Healthier Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Perfect Guilt-Free Snack

Dessert

Craving something sweet but don’t want to derail your healthy eating goals? These Healthier Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies strike the perfect balance between decadent indulgence and nutritious. They combine the warm, comforting flavor of banana bread with the richness of chocolate chip cookies, but with healthier swaps that won’t leave you feeling guilty.

Made with oat flour, stevia, and unsalted butter, these cookies are light, fluffy, and full of flavor. Plus, they’re naturally sweetened with a ripe banana, so you get that banana bread vibe without the refined sugar. Add in the melty chocolate chips, and you’ve got a snack that feels like an indulgence but is far more balanced.

Whether you're looking for a healthy dessert or a snack that feels like a treat, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into how to make them!

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Healthier Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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Macros per Serving (Makes 12 Cookies):

• Calories per cookie: 120

• Protein: 2g

• Carbs: 18g

• Fat: 6g

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Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted softened butter (For a creamy, rich texture without too much fat)

• 1/4 cup stevia (A zero-calorie sweetener to keep the sugar content low)

• 1 egg (For binding the ingredients and adding some protein)

• 1 ripe banana (Adds natural sweetness and moisture)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (For that warm, sweet aroma)

• 1 1/2 cups oat flour (A gluten-free flour alternative that's heart-healthy and easy to digest)

• 1/2 tsp baking soda (Helps the cookies rise and spread)

• 1/2 tsp baking powder (Enhances the fluffiness and texture)

• 1/2 tsp salt (Balances the sweetness)

• 3/4 cup chocolate chips (For that melt-in-your-mouth experience!)

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1. Preheat & Prepare:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

2. Cream the Butter and Stevia:
   In a medium mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and stevia. Use a hand mixer or whisk to cream the ingredients together until smooth and fluffy. This will only take a couple of minutes.

3. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Add the ripe banana, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well until everything is incorporated. The mashed banana will give the dough a natural sweetness and moisture.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, combine the oat flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and fold them together gently. Mix until a soft dough forms.

5. Add the Chocolate Chips:
   Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. The chips will melt slightly while baking, adding pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.

6. Form the Cookies:
   Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form the dough into clusters and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon for an even bake.

7. Bake:
   Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on them—they’ll firm up as they cool.

8. Cool & Enjoy:
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are best enjoyed warm, but they’ll stay soft and chewy for a few days if stored in an airtight container.

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Meal Prep Tips & Storage:

1. Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

2. Make Ahead:
   If you want to prep these cookies in advance, you can form the dough into cookie dough balls and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag, and when you’re ready to bake, just place the dough balls directly on the baking sheet and bake as usual—no thawing necessary. They’ll take about 1-2 extra minutes in the oven.

3. Portion Control:
   To make sure you’re sticking to the portion sizes, you can use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure out even servings. This will ensure you don’t overeat while still getting that sweet treat you crave!

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Additional Notes:

• Banana Substitution:
  While this recipe uses a ripe banana for natural sweetness, you can swap it out for another mashed fruit, like applesauce, for a different twist. However, the banana really adds a special flavor and moisture.

• Gluten-Free Version:
  The use of oat flour makes these cookies naturally gluten-free. However, ensure that the oats you’re using are certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.

• Sweetener Swap:
  If you're not a fan of stevia, you can replace it with monk fruit sweetener or a 1:1 sugar substitute. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture or sweetness, but it will still work well.

• Add-ins:
  Feel free to mix things up! Add some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch, or even a handful of dried fruit like raisins for a fun texture contrast.

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Conclusion:

These Healthier Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect guilt-free treat that lets you enjoy a banana bread and chocolate chip cookie fusion without overindulging. They’re full of healthy ingredients, quick to make, and totally customizable to suit your taste. Whether you're baking them for a snack, dessert, or sharing with friends and family, they’re sure to be a hit!

Try these out next time you're craving something sweet but don’t want to derail your healthy eating habits. Trust me, you won’t miss the traditional high-sugar versions!