How do you like your cookie?

Chewy?

Crunchy?

Thin, thick?

Mushy?

Raw?

I know cookies come in many personalities; and everyone likes their cookie in a very precise way. I personally like my cookies soft; but with a bit of crisp so they aren’t completely mushy, thick, and perfectly chewy with big chunks of chocolate and goodies. Got that?

These cookies are THAT. Not crunchy, not thin, not lacking any substance (chocolate), and so delicious that I could potentially eat a bunch in one sitting. But, I’m not going to advocate for that…everything in moderation, right?

These cookies! These cookies! Not only are they completely vegan, gluten-free, and free of any refined sugars or other nasties– but they really taste amazing. They don’t taste like they’re healthy or bursting with nutrients and wholesome goodies…but they are!

So let me tell you about that healthy bit…you guys know me! The flour is oats (hello fiber and healthy digestion), the denseness and softness of the cookie is made up of banana (potassium booster and stomach soother), applesauce (more fiber and phytonutrients), and a bit of coconut oil (healthy fats). Dark chocolate chips are packed with vitamins like iron and potassium, as well as antioxidants for heart, brain, and overall body support. Dried tart cherries are loaded with more immune-boosting antioxidants and have even been shown to reduce muscle soreness thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties.

In short, these cookies taste wonderful. I hope you love them!

Chocolate Cherry Oat Cookies

1 ¼ cup oat flour*
½ cup rolled oats
1 ripe banana, pureed in blender or food processor
¼ cup applesauce, unsweetened
3 T coconut oil, melted
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 T pure vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp sea salt
½ cup of dark chocolate chips (the darkest you can find, the better!)
¼ cup dried tart cherries

Yields 14-16 cookies

Preheat oven to 325° F.

Combine oat flour, rolled oats, pureed banana, applesauce, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt in a large bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined.

Fold in chocolate chips and cherries.

Scoop a heaping tablespoon onto baking tray, evenly spaced. Bake for 14 minutes and let cool for 10 minutes. Devour!

Store in an airtight container either at room temperature or refrigerated. I put my cookies in the refrigerator…because they taste wonderful cold.

*If you don’t have oat flour, simply put rolled oats into a food processor or blender and process until oats resemble flour.

P.S. If you don’t like the taste of tart cherries, substitute raisins or another dried fruit! You can also chop up a handful of nuts and throw them in as well, for an extra boost of protein and heart healthy fats.