Oatmeal cookies are a classic treat, but what if you’re looking for a gluten-free option or simply want to try something different? Enter the simple oatmeal cookie, no flour required! These delightful cookies are surprisingly easy to make and offer a wonderfully chewy texture. They’re perfect for a quick snack, a healthy dessert, or even a grab-and-go breakfast. This recipe focuses on creating a delicious and healthy cookie with no flour, using oats as the star ingredient.
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Why Choose a No-Flour Oatmeal Cookie?
Several reasons might lead you to explore the world of flourless baking. Perhaps you’re following a gluten-free diet. Or maybe you’re simply out of flour and need a quick baking fix. Whatever your reason, these simple oatmeal cookies, no flour needed, offer a fantastic alternative. They’re packed with the wholesome goodness of oats, which are rich in fiber and offer a satisfying chewiness. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – you can customize them with your favorite add-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries.
Ingredients for Simple Oatmeal Cookies No Flour
Ingredients for Your Flourless Oatmeal Cookies
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups rolled oats (not instant)
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, raisins, chopped nuts, or dried fruit
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Making these simple oatmeal cookies, no flour required, is a breeze. Even beginner bakers can achieve perfect results with these easy-to-follow instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a snap.
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In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
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Add the rolled oats to the wet ingredients and stir until they are evenly coated. At this stage, you can also add your chosen mix-ins like chocolate chips or raisins. Similar to our Quick oatmeal cookie with raisins, the sweetness of raisins complements the oats beautifully.
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Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are firm to the touch. Remember, oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking.
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Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up and prevents them from crumbling. For those who prefer a crispier cookie, try our Quick butter cookie with chocolate.
Baking No Flour Oatmeal Cookies
Tips for the Perfect No-Flour Oatmeal Cookie
- Oat Choice Matters: Use rolled oats, not instant oats, for the best texture. Rolled oats provide the necessary chewiness, while instant oats can result in a mushy cookie.
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe!
- Customization is Key: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins. Chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, and spices can all enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies. Consider a white chocolate cranberry combination, as featured in our best white chocolate cranberry cookie recipes.
- Storage: Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Why are my no-flour oatmeal cookies flat?
Overripe bananas are crucial for binding the ingredients together in the absence of flour. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, your cookies might spread too much and become flat.
“Using overripe bananas is a great way to add natural sweetness and ensure your flourless oatmeal cookies hold their shape,” says renowned pastry chef, Amelia Dubois. “The natural sugars and moisture content in ripe bananas contribute to a perfectly chewy texture.”
No Flour Oatmeal Cookie Variations
What can I use instead of flour in oatmeal cookies?
You can use oats themselves as a flour substitute in oatmeal cookies. This creates a naturally gluten-free and wholesome treat, perfect for those with dietary restrictions, similar to the recipes found in our best gluten free cookie recipes collection. Additionally, mashed bananas act as a binding agent, holding the ingredients together beautifully.
“Oatmeal itself provides a wonderful texture and nutty flavor, eliminating the need for traditional flour,” adds Chef Dubois. “Combined with the binding properties of mashed bananas, you achieve a satisfyingly chewy cookie that’s both delicious and gluten-free.”
Conclusion
These simple oatmeal cookies, no flour required, are a testament to the fact that delicious baking doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a wholesome and satisfying treat that everyone will enjoy. So gather your ingredients and experience the joy of baking these easy and delicious cookies!
Simple Oatmeal Cookie No Flour Plated
FAQ
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Can I use quick-cooking oats? While you can technically use quick-cooking oats, they will result in a different texture. Rolled oats are recommended for the best chewiness. For a quicker cookie, our Quick oatmeal cookie recipe may be a better option.
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How do I store these cookies? Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
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Can I make these cookies vegan? Yes, simply replace the honey with maple syrup and ensure your chocolate chips (if using) are vegan-friendly.
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What if my cookies are too crumbly? This could be due to not using ripe enough bananas or overbaking. Make sure your bananas are very ripe and watch your cookies closely while baking.
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Can I add protein powder to these cookies? Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dough for an added boost of protein.
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Are these cookies healthy? Made with whole grain oats and natural sweeteners, these cookies are a relatively healthy treat compared to traditional flour-based cookies.
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Can I omit the sweetener altogether? While you can omit the sweetener, it will significantly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. The sweetness helps balance the other flavors and contributes to the desired chewiness.