of energy, fiber, and protein. Customize them with your favorite nuts and fruits, and enjoy the wholesome goodness of these simple, yet satisfying cookies.