Wholesome Goodness: The Ultimate No Sugar, No Flour, No Oil Vegan Cookies

Imagine a breakfast cookie so healthy, it’s practically a superfood disguised as a delicious treat! These remarkable no sugar no flour cookies are a game-changer for anyone seeking a nutritious start to their day or a guilt-free snack. Crafted primarily from ripe bananas and whole grains, they proudly feature no oil, no flour, no butter, and absolutely no added sugar. Instead, they are generously packed with an array of fruits and vegetables, making them the ultimate healthy vegan cookie option.

You’ll fall in love with the harmonious blend of chocolate, hazelnut, and cherry flavors in every bite. These delightful cookies offer a fantastic alternative to sugary cereals, transforming your morning meal into what feels like a decadent dessert, without any of the unhealthy drawbacks. Perfect for those on a vegan, dairy-free, or egg-free diet, these cookies prove that healthy eating can be incredibly satisfying and wonderfully tasty.

A truly easy vegan banana oatmeal cookie for breakfast? Absolutely, consider it a standing invitation! These wholesome, whole-grain “cookies” have quickly become a staple in our home, especially when we have an abundance of ripe bananas needing to be used. Unlike traditional cookies, banana bread, or many other baked goods laden with refined ingredients, our recipe boasts no refined flour and zero added sugar. Their composition also makes them an excellent fit for vegan lifestyles, as well as those adhering to egg-free and dairy-free dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delectable and nourishing treat.

Essentially, this recipe delivers perfectly portable servings of oatmeal, thoughtfully enhanced with a medley of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Whip up a large batch over the weekend, and you’ll have a convenient and healthy grab-and-go option ready for the entire week ahead. Seriously, you NEED these healthy vegan banana cookies in your life. They encompass all the delightful elements of a satisfying trail mix cookie, but without any unnecessary sugar. It’s truly smart eating that tastes incredibly good!

⭐ Why These No Sugar No Flour Cookies Are Simply the Best

While the internet is awash with countless recipes for “three-ingredient breakfast cookies,” often simple vegan banana oatmeal cookies with a basic mix-in like chocolate chips or dried cranberries, our recipe stands apart. We’ve meticulously crafted these cookies to offer superior nutritional benefits and a richer flavor profile. Here are compelling reasons why you might find these cookies to be a far better choice:

• Packed with Phytonutrients: Phytonutrients are natural compounds found in plants, often responsible for their vibrant colors, and while not strictly essential for human survival, they are increasingly recognized for their potential health-promoting benefits. The best way to ensure a diverse intake of these beneficial compounds is by eating a “rainbow” of colorful plant foods. Beyond the foundational bananas, this recipe generously includes carrots, apples, and cherries, significantly boosting its phytonutrient content.
• Healthy Fat Sources: Contrary to popular belief, a diet completely devoid of fat isn’t optimal for health. Certain fatty acids are essential for bodily functions. These cookies integrate healthy, whole-food sources of fat from hazelnuts and unsweetened coconut flakes, contributing to satiety and providing crucial nutrients that support overall well-being.
• True Whole Food Plant-Based Cookies: For those aiming to maximize the profound health benefits of a vegan or vegetarian diet, embracing a Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) approach is key. This philosophy centers on minimizing ultra-processed foods and focusing on natural, unrefined plant ingredients. This recipe perfectly embodies the WFPB ethos, emphasizing whole plant foods that are nutrient-dense and naturally wholesome. (Important Note: While a whole-food plant-based diet is highly beneficial, B12 supplementation remains absolutely essential for vegans to ensure adequate intake.)
• Innovative Cacao Nibs: Have you ventured into the world of cacao nibs yet? These small, crunchy fragments of fermented, dried, roasted, and crushed cacao beans impart a deep, complex chocolate flavor without any added sugar found in conventional chocolate chips. Their slightly bitter, earthy profile adds an intriguing dimension to these cookies. If you haven’t tried them, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce this unique, antioxidant-rich ingredient into your pantry.
• Nutrient-Diverse Multigrain Blend: Instead of relying solely on oats, our recipe features a thoughtful multigrain cereal blend. Incorporating a wider variety of whole grains, such as barley, rye, and wheat alongside oats, means you’re consuming a broader spectrum of essential nutrients, fibers, and minerals. This diverse grain profile enhances both the nutritional value and the textural complexity of the cookies, making each bite more satisfying.

🛒 Essential Ingredients for These No Flour No Sugar Cookies

Crafting these healthy vegan banana cookies requires a simple list of wholesome, readily available ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this nutrient-packed treat:

• Dry Rolled Whole Grain Cereal: You can use standard rolled oats, or for a more varied nutrient profile, opt for a rolled multigrain cereal blend.
• Mashed Ripe Banana: Essential for natural sweetness and acting as a binding agent. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and texture.
• Shredded Carrot: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a boost of vitamins and fiber.
• Grated Apple: Contributes to moisture and a subtle fruity sweetness. You can leave the peel on for extra fiber and nutrients.
• Chopped Hazelnuts: Provides healthy fats, protein, and a delightful crunch.
• Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical flavor and texture, along with healthy fats.
• Unsweetened Dried Cherries: A burst of tart-sweet flavor and antioxidants. Make sure they are truly unsweetened.
• Ground Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Cacao Nibs: For a sugar-free chocolatey depth and a satisfying crunch.

For an optimal blend of whole grains, I often use a multigrain hot cereal, such as the one found at Trader Joe’s, which typically combines unsweetened whole grain barley, rye, wheat, and oats. The beauty of these rolled grains is their quick cooking time, making them a fantastic and effortless way to integrate a broader spectrum of whole grains into your diet. However, if a multigrain blend is unavailable, plain rolled oats will work perfectly well and still yield delicious results.

Exploring Cacao Nib Cookies

One of the most exciting inclusions in this recipe is cacao nibs, which bring a wonderfully unique twist to the flavor profile. Cacao nibs are essentially gently crushed, raw cacao beans, offering an intense, unadulterated chocolate flavor without any of the added sugars or processing found in standard chocolate. Their distinct bitter notes require them to be used in smaller quantities, balancing beautifully with the natural sweetness of the fruits.

While cacao nibs can seem a bit pricey initially, a single bag tends to last a surprisingly long time, making it a worthwhile investment for experimental bakers and health-conscious foodies. Consider splitting a bag with a friend to share the experience! (As a side note, the FDA permits the interchangeable use of terms like “cacao nibs,” “cocoa nibs,” and “cracked cocoa” on food packaging. However, “cacao” often implies a less processed product, which aligns with our whole-food approach.)

Essential Kitchen Equipment for No Sugar No Flour Cookies

To prepare these delightful vegan cookies with ease, ensure you have the following basic kitchen tools on hand:

• A Medium-Sized Mixing Bowl: For combining all your ingredients.
• A Potato Masher or Fork: Indispensable for thoroughly mashing the ripe bananas.
• Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• A Large Cookie Sheet: A dark metal sheet is recommended for even baking.

➕ Step-by-Step: How to Make No Sugar No Flour Cookies

This recipe for banana breakfast cookies is incredibly straightforward and comes together quite quickly, making it perfect for those moments when you need (near) instant gratification. Follow these simple steps to bake your batch of healthy goodness:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a large, dark metal cookie sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies don’t stick and cook evenly.
2. Get Your Fruits and Veggies Ready: Begin by mashing your ripe bananas thoroughly using a potato masher or a fork until smooth. Next, grate the carrot and apple. For an added boost of fiber and nutrients, feel free to leave the peel on the apple before grating.
3. Chop Nuts and Combine: If your hazelnuts aren’t pre-chopped, take a moment to roughly chop them. Once all your fruits, vegetables, and nuts are prepared, combine them with the dry rolled whole grains, unsweetened shredded coconut, unsweetened dried cherries, ground cinnamon, and cacao nibs in your medium mixing bowl. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be moist and cohesive.
4. Form the Cookies: Using a ¼-cup measuring cup, scoop portions of your vegan cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. You should yield approximately eight cookies. Gently flatten each scoop into a rounded cookie shape with wet hands. Don’t worry about them spreading too much during baking, so they can be placed relatively close together on the sheet.

   

5. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet with the formed cookies into the top third of your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cookies are firm enough to hold their shape and are lightly golden at the edges. As they bake, your kitchen will be filled with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and warm fruit!
6. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool completely to room temperature on the baking sheet before handling and enjoying. These whole-food plant-based cookies firm up significantly as they cool, which is crucial for their texture and stability.

   See? That wasn’t too difficult, was it? These healthy vegan cookies have become a regular and beloved feature in our household, and I’m confident they will quickly become a healthy family favorite for you too!

   

🌡️ Storing Your No Sugar No Flour Cookies

Proper storage is key to keeping your delicious vegan banana oat cookies fresh and enjoyable. Place any leftover cookies in an airtight, food-safe container. They can be safely refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve made a large batch or don’t anticipate consuming them within this timeframe, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them for a quick and wholesome snack.

Beyond Cookies: Healthy Snack & Dessert Alternatives for Kids

Encouraging healthy eating habits in children, especially when it comes to snacks and desserts, is crucial. This website offers a wide array of nutritious snack ideas, many of which are perfect for kids! After mastering these vegan cookies, consider trying some of these other fantastic plant-based recipes:

• Roasted Garbanzo Beans: A savory, crunchy, and protein-packed snack that’s far healthier than potato chips.
• Nut-Free Trail Mix: Perfect for school lunches or households with nut allergies, this custom blend offers energy and nutrients.
• Watermelon Lime Smoothie: A refreshing, hydrating, and naturally sweet beverage that tastes like summer in a glass.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Vegan Cookies

Can I make vegan breakfast cookies without banana?

Yes, absolutely! While bananas are fantastic for natural sweetness and binding, you can certainly make delicious vegan cookies without them. A wonderful alternative for naturally sweetening baked goods and providing a similar binding consistency is pureed Medjool dates. When blended, dates create a rich, caramel-like paste that adds incredible flavor and moisture, tasting somewhat like a vegan caramel. Another excellent substitute is unsweetened applesauce or pear sauce. I have popular recipes for homemade unsweetened applesauce and a pear sauce recipe that you might enjoy making yourself. Homemade versions often have a more concentrated sweetness compared to many store-bought unsweetened varieties, making them ideal for enhancing the flavor of your baked goods.

Why aren’t traditional cookies considered healthy? They often contain basic ingredients like flour, milk, eggs, and sugar.

Most traditional cookie recipes, whether vegan or not, typically rely heavily on refined white flour, excessive amounts of added sugar, and a significant quantity of added oil or solid fats (like butter or shortening). While ingredients like eggs and milk (in non-vegan recipes) do offer some nutrients, their proportion is usually small compared to the calorie-dense, nutrient-poor components. These primary ingredients—refined flour, sugar, and fat—provide a high calorie count with minimal essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This imbalance is why, by general nutritional standards, traditional cookies are not considered a “healthy” food item and are typically categorized as occasional treats.

Are these vegan banana cookies gluten-free?

As written, this specific recipe uses a multigrain dry cereal that includes wheat and rye, meaning it does contain gluten. However, making these vegan cookies gluten-free is very simple! You can easily substitute the multigrain cereal with certified gluten-free rolled oats. This straightforward swap will allow individuals with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet to enjoy these wholesome and delicious cookies without compromise.

👩‍🍳 More Delicious Vegan Banana Recipes

If you’re a fan of using bananas in your vegan cooking and baking, you’re in for a treat! After you’ve enjoyed these incredible no-sugar, no-flour vegan cookies, be sure to explore some of our other fantastic vegan recipes featuring this versatile fruit:

• Air Fryer Granola (No Oil): A perfectly crunchy, naturally sweet granola, made without any added oil and bursting with apple pie flavors.
• Sugar-Free Mango Ice Cream: A refreshing and creamy “nice cream” that’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients and no added sugar.
• Pumpkin Spice Nice Cream: Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this healthy, vegan pumpkin spice ice cream, also naturally sweetened.

Calories: 169 kcal

Carbohydrates: 27.6g

Protein: 3g

Fat: 6g

Saturated Fat: 3.1g

Potassium: 274.9mg

Fiber: 4.5g

Vitamin A: 28.5% DV

Vitamin C: 9.3% DV

Calcium: 4.9% DV

Iron: 5.4% DV