Who said cookies have to be a cheat day treat? These Skinny Monkey Cookies are soft, chocolatey, naturally sweet, and made with real, whole ingredients. Think ripe bananas, peanut butter, oats, and cocoa powder—all baked into a cookie that satisfies your cravings without a single ounce of guilt.
They’re vegan, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and even gluten-free if you use certified oats. And the best part? This is the double batch version—because one batch is never enough.
Why I Love This Recipe
These cookies are perfect for:
- Snack attacks
- Kid-friendly lunchbox treats
- Midnight munching without the sugar crash
- Post-workout bites with a touch of protein
They’re ridiculously easy to make (one bowl!), require no mixer, and can be ready in under 30 minutes. And the flavor? Think fudgy banana bread meets chewy oatmeal cookie—with a swirl of cocoa and nutty peanut butter.
Ingredients (Double Batch – Makes 20–24 Cookies)
- 2 ripe bananas (medium-large)
- 1 cup quick oats
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Swaps and Notes
- Nut-free? Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
- Add-ins: A handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or flaxseed add texture and nutrition.
- Use rolled oats for a chunkier texture—just pulse them slightly in a blender first.
- Want it sweeter? Add 1–2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey (if not vegan).
How to Make Skinny Monkey Cookies (Double Batch)
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Other Ingredients
Stir in the oats, peanut butter, cocoa powder, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
Mix until fully combined into a thick, sticky dough.
4. Let It Rest
Let the batter sit for 5 minutes so the oats absorb moisture and thicken up.
5. Scoop and Shape
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the baking sheet, spacing about an inch apart.
Gently flatten each scoop with the back of a spoon (they won’t spread much during baking).
6. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are slightly firm.
7. Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temp or freeze for longer storage.
Tips for Success
- Use very ripe bananas—they’re sweeter and mash smoother.
- Mix by hand—no mixer needed, just a sturdy spoon or spatula.
- Let cool fully for best texture (they firm up as they cool).
- Make smaller cookies for snack bites, or go big and bake a few minutes longer.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair these clean, chocolatey bites with other healthy or feel-good options from ChefManiac:
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls – for an energy boost on the go
- 3-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies – great for quick mornings
- Blueberry Lemonade – refreshing and perfect with cocoa cookies
- Big Family Banana Pudding – keep the banana theme going!
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – for a more indulgent dessert next time
Storage & Leftovers
- Room Temp: Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
- Fridge: Lasts up to 1 week, just let come to room temp before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months—thaw overnight or warm gently in the microwave.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Craving more healthy, chocolatey, or breakfast-friendly snacks? Try:
- Monster Cookie Energy Balls
- 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Big Family Banana Pudding
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
Final Thoughts
These Skinny Monkey Cookies prove you don’t need butter, sugar, or flour to make a crave-worthy cookie. With just a handful of real ingredients and one bowl, they’re the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—for snack time, post-workout bites, or healthy lunchbox treats.
Tried them? Tag @ChefManiac with your healthy baking win! And follow for more guilt-free desserts, clean snacks, and banana-powered bakes.
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