This low fat chocolate chip banana cookies recipe offers a guilt-free sweet treat packed with the goodness of bananas, oats, and dark chocolate. It's a healthier alternative for those who love indulging in cookies but also wish to keep their calorie intake under control. The richness of dark chocolate coupled with the natural sweetness of bananas makes these cookies absolutely lip-smacking.
The recipe calls for some ingredients that might not be readily available in your pantry. Turbinado and muscovado sugars are two such items, which are less processed than regular white sugar and offer a unique flavor. Turbinado sugar has large, coarse crystals and a slightly caramel flavor, while muscovado is a dark brown sugar with a strong molasses flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute them with light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Similarly, whole wheat pastry flour, which is used here, is lighter than regular whole wheat flour and makes the cookies more tender.
Ingredients for Low Fat Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
Whole wheat pastry flour: A lighter version of whole wheat flour, makes your cookies tender and healthy.
Oats: Adds a hearty texture and nutritional value to your cookies.
Baking powder and baking soda: Essential for leavening to give your cookies a nice rise.
Salt and ground cinnamon: Enhances the other flavors in the cookies.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor.
Turbinado and muscavado sugars: These sugars add a unique flavor and sweetness to your cookies.
Egg: Offers structure and helps in binding the ingredients.
Banana: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to your cookies.
Vanilla extract: Gives a sweet, creamy aroma that pairs well with other flavors.
Dark chocolate chips: Offers a rich, indulgent flavor.
One reader, Chalmers Atchison says:
These low-fat chocolate chip banana cookies are a game-changer! The combination of banana and dark chocolate is divine. The cookies are soft, chewy, and guilt-free. I love that they're made with whole wheat flour and oats. They're a hit with my family and a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. Highly recommended!
Techniques for Perfect Low Fat Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
How to line the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
How to whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
How to cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter, muscovado, and turbinado sugar together.
How to incorporate wet ingredients: Add the egg, mashed banana, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture.
How to combine dry and wet ingredients: Working by hand, stir in the flour mixture and oats until just combined.
How to add chocolate chips: Stir in the dark chocolate chips into the cookie dough.
How to portion the dough: Drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, flattening each cookie slightly.
How to bake the cookies: Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies become light brown at the edges.
How to cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3 to 4 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How To Make Low Fat Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
Make a healthier dessert with a batch of these tasty banana cookies! They’re low fat, but still packs a lot of flavor from the chocolate and cinnamon.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupwhole wheat pastry flour,or whole wheat flour
- 2cupsoats,old fashioned oats or quick oats
- 1tspbaking powder
- ½tspbaking soda
- ½tspsalt
- ½tspground cinnamon
- 2tbspunsalted butter,room temperature
- ½cupturbinado sugar,or raw sugar/regular sugar
- ½cupmuscavado sugar,or brown sugar, unpacked
- 1egg,large
- ⅓cupmashed banana
- ½tspvanilla extract
- ¾cupdark chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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In a large bowl, cream the butter and the muscovado and turbinado sugar together.
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Add the egg, followed by the mashed banana and vanilla extract.
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Working by hand, stir in the flour mixture and the oats until just combined.
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Stir in the chocolate chips.
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Drop heaping spoonfuls onto baking sheets, flattening each cookie slightly.
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Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until cookies become light brown at the edges.
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Let cool on baking sheet for 3 to 4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 316.64kcal
- Fat: 4.38g
- Saturated Fat: 2.04g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.14g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.59g
- Carbohydrates: 70.11g
- Fiber: 7.99g
- Sugar: 35.33g
- Protein: 5.13g
- Cholesterol: 7.50mg
- Sodium: 77.61mg
- Calcium: 34.72mg
- Potassium: 901.83mg
- Iron: 1.83mg
- Vitamin A: 15.62µg
- Vitamin C: 19.58mg
Pro Tip for Making the Best Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
When mashing the banana, ensure it's ripe for optimal sweetness and moisture. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they are easier to mash and incorporate into the dough, and they also add a natural sweetness which can help reduce the amount of added sugar.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and measure them out in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly combine dry ingredients and achieve a uniform texture.
Pre-mash bananas: Mash the bananas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container to save time during the baking process.
Chill the dough: Place the cookie dough in the refrigerator for a short period to firm it up, making it easier to handle and shape.
Bake multiple sheets: Utilize multiple baking sheets to bake more cookies at once, reducing overall baking time.
Silpat or parchment: Use a Silpat or parchment paper to line baking sheets for easy cleanup and quick cookie release.
Substitute Ingredients For Low Fat Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe
whole wheat pastry flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for whole wheat pastry flour, resulting in a lighter texture and milder flavor in the cookies.
unsalted butter - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a low-fat alternative to butter, adding moisture and a subtle sweetness to the cookies.
turbinado sugar - Substitute with stevia: Stevia can be used as a low-calorie substitute for turbinado sugar, providing sweetness without the added calories.
muscavado sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for muscavado sugar, offering a similar rich flavor and caramel-like sweetness.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: A flaxseed egg can be used as a vegan-friendly substitute for eggs, providing binding properties in the cookie dough.
dark chocolate chips - Substitute with cacao nibs: Cacao nibs can be used as a healthier alternative to dark chocolate chips, adding a rich, chocolatey flavor with added nutritional benefits.
Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
Elevate the cookie: Place the cookies on a sleek, modern plate to showcase their rustic charm and wholesome ingredients.
Garnish with fresh fruits: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the plate with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of oats to highlight the key ingredients.
Artful chocolate drizzle: Create an artful chocolate drizzle on the plate to add a touch of sophistication and visual appeal to the presentation.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace a minimalist plating style, allowing the cookies to take center stage while maintaining a refined and polished appearance.
Incorporate natural elements: Introduce natural elements such as a small cluster of fresh mint leaves to add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma to the presentation.
Balance and symmetry: Arrange the cookies with precision, ensuring a balanced and symmetrical layout that exudes professionalism and attention to detail.
Elevate with a dusting of cocoa powder: Enhance the visual appeal by lightly dusting the plate with cocoa powder, adding a touch of sophistication and depth to the presentation.
Use high-quality serving ware: Select elegant, high-quality serving ware that complements the cookies and elevates the overall presentation to Michelin-star standards.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a textural element by placing the cookies on a bed of parchment paper or a textured serving platter to add visual interest and depth to the presentation.
Emphasize precision and finesse: Pay meticulous attention to the placement of each cookie, ensuring precision and finesse in the presentation to impress the discerning palates of Michelin-starred culinary professionals.
Essential Equipment for Making Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Medium bowl: A medium-sized bowl is used for mixing ingredients and preparing the cookie dough.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to combine the dry ingredients such as flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Large bowl: A large bowl is used for creaming the butter and sugars, and for combining all the ingredients together to form the cookie dough.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to place the cookie dough for baking in the oven.
- Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking and making for easy cleanup.
- Spoon: A spoon is used to drop heaping spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the baking sheet.
- Wire rack: A wire rack is used to cool the cookies after baking.
Storing and Freezing Low Fat Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or sticking together.
Place a layer of parchment paper between each layer of cookies to keep them from sticking to one another.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider storing them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving. You can also warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their soft, chewy texture.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can refresh the thawed cookies by placing them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover low fat chocolate chip banana cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crisp around the edges. This method will restore some of the original texture and flavor of the cookies.
If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, wrap the cookies individually in damp paper towels and microwave them on high for 10-15 seconds. The moisture from the paper towels will help soften the cookies without making them soggy.
For a quick and easy method, place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high for 10-15 seconds. This will soften the cookies and melt the chocolate chips slightly, creating a warm and gooey treat.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the cookies by placing them in the basket and cooking at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes. This method will result in a crispy exterior and a soft, warm interior.
For a more indulgent treat, crumble the leftover cookies over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt. The combination of the warm, gooey cookies and the cool, creamy ice cream is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Interesting Trivia About Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
The recipe contains dark chocolate chips which are a rich source of antioxidants and can help improve heart health.
Is This Low Fat Cookie Recipe Budget-Friendly?
This low fat chocolate chip banana cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of whole wheat pastry flour, oats, and bananas makes it a budget-friendly option. The ingredients are commonly found in most households, reducing the need for additional grocery expenses. The addition of dark chocolate chips may slightly increase the cost, but the overall affordability remains high. Rating: 9/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $8-$10.
Are Low Fat Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Healthy?
This chocolate chip banana cookie recipe has some healthy elements, but there's room for improvement. The use of whole wheat pastry flour and oats provides fiber and nutrients, while the mashed banana adds natural sweetness and moisture. However, the recipe still contains a significant amount of sugar and butter, which can contribute to excess calories and unhealthy fats.
To make this recipe healthier:
- Reduce the amount of sugar by using more mashed banana or applesauce as a natural sweetener
- Replace the butter with a healthier fat source, such as coconut oil or Greek yogurt
- Increase the fiber content by adding more oats or ground flaxseed
- Use dark chocolate chips with a higher percentage of cocoa for added antioxidants and less sugar
- Incorporate chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for healthy fats and protein
By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutrient-dense and satisfying cookie that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Experiment with different ratios of ingredients to find the perfect balance of taste and health benefits. Remember, moderation is key, even with healthier treats!
Editor's Opinion on This Low Fat Cookie Recipe
This low-fat chocolate chip banana cookies recipe is a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional cookies. The combination of whole wheat pastry flour, oats, and mashed banana provides a wholesome base, while the dark chocolate chips add a rich and indulgent touch. The use of muscovado and turbinado sugar adds depth of flavor, and the addition of cinnamon enhances the overall warmth of the cookies. The result is a chewy, flavorful treat that is perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without the guilt. Enjoy these cookies as a wholesome snack or dessert option.
Enhance Your Low Fat Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Low Fat Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe:
This recipe offers a delicious and wholesome treat, perfect for those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. The use of whole wheat pastry flour and oats provides a hearty and nutritious base, while the incorporation of mashed banana reduces the need for excessive amounts of butter and sugar. The addition of dark chocolate chips ensures a satisfying indulgence without compromising on flavor. With a balanced blend of ingredients, these cookies are a guilt-free delight, making them a trustworthy choice for those looking to enjoy a delightful yet mindful sweet treat.
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