Banana Almond Cookies

My Unexpectedly Addictive Banana Almond Cookies

Baking has always been my happy place. Whether it's the rhythmic mixing, the comforting aroma filling the kitchen, or the pure joy of sharing the finished product, the whole process is incredibly therapeutic for me. Lately, I've been on a quest for healthier, yet still incredibly delicious, treats. My kids, bless their hearts, are always on the lookout for something sweet, and I'm constantly trying to find a balance between satisfying their cravings and keeping things relatively nutritious. That's how these banana almond cookies came to be – a happy accident, really.

I started with the simplest of intentions: use up the overripe bananas threatening a revolt on my counter. I had a jar of almond butter, a bag of almonds, and a whole lot of good intentions. What began as a simple attempt to avoid banana bread turned into something truly extraordinary. The combination of the naturally sweet bananas, the nutty almond butter and crunchy almonds, and the subtle sweetness of honey created a cookie that’s both satisfying and surprisingly sophisticated. The texture is perfect – chewy on the inside, with pleasantly crisp edges. It’s a far cry from the overly sugary, mass-produced cookies flooding supermarket shelves.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There’s no complicated technique, no obscure ingredients. Everything is readily available, and the process itself is incredibly straightforward. Even a novice baker can easily whip up a batch of these delightful cookies. What I love most is the versatility. Feel free to experiment! Add different dried fruits, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless.

These cookies are perfect for an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re also ideal for packing in lunchboxes, offering a healthier alternative to processed sweets. And let's be honest, they’re wonderful just to have on hand for a little self-care moment. They're the perfect blend of indulgence and health consciousness – a win-win in my book!

Beyond the simple act of baking, these cookies represent something more to me. They’re a reminder that even the simplest ingredients can create something truly special. They are a symbol of comfort, a tangible expression of love shared with my family and friends. The act of creating something delicious from scratch is a powerful thing – it connects us to our food, to our loved ones, and to ourselves in a way that’s both nourishing and fulfilling.

So, if you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make treat, I urge you to give these banana almond cookies a try. They’re sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen, just as they have in mine. And trust me, they disappear quickly – so make a double batch!

I encourage you to share your own baking experiences! What are your go-to healthy recipes? What are your favorite baking moments? Let's connect and share our love of creating delicious and meaningful treats together.

Step-by-step

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• In a food processor, add the almond butter, banana, honey and vanilla and process until well blended.
• Add the remaining ingredients except the cherries and almonds and blend well.
• Add the cherries and almonds and pulse to combine but keeping them in chunks.
• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and drop the dough by rounded teaspoons, leaving an inch or two between them.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes.
• Remove and allow to cool on racks.
• Once stored, these cookies soften up a lot due to their high moisture content, so run them in a 350 degree oven for 5-7 minutes and let cool a few minutes.