Introduction
Hey there, bakers! Ready to transform simple, gut-friendly ingredients into a batch of warm, gooey oatmeal cookies that’ll make your whole family happy? These aren’t your average cookies – they’re packed with ingredients to support gut health and even give your GLP-1 levels a little nudge. Get ready for a delicious treat that’s good for you too!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly easy, uses mostly pantry staples, and delivers a seriously comforting, delicious cookie. Plus, we’ve focused on ingredients known to be gentle on the stomach and support healthy gut bacteria, making it a feel-good treat for everyone. The combination of oats, cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness creates a perfect flavor balance that’s not overly sugary.
Key Ingredients
🥣 1 ½ cups gluten-free rolled oats
🍌 2 ripe bananas, mashed
🥚 1 large egg
🍯 ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
🥜 ¼ cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)
🍎 ½ cup applesauce
Cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
🍫 ½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
2️⃣ In a large bowl, mash the bananas really well. The riper, the better!
3️⃣ Add the egg, honey/maple syrup, peanut butter, and applesauce to the mashed bananas. Mix everything together until it’s smooth.
4️⃣ Stir in the gluten-free oats, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
5️⃣ If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips.
6️⃣ Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7️⃣ Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
8️⃣ Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Handy Tips
- Don’t overmix the dough! Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- If your bananas aren’t very ripe, you might need to add a tablespoon or two of milk or water to help the dough come together.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the other wet ingredients.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the cookies bake evenly without burning. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, as ovens can vary. If the edges are browning too quickly, you can tent the baking sheet loosely with foil.
Crunch Factor
These cookies have a delightful balance of chewy and slightly crunchy textures. The oats provide a nice chew, while the edges get a bit crispy from baking. The addition of chocolate chips adds another dimension of texture.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra fudgy cookies, add a tablespoon of melted coconut oil to the dough.
- To make mini cookies, use a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon to scoop the dough.
- Feel free to substitute other nuts or seeds for the peanut butter, like almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift! Package them in a pretty tin or a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. You could even add a little tag with the recipe!
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spiced Apple: Add ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves along with the cinnamon.
🌟 Cranberry Orange: Stir in ½ cup of dried cranberries and the zest of one orange.
🌟 Peanut Butter Swirl: Make a simple swirl by mixing some extra peanut butter with a spoonful of honey and swirling it into the dough before baking.
🌟 Coconut Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut and use white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate.
Troubleshooting
- Cookies are too dry: Next time, add a tablespoon or two more of applesauce or milk.
- Cookies are too crumbly: Make sure your bananas are very ripe and well-mashed. You can also add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter.
- Cookies burned: Reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) and keep a closer eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
FAQ
- Can I use regular rolled oats? While this recipe is designed for gluten-free oats, you can try using regular rolled oats. Just make sure they are certified gluten-free if you need to avoid gluten.
- Can I use other sweeteners? Yes, you can experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar. Just keep in mind that the flavor might change slightly.
- How many cookies does this recipe make? This recipe makes approximately 12-15 cookies, depending on the size of your scoops.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy these delicious and healthy gluten-free oatmeal cookies! They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon snack, a family gathering, or a thoughtful homemade gift. Don’t forget to share your creations with us – we’d love to see your baking masterpieces!