Guilt Free Cookies

For the last few weeks I have been experimenting around with these ‘guilt free cookies’ a great snack for when you fancy something a little sweet but still want something was some kind of nutritious value. I wont call them healthy as they do contain sugar however the basis of these cookies can contain as little as four natural ingredients: oats, banana, coconut oil and maple syrup. You can also add in optional extras along the way. One A few of these cookies ahead of a workout satisfy my hunger for hours and keep me feeling energized. Plus they taste lovely!

Ingredients:

• 100g jumbo oats
• Teaspoon of coconut oil
• Tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 large ripe banana

Makes 6-8 cookies *

Extras (optional):

• Strawberry chunks
• Raisins
• Cinnamon
• Pumpkin Seeds 

What you will need:

• Mixing bowl
• Spoons, including a wooden mixing spoon
• Ice cream scoop
• Baking tray

Method:

Preheat your oven to 180. Start by mashing the banana with the coconut oil – (the riper the better as it makes for a creamier mixture plus gives the cookies a sweeter flavour) the oil should begin to dissolve with the banana. Add the maple syrup and then mix in the oats so the mixture coats them all well. At this point you can also add in any optional extras. Grease a baking tray with some coconut oil.

Once everything is combined well in the bowl its time to make your cookies, take an even amount – this is where I like to use an ice cream scoop so that they are all roughly the same shape and size but you could just use your hands: be aware the mixture is fairly sticky though! I then flatten them out a little with the back of a spoon once they are on the baking tray. Put in the oven for between 8-12 minutes. They need watching as they can get brown quite quickly!

Allow to cool and enjoy! :)