Name: Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 2 large Ripe Bananas (mashed (⅔ cup)); ¼ cup Pure Maple Syrup ((60 ml)); ⅔ cup Unsweetened Almond Butter ((160 g)); 2 cups Quick Oats ((214 g)); ½ tsp Sea Salt; ¾ cup Fresh Strawberries (chopped into small chunks (110 g)); 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract; 1½ tsp Ground Cinnamon

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There’s something magical about baking cookies, and when it comes to my Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies, the magic is even sweeter. I remember the first time I stumbled upon this recipe; I was looking for a quick and healthy treat to satisfy my sweet tooth. With just five simple ingredients, it felt like a revelation! Imagine the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as the cookies bake, promising a warm and chewy experience that’s both comforting and guilt-free.

These cookies have become a staple in my household, especially in the spring when fresh strawberries are at their peak. My kids love helping in the kitchen, and they get so excited when they see the vibrant red fruit being mixed in. It’s not just a treat; it’s an opportunity to create memories together. Every bite of these cookies bursts with fruity flavor and wholesome goodness, making them perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

The beauty of these Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies is that they’re naturally sweetened and packed with nutrition. The combination of ripe bananas and creamy almond butter not only binds the cookies together but also adds a delightful richness that elevates them beyond your average cookie. As the cookies bake, the strawberries soften, infusing the dough with their sweet juice, creating a treat that’s irresistible.

So, whether you’re whipping them up for a brunch, an after-school snack, or just because you can’t resist the thought of fresh cookies, these Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite in your home, just as they have in mine.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
22 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
12 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
120 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
5 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Wooden Spoon, Peeler, Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife

The Magic of This Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies

Healthier Alternative

What I love most about these Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies is that they are a guilt-free indulgence. Unlike traditional cookies loaded with sugar and butter, these are naturally sweetened with bananas and maple syrup, making them a great choice for those who want to watch their sugar intake.

Simple Ingredients

With just five core ingredients, making these cookies feels effortless. You won’t find any complicated steps or hard-to-find items—the ingredients are likely already in your pantry. It’s an accessible recipe that anyone can whip up on a busy day!

Versatile Recipe

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or nuts based on what you have available. Don’t have strawberries? Try blueberries or even chopped apples for a different twist!

Perfect for Meal Prep

These cookies are also perfect for meal prepping. I love making a batch at the beginning of the week to have healthy snacks ready for my kids’ lunchboxes or for when I’m craving something sweet. They hold up well and taste great even after a few days.

Engaging with Kids

Making cookies is a fun activity to do with kids! They can help mash the bananas, mix the dough, and drop the cookie mounds onto the baking sheet. It creates a wonderful bonding experience and instills a love for cooking in them.

Deliciously Soft and Chewy

When you take these cookies out of the oven, you’ll notice how soft and chewy they are. The texture is perfect—golden brown edges with a soft center. Just the way a cookie should be!

Ingredients for Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies

The ingredients for these Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies reflect a philosophy of simplicity and wholesomeness. Each one plays a vital role in creating a nutritious and delicious cookie. The banana acts as a natural sweetener and binder, while the strawberries provide a juicy burst of flavor. Together with quick oats and almond butter, they create a chewy texture that’s wonderfully satisfying.

2 large ripe bananas (mashed, ⅔ cup) – These bananas are the secret to the cookie’s sweetness and moistness. Make sure they are well-mashed for the best results.
¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup – This natural sweetener enhances the flavor while keeping the cookies refined sugar-free.
⅔ cup (160 g) unsweetened almond butter – Adds richness and healthy fats, making these cookies super satisfying.
2 cups (214 g) quick oats – The base of our cookies, providing fiber and a chewy texture.
½ tsp sea salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
¾ cup (110 g) fresh strawberries (chopped into small chunks) – Bursting with flavor, they add freshness and juiciness to each bite.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract – A dash of vanilla elevates the cookies to a new level of deliciousness.
1½ tsp ground cinnamon – A warm spice that adds a comforting aroma and flavor.

How to Assemble Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies

Assembling these Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready in no time. I find that the whole process is not just about following a recipe; it’s about enjoying the experience of creating something delightful.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until they are creamy. You want them to be free of lumps to blend well with other ingredients.
Add in the pure maple syrup and almond butter. Mix everything together until you achieve a thick, sticky consistency. If your almond butter is cold, let it warm up a bit for easier mixing.
Next, mix in the oats and sea salt. If you’re adding ground cinnamon, this is the perfect time to include it. Stir until just combined.
Now, fold in the chopped strawberries. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, enhancing the flavor of your cookies with every bite.
Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Remember, these cookies won’t spread much, so form them to the size you prefer.
Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown. Keep an eye on smaller cookies as they may bake faster at 8 to 12 minutes and larger ones may need up to 15 minutes.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly without falling apart.
If you don’t own a wire rack, just let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Enjoy your delicious cookies!

Things Worth Knowing

Ingredient Temperature: Make sure the almond butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. If it’s too cold, it won’t blend well.
Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be. Look for ones with brown spots for optimal sweetness.
Cookie Size: Keep in mind that the cookie size you choose will affect baking time. Larger cookies will need more time, while smaller ones will bake faster.
Cooling Time: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet helps them firm up and prevents breakage when moving them.

Recipe Notes about Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies

These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies come with a few tips to help you get the best results. Whether you’re a baking novice or a pro, these pointers can make a difference.

Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Freezing: You can freeze strawberry cookies in a zip lock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw them before enjoying!
Variations: Feel free to get creative! You can add other fruits, like blueberries or chopped apples, for a twist.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions: These cookies are great on their own or served with a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess.

Serving Options for Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies

When it comes to serving these Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies, there are so many delightful options to explore. Here are some ideas to elevate your cookie experience:

Perfect for Breakfast: Pair these cookies with a cup of yogurt and fresh fruit for a wholesome breakfast option.
Snack Time Treat: Pack these cookies in lunchboxes or as an after-school snack. They’re a healthy alternative to store-bought treats.
With Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. The warm cookies and cold ice cream make a heavenly combination.
Picnic Treat: Take these cookies on picnics or outdoor gatherings. They’re portable and perfect for sharing.
Seasonal Pairings: In the spring, serve these cookies with a refreshing lemonade or iced tea to complement the fruity flavors.
Enjoy with Coffee: The subtle sweetness of these cookies pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.

FAQ

Yes! To make Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free oats. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavor and texture without any gluten. Additionally, check the labels for the almond butter and maple syrup to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

To store leftover Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a zip lock bag. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Absolutely! The beauty of Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies lies in their versatility. You can easily swap out the strawberries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples. Just remember, the moisture content might change, so adjust the baking time if necessary.

These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair nicely with a cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea, making them a fantastic treat for any time of day.

Conclusion

In summary, these Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat that combines wholesome ingredients with delicious flavors. They’re easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and a hit with both kids and adults. So why not gather the ingredients and give this recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find a new favorite cookie in the process!