Cookies are a staple kids’ dessert, so why not try to make them as healthy as possible? (Can you tell we jump at any excuse to develop a new kids’ kitchen recipe?)
I have made healthy chocolate chip cookies with the kids before and it was a HUGE hit, but I wanted to develop an even easier version – and I think I found it!
Cookies are my weakness. It’s no wonder the kids would drop everything to make a batch of these delicious chocolate chip cookies. With only 4 ingredients this is a super easy recipe to get the kids involved.
A couple things to keep in mind when having the kids help you with a recipe.
First, plan ahead. Make sure you have all the ingredients. My kids get so worked up when I mention we are going to do a project then can’t because we are missing something. Take a quick peek in the cabinets before starting.
Second, use kid friendly materials. We have a great set of aluminum bowls that are perfect for the kids, teaching them to hold onto the bowl while stirring. (Miss G uses her heavier ceramic bowls when using her mixer.) I don’t worry about any glass breaking or scratches on the bottom. Using a child height table is really helpful too!
Now that you have those, on to the fun!
Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Have your child mash the bananas in a blow. Make sure your bananas are a little over ripe. It will make mashing much easier! (And the cookies a touch sweeter!)
Then mix in the rolled or quick oats and cinnamon. Mash until well combined. Since there is not any flour in this recipe, your kids can mix for as long as they need to – which is a great muscle building activity.
Spoon dough onto baking sheet. We made ours about 1-2 tablespoons big. Then press in mix ins. We used chocolate chips and craisins!
Bake 350 for 8-10 minutes. You want to watch for the cookies to be golden and firm.
Allow to cool then serve with cold milk! I stored the extras on wax paper in an airtight container, but I personally only liked these the day they were made. They became too soft for my liking the next day – but on that first day, they TOTALLY hit the spot for my chocolate chip cookie craving.
Ingredients
- 1 overripe banana
- 1 cup rolled oats (Quick oats work equally well in this recipe)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Mix-ins: chocolate chips, craisins, etc.
Instructions
- Mash the bananas.
- Add oats and cinnamon. Mash all the ingredients together.
- Form dough into 1-2 Tablespoon balls and place on a silicone covered baking sheet.
- Bake 350 for 8-10 minutes until golden and firm.
Cooking with kids is so rewarding! If you need more ideas for the kids kitchen check out 31 Days of Kids’ Kitchen Activities.
Miss G is especially proud of her Tofu Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe and her No-Sugar Animal Cookies. These two recipes are really easy for kids!
Apparently, a love of cookie baking was in the air this week! Here are some fun new cookie recipes from some of my blogging friends:
Audrey says
Oh darn, my son just ate the last banana. Guess I will have to pick up some at the store tonight.
Joanne/WineLady Cooks says
This is a great recipe to make with the kids. The kids always love helping and they will enjoy the cookies even more after they have made them.
Heather @ Join Us, Pull up a Chair says
Oh I have some bananas that need to be used and I might have my kids make these cookies tonight. They would love a little sweet treat after dinner.