Everyone loves a cookie, even better when it’s guilt-free. We have a recipe for gluten-free and vegan ones that you MUST try!
Whether you’re a vegan or not; if you’re forgoing gluten indefinitely or just dabbling with the idea – these are sure to satisfy. They’re made with a ratio of equal ground almonds to oats (1 cup = 225g) with only three other ingredients – banana, dates and peanut butter. Five ingredients means this dough can be made in literally seconds. Maybe even five seconds? Bung these in the oven after work, make a speedy batch before the day even begins or quickly knock them together pre-gym for a post-gym snack!
Never baked before? This is the perfect introduction – let’s show you how…
Vegan, GF Cookies
- 1 cup of ground almonds
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 medium banana, preferably browned and mashed
- 1 tsp vanilla (optional)
- 150-175g peanut butter
- 250g dates, pitted
Method
The dates are the only part of this recipe which takes a little bit of time. Pour hot water over the dates in a bowl or tub until they are just about covered and leave to soak for 10-15 minutes, then drain almost all the liquid off. Then leave to cool almost fully before blitzing in a processor with the banana and vanilla.
Measure out the dry ingredients and, in a large bowl, cream the peanut butter for a few minutes with a hand mixer or a vigorous beat of a wooden spoon to make it lighter.
Add everything to the larger bowl and form a sticky-ish dough.
Wrap in logs using clingfilm or baking paper as thick or thin as you want (depending on the sizes you want to yield) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. At this point you can also freeze, but wrap very tightly in several cling layers.
When ready to bake, pre-heat the oven to 180°C and bake for about 20 minutes until they’re browning at the edges and crisp-looking.
These are a really good pre-gym snack as you have both slow-release energy from the oats, a boost of fatty fodder from the peanut butter and the sweet, sugary hit from the dates. Just because they’re healthy doesn’t mean they can’t be a treat.
Take these to work in a little lunchbox for a mid-morning or afternoon snack with zero guilt. That 4pm slump is always the worst. We all get it. Fill the same lunchbox with a few dried fruits, seeds and nuts and away you go – prepared for any pangs of hunger throughout the day.
For a more indulgent take on this, crown with a fat layer of peanut butter on top. You absolutely deserve it.
Have them with a hot drink for a little peace and quiet during the day or take them to a friend’s house when catching up, this simple recipe will be at the front of your baking arsenal. Even better – browned, sad, forgotten bananas (maybe leftover from your Fruit People office delivery?) are ideal for this, so never see them go to waste!
