I believe that indulging in delicious treats shouldn't come at the cost of our health. Today, I'm excited to share a recipe that will satisfy your cookie cravings without the crapy sugar. Say hello to our family's classic oatmeal cookies, reimagined with a healthier twist!
These delightful cookies are gluten-free and derive their natural sweetness from two secret ingredients: ripe bananas and chopped dates. By replacing refined sugar with these wholesome alternatives, I've created a guilt-free treat that still delivers the scrumptious flavours we all love in a cookie.
What's even better is that bananas and dates offer numerous benefits for our liver, which is essential for our hormones, fertility and vitality. Let's explore how these ingredients support our liver health:
Bananas provide quick fuel to the liver, revitalizing sluggish cells and enhancing their productivity. They also have a soothing effect on the intestinal tract, making them an excellent choice if you experience any digestive distress. Furthermore, they help calm the nerves associated with the intestinal tract.
Dates play a crucial role in eliminating mucus, especially the kind produced by harmful pathogens like bacteria and fungi, from the colon. Additionally, the sugars found in dates serve as nourishment for the liver. They supply an ample amount of glucose, promoting recovery and restoration processes while allowing the liver to carry out its functions at an optimal level.
There's no need to fear fruit or sugar when it comes to rebalancing our hormones and blood sugar. The key lies in utilizing whole foods and the natural sugars found in nature, as they provide the necessary fuel for our bodies. In fact, our bodies rely on sugar, particularly glucose, to support vital functions such as liver and brain activity. The crucial distinction lies in selecting the right sugars and avoiding refined options commonly found in processed baked goods sold in grocery stores and bakeries.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, the bananas and dates in our oatmeal cookies contribute natural sweetness and a delightful moistness to each bite. The combination of chewy oats, tender bananas, and caramel-like bursts of dates creates a perfectly balanced treat.
Whether you're following a gluten and dairy-free diet, looking for a healthier alternative, or simply want to try something new, these oatmeal cookies are sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. So let's start baking these better-for-you treats that are perfect for any occasion or as a comforting snack (whether you've got your period or are in your luteal phase craving those extra calories). They are bound to become your new go-to recipe!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups rolled oats
1 cup oat flour
¾ tap ground cinnamon
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
2 medium ripe bananas (mashed) or 1 cup apple sauce
2 flax eggs (or 2 large eggs) - I do flax eggs
¼ cup melted coconut oil
¾ cup chopped dates
½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1 tsp vanilla extra (alcohol-free)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350℉. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Combine dry ingredients oats, oat flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
Banana mixture: In a separate bowl, mash bananas (or apple sauce) in a medium bowl until creamy. Add eggs, coconut oil and vanilla; whisk until well combined.
Add the dry ingredients, dates, and coconut to the banana mixture; stir until combined.
Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, making 15 cookies per batch. Press with a fork to flatten slightly.
Bake until firm to the touch and lightly brown on the bottom, 15 to 17 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining batter.