Sometimes you just need a treat! Here’s one that you enjoy without feeling guilty. Full of delicious, but healthy ingredients like bananas, almond butter and deep dark chocolate, these cookies are a snap to make and will make everyone happy!
We’re using a familiar baking ingredient, vanilla in the luscious bites. But did you know that vanilla is actually an herb? Botanically, it is a perennial herbaceous climbing vine belonging to the orchid family, and is the most popular flavor in the world! Typically its used to add a rich or creamy flavor to baked goods, or make chocolate flavor taste even more chocolate!
Vanilla is an amazing ingredient that brings its own nutrition, too. Natural vanilla extract contains numerous antioxidants, including vanillic acid and vanillin. These antioxidants give vanilla beans their distinctive,wonderful aroma. Vanillin may also have cholesterol lowering benefits. Human studies are limited but do show promise with the health benefits of vanilla.
Banana Chocolate Cookies
- 1 Medium Banana
- 1 Cup Natural Almond Butter
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 Tsp Vanilla
- 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 Cup Demedera or Raw Sugar
- 1/4 Tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 1 1/2 Cups Chopped Dark Chocolate at least 70%
Preheat oven to 350F. Mash the banana in a large mixing bowl. Add the almond butter, egg, vanilla, baking soda, sugar and salt, stirring to combine. Fold in the chocolate. Dough will be loose.
Drop heaping teaspoons of the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, placing the cookies about 1 1/2” apart. They will spread and become thin. Bake them for 8-10 minutes, or until cookies are lightly golden brown and set.