These healthy no sugar, no flour cookies are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt. Made with natural ingredients like ripe bananas, applesauce, oats, and dark chocolate chunks, these cookies are soft, chewy, naturally sweet, and full of nourishing goodness. They’re quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for snacks, dessert, or even a healthy breakfast on the go.

Whether you’re trying to reduce refined sugar, avoid processed ingredients, or simply want a wholesome treat the whole family will love, these cookies check all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas—no added sugar
No flour, meaning they’re gluten-free when using certified GF oats
Vegan-friendly and dairy-free
Just 30 minutes from start to finish
Perfect for meal prep, snacks, lunchboxes, or busy mornings
Easy to customize with nuts, raisins, coconut, or your favorite mix-ins

I originally developed these cookies for my niece, who loves sweet treats but needed lower-sugar options. The whole family quickly fell in love with them—even those who usually prefer traditional, sugary cookies!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Wet Ingredients

3 ripe bananas (the riper and spottier, the sweeter and easier to mash)
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce – adds moisture without oil
1/4 cup almond milk – helps bind; any milk works
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Dry Ingredients

2 cups oats – old-fashioned oats work best for texture
1/4 cup raisins or nuts – optional but great for crunch and variety
1 cup dark chocolate chunks – Lily’s stevia-sweetened chocolate keeps it sugar-free

How to Make Healthy No Sugar, No Flour Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the rack in the center.

2. Make the Base

Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add the applesauce and mix until fully combined.

3. Add Flavor

Stir in the vanilla and cinnamon. The cinnamon brings warmth and enhances the natural sweetness.

4. Add the Oats

Pour the oats into the wet mixture and stir until fully coated.

5. Add Mix-Ins

Add almond milk to loosen the batter slightly. Fold in raisins or nuts and dark chocolate chunks until evenly mixed.

6. Shape the Cookies

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop 12–15 cookies onto the sheet and gently flatten each one—they won’t spread while baking.

7. Bake

Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the centers feel firm. Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.

8. Cool

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack—this helps them firm up nicely.

Helpful Tips You Should Know

Each cookie is around 100 calories, depending on mix-ins
The cookies are naturally dense and chewy, not crispy
They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months
Dark chocolate chunks make them taste extra indulgent
Letting the batter sit for 10 minutes before baking improves texture

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: 2–3 days in an airtight container
Refrigerator: up to 1 week
Freezer: up to 3 months (freeze flat on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag)

I love making a double batch and freezing half for quick, healthy snacks.

Creative Variations

Chai Spice: add ¼ tsp cardamom
Tropical: add coconut flakes + dried pineapple
Cherry Almond: dried cherries + slivered almonds
Breakfast Boost: add hemp hearts + ground flaxseed for extra protein
Kid-Friendly: let kids press chocolate chunks into the tops before baking

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use instant oats?
Yes, but cookies will be softer and less chewy.

→ Can I swap almond milk?
Any milk works—oat, soy, coconut, or dairy.

→ Can I make them without chocolate?
Absolutely. Replace with nuts, dried fruit, or coconut flakes.

→ Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature.

Healthy Cookies Without Sugar (Printable Recipe)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12–15 cookies
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free (with GF oats)
Category: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 cups oats
1/4 cup almond milk
1/4 cup raisins or nuts
1 cup dark chocolate chunks (like Lily’s)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
Mix mashed bananas and applesauce in a bowl until smooth.
Stir in vanilla and cinnamon.
Add oats and mix until combined.
Add almond milk, raisins/nuts, and chocolate chunks.
Scoop onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten slightly.
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cool and enjoy!