I love making these easy homemade dog treats for our dog Ruby. They are made with just 4 simple ingredients; oats, peanut butter, banana and water.

You will need one and a half cup of rolled oats, one ripe banana and a fourth of a cup of peanut butter. For my dog, I buy unsweetened and unsalted peanut butter and this is the brand that I like. You’ll also add two tablespoons of water. 

In a food processor, add the oats, banana, peanut butter and water and mix until it creates a very sticky dough.

Then you’ll take a piece of parchment paper on your countertop and add the sticky dough onto the parchment paper. Then place another piece of parchment paper on top and this is going to help keep the dough from sticking to your rolling pin. 

You’ll use a rolling pin to roll out the dough until it’s nice and smooth about a quarter of an inch thick. If the dough is too thin then the cookies will overcook and become too crispy.

Use any cookie cutter shape of choice that you like. I’m using this little flower shape and you’re going to just cut out the shapes of your cookies out of the dough and place on a baking sheet. I also like to bake on a piece of parchment paper for ease. 

You’ll notice that you may have extra dough, so just roll it back into a ball and follow the same steps of covering it with parchment paper, rolling it out and cutting out more cookie shapes so that you’re using up all of your dough. 

Then bake in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Avoid over-baking them, which can make the cookies too hard and crispy. We want them to be soft and easy and safe for your dog to enjoy. 

Then Ta Da! The cutest, most delicious homemade dog treats are made with simple wholesome ingredients that my dog loves, but my kids also love them too because they’re made with just oats, banana, peanut butter and a little bit of water.

Then store these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge.

These are the BEST gluten-free chocolate chip cookies in my opinion! They are soft, generous with chocolate chips and are packed with wholesome ingredients! These cookies just hit the spot when you want a good chocolate chip cookie that aligns with your goals of wholesome eating!

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free and vegan!  

What can I use to substitute the banana, if I don’t like bananas?

Unfortunately, I have not tried this recipe with another fruit or vegetable in place of the banana and therefore I could not guarantee a recommendation that would yield an equally satisfying result in test and texture. Swaps that come to mind however that may work include cooked sweet potato, cooked pumpkin and possibly applesauce! If using applesauce I would omit the water. 

What gluten-free flour can I use to substitute the oat flour? 

Gluten-free flours vary greatly in the end result when it comes to baking. This is due to the fact that gluten-free flours absorb liquid at different capacities which can yield either a crumbly dry texture or gummy texture. Therefore, most gluten-free flour swaps are not an equal one cup to one cup exchange. The only gluten-free flour that I would recommend is almond flour (which will yield a more dense and dry texture) or a gluten-free flour baking mix such as this one. 

What are the health benefits of oats?

I love using oats for baking because they add fiber, protein and a boost of vitamins and minerals. Oats are also affordable and versatile! By simply blending oats into a powder, you can create oat flour. Leave the oats whole and you can make oatmeal, overnight oats, energy bites, energy bars and so much more. Studies show that regular consumption of oats may support weight loss, better blood sugar levels and support heart health. A half a cup of oats contains 5.3 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals such as manganese, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, folate, vitamin B1, vitamin B5 as well as calcium and potassium. 

Do oats contain Glyphosate?

Glyphosate is an herbicide used to kill weeds. Glyphosate residues have been found on some foods such as cereals and grains, including oats. For those concerned about glyphosate residues related to oats, choosing an Organic oat or even better an Organic oat that is certified Glyphosate-free such as this one. 

Can I use a different sweetener than maple syrup?

I LOVE using maple syrup in my recipes as a sweetener because it provides a boost of vitamins and minerals, whereas traditional white granulated sugar is void of nutrition. Maple syrup also provides a rich flavor profile! You could swap the maple syrup for granulated sugar although this would yield a crispier cookie versus a soft cookie. 

Are cookies really healthy?

These cookies are homemade and made with a variety of real, whole foods that are packed with protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Traditional store-bought cookies are highly processed and often lacking in fiber or any nutritional value. In my opinion, this is a GREAT option for a decadent treat that is still nourishing for the body! As someone who likes to eat cookies regularly, I love making these cookies for myself and for my husband and children knowing that they are enjoying a treat and nourishing their body at the same time. 

How long do these cookies last?

Keep these cookies in an air-tight container in the refrigerator and enjoy them for 5 days. You can also store these cookies in the freezer and enjoy them within 3 months. Because these cookies do not contain preservatives I would not store them in the pantry or any warm environment, which could lend to mold growth. 

What bakeware do you use?

I love using a Silpat for baking cookies such as this one and the cooking sheet I have is this one!

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The BEST Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Servings 0

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 2 bananas
• ⅓ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoon water
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
• ⅓ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Blend 2 cups of oats in a high-speed blender to create a fine powder, which is the flour for the recipe.
• In a medium bowl mash 2 bananas until you create a smooth paste. Then add in all wet ingredients; the maple syrup, peanut butter, vanilla extract and water.
• Add in salt, ground flaxseeds, cinnamon and oat flour and mix together well.
• Lastly, fold in the chocolate chips. This recipe calls for ¼ cup of chocolate chips but truly, you should measure chocolate with your heart! Feel free to add more chocolate chips if desired.
• Using a small ice-cream scoop or spoon dollop of even size batter onto a baking sheet lined with a silpat, parchment paper or lightly greased with coconut oil.
• Bake cookies for 15 minutes and then let cool on a cooling rack.
• Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator and enjoy them for 5 days. You can also store these cookies in the freezer and enjoy them within 3 months. These cookies are delicious cold or you can simply reheat in the oven for 1-2 minutes if you prefer a gooey warm chocolate chip cookie.

More Healthy Recipes

For more healthy and delicious recipes, check out my cookbooks here!

What is a Parsnip?

Parsnips are a root vegetable that has been used in cooking globally for thousands of years. Parsnips are slightly sweet and nutty in flavor. They are related to other vegetables such as carrots and roots of parsley.

Health Benefits of Parsnip

Parsnips are packed with nutrition! They contain folate, vitamin K, vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber to support immune function and digestive health. Parsnips are also high in fiber, which can improve your digestive health and heart health. Tell me, would you give these parsnip fries a try?

How To Make Parsnip Fries

To make parsnip fries begin by preheating the oven to 425 Fahrenheit.

To make the fry spice blend add one teaspoon each of Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Oregano, Basil, Parsley, Salt and Black Pepper. Add all of the spices to a small jar, top with a lid and shake.

You will need 2-3 medium parsnips. Peel the parsnips, then slice into fry size pieces. Add to a large bowl, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and add a few generous sprinkles of fry-spice, then toss to coat.

Evenly spread out the parsnip fries on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 10 minutes. Enjoy as is or dip in ketchup!

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Parsnip Fries

Servings 2

Ingredients

• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1 tsp Basil
• 1 tsp Parsley
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 3 medium Parsnips
• 2 tbsp Avocado oil

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425 Fahrenheit.
• Add all of the spices to a small jar, top with a lid and shake.
• Peel the parsnips, then slice into fry size pieces. Add to a large bowl, drizzle with avocado oil and add a few generous sprinkles of fry-spice, then toss to coat.
• Evenly spread out on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 10 minutes. Enjoy as is or dip in ketchup!

More Recipes Like This!

We also eat dairy-free and I love that molasses is a source of calcium and iron!

What Is Molasses?

Molasses is a thick, viscous substance resulting from refining sugarcane or sugar beets into sugar. Molasses is often use to sweeten recipes whether sweet or savory. Some popular uses for molasses are to sweeten BBQ sauces and make gingerbread cookies! I personally love adding molasses to snack bites or snack bars to naturally sweeten the recipe and add a boost of nutrition!

Health Benefits of Molasses

Molasses is naturally rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B6 and antioxidants!

Molasses may also help to relieve constipation, help treat anemia and support bone health. What’s also amazing is that (ounce per ounce) molasses has more calcium than milk and more iron than eggs! (1) For those who eat dairy-free, consuming molasses on a regular basis is a great way to boost iron and calcium intake.

How To Make Molasses Snack Bites

To make molasses snack bites you’ll add the oats, dates, molasses, peanut butter (or any other nut or seed butter you prefer), walnuts, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, cinnamon and ginger powder into a food processor. This is the food processor I have and love!

Pulse all ingredients together to form a sticky batter. Roll batter into ball about 1 inch thick and place in an air-tight storage container and place in the fridge or freezer. If storing in the fridge, enjoy with 1 week. If storing in the freezer, enjoy with 2-3 months.

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Molasses Bites

Servings 12 Bites

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1/4 cup nut butter
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 2 tablespoons chia sees
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
• 1-2 tablespoons molasses 2 tablespoons will have a stronger flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

• In a food processor, add all ingredients and pulse to create a crumbly batter
• Then add water and pulse again to create a sticky batter
• Roll batter into balls and place in an air-tight container
• Store in the fridge and enjoy within 1 week or the freezer and enjoy within 2 months. I store our bites in the freezer, and we always eat them up within a week!

Kid-Friendly Energy Bites Recipes

Lemon Orange Energy Bites

Pink Lemon Energy Bites

Maple Apple Cinnamon Bites

Healthy Recipes On Instagram!

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram @HealthyGroceryGirl

Sources:

1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21622515.2021.1892203

If you’re looking for learning videos for kids that are quality, wholesome and fun I recommend watching our new show, Fun With Food! Fun With Food is an Educational Cooking Show for Kids. In each episode, we make a recipe or go on a food adventure while learning about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, nutrition, feelings and more. Fun with Food is created and hosted by Megan Roosevelt, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and mom of 2.

In our smoothie today we’re adding a handful of nourishing and delicious ingredients such as banana, spinach, mango, almond butter and almond milk! Let’s learn about the health benefits of two of these foods below!

Health Benefits of Bananas

Bananas contain potassium which supports heart health and muscle function. Bananas are also rich in fiber which is important for digestive health.

Health Benefits of Spinach

Iron carries oxygen in the blood within our body which is really important to support our brain and muscle function and to give us energy!
⁠

A smoothie is made in a blender! Blenders have a sharp blade that turns solid foods into smaller pieces. Pieces so small that it can even become a smooth creamy smoothie! Because blenders have a sharp blade they can be dangerous, so it’s always best to ask a grown up to use a blender to help you make a recipe!

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Super Smoothie

Servings 1

Ingredients

• 1 banana
• 1 cup frozen mango
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tbsp almond butter

Instructions

• Add all ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.

Green Smoothies!

This smoothie turned the color green because of the spinach! Spinach contains an important nutrient called Iron. Iron carries oxygen in the blood within our body which is really important to support our brain and muscle function and to give us energy! Isn’t it amazing that different foods help our body be so healthy and do all the things we need to do in a day like run, jump, play, sing and dance! Here are some other foods that contain Iron!

Kid-Friendly Kitchen Tools

We love and use these knives!

Fun With Food colorful plates, see here!

Where To Watch Fun With Food

Watch more episodes of Fun With Food here!

You can can also follow along for more food fun on Instagram here @funwithfoodkids.

What Is Fun With Food?

Fun With Food is an Educational Cooking Show for Kids. In each episode, we make a recipe or go on a food adventure while learning about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, nutrition, feelings and more. Fun with Food is created and hosted by Megan Roosevelt, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and mom of 2.

What More Episodes of Fun With Food

If you’re looking for learning videos for kids that are quality, wholesome and fun I recommend watching our new show, Fun With Food! Fun With Food is an Educational Cooking Show for Kids. In each episode, we make a recipe or go on a food adventure while learning about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, nutrition, feelings and more. Fun with Food is created and hosted by Megan Roosevelt, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and mom of 2.

Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a fruit made of mostly water, which make them a great, hydrating food! Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate and potassium. Vitamin C is important for a healthy immune system to help us fight sickness such as getting a cold. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, which is what gives tomatoes their red color. Lycopene supports our brain health and memory!

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Mini Pizzas

Servings 6 children

Ingredients

• 3 bagels
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese I love using a dairy-free cheese!

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
• Slice bagels in half, and layout on a baking sheet
• Add tomato sauce to each bagels and top with cheese
• Bake in the oven 5-10 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt and bubble.

Kid-Friendly Kitchen Tools

We love and use these knives!

Fun With Food colorful plates, see here!

Where To Watch Fun With Food

Watch more episodes of Fun With Food here!

You can can also follow along for more food fun on Instagram here @funwithfoodkids.

What Is Fun With Food?

Fun With Food is an Educational Cooking Show for Kids. In each episode, we make a recipe or go on a food adventure while learning about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, nutrition, feelings and more. Fun with Food is created and hosted by Megan Roosevelt, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and mom of 2.

What More Episodes of Fun With Food

If you’re looking for learning videos for kids that are quality, wholesome and fun I recommend watching our new show, Fun With Food! Fun With Food is an Educational Cooking Show for Kids. In each episode, we make a recipe or go on a food adventure while learning about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, nutrition, feelings and more. Fun with Food is created and hosted by Megan Roosevelt, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and mom of 2.

Health Benefits of Apples

Apples contain prebiotic fiber, which is beneficial for feeding your “good” gut bacteria and helping your microbiome thrive! While apple juice has fiber removed, it still contains antioxidants. Antioxidants are incredible at protecting cells from harmful free radicals, which may lead to chronic diseases over time. Apple skin contains an antioxidant called quercetin, which has many health promoting qualities, one of them being its role in reducing inflammation!

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a nutritious food, with nearly 2 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein per tablespoon, peanut butter can help fuel you and keep you feeling full. Peanut Butter is made from peanuts which contain protein, fat, fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Peanuts contain omega-6 fatty acids, a fatty acid that lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol and increases good (HDL) cholesterol. Peanuts are also a source of arginine, an amino acid that promotes good blood vessel function and may help prevent heart disease.
⁠

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Apple Cookies

Servings 6

Equipment

• Small shape cookie cutters Basic shapes such as: circle, star, square, triangle, hexagon, oval.

Ingredients

• 2 red apples
• 2 green apples
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions

• Wash and dry apples
• Carefully slice all of the apples horizontally, into 1/2 inch thick rounds. You'll want 12 total round apple slices.
• Use small shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cores. You'll need a bottom and a top piece for each cookie, so each shape should have a bottom apple piece and a top apple piece.
• Spread 1 tablespoon (or more) of peanut butter between each matched pair to create your apple cookies, enjoy!

Kid-Friendly Kitchen Tools

We love and use these knives!

Fun With Food colorful plates, see here!

Apple shape cookie cutters I use, see here!

Where To Watch Fun With Food

Watch more episodes of Fun With Food here!

You can can also follow along for more food fun on Instagram here @funwithfoodkids.

What Is Fun With Food?

Fun With Food is an Educational Cooking Show for Kids. In each episode, we make a recipe or go on a food adventure while learning about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, nutrition, feelings and more. Fun with Food is created and hosted by Megan Roosevelt, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and mom of 2.

What More Episodes of Fun With Food

If you’re looking for fun learning videos for kids that are quality and wholesome I recommend watching our new show, Fun With Food! Fun With Food is an Educational Cooking Show for Kids. In each episode, we make a recipe or go on a food adventure while learning about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, nutrition, feelings and more. Fun With Food is created and hosted by Megan Roosevelt, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and mom of 2.

Health Benefits of Apples

Apples contain prebiotic fiber, which is beneficial for feeding your “good” gut bacteria and helping your microbiome thrive! While apple juice has fiber removed, it still contains antioxidants. These plant compounds are incredible at protecting cells from harmful free radicals, which may lead to chronic diseases over time.

Health Benefits of Grapes

Grapes contain multiple powerful antioxidants found mostly in the skin and seeds. Two of the most important antioxidants in grapes are quercetin and resveratrol. Other powerful antioxidants in grapes are vitamin C, beta carotene, lutein, and ellagic acid.

Health Benefits of Strawberries

Did you know that strawberries contain vitamin C? Along with being a great support for your immune health, vitamin C is also important for the production of collagen and protecting your cells from damage. Strawberries also contain folate, which helps with tissue growth and the functioning of cells.

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Fruit Salad

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Ingredients

• 1 green apple
• 1 cup purple grapes
• 1 cup strawberries

Instructions

• Wash all the fruit!
• Remove stems and chop fruit into smaller pieces
• Mix, and place on a plate, enjoy!

Kid-Friendly Kitchen Tools

We love and use these knives!

Fun With Food colorful plates, see here!

Where To Watch Fun With Food

Watch more episodes of Fun With Food here!

You can can also follow along for more food fun on Instagram here @funwithfoodkids.

What Is Fun With Food?

Fun With Food is an Educational Cooking Show for Kids. In each episode, we make a recipe or go on a food adventure while learning about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, nutrition, feelings and more. Fun with Food is created and hosted by Megan Roosevelt, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and mom of 2.

What More Episodes of Fun With Food

Health Benefits of Ingredients

Almonds

Almonds are high in healthy monounsaturated fats, protein and important
nutrients such as manganese and Vitamin E. Almonds are also high in fiber, which helps you feel full longer!

Oats

Oats are a complex carbohydrate, which can help you feel full longer. Oats also contain protein, fiber and iron. Consuming plant-based sources of iron with vitamin C rich foods, such as the orange in this recipe, will help your body absorb the iron better. Your body needs iron to aid your cells in carrying oxygen throughout the body.

See below to view or print this recipe! If you make these bars, please share a photo on Instagram and tag me @HealthyGroceryGirl so I can easily find and like your creations! It’s so fun to connect with you and see what recipes you’re enjoying.

For more HGG recipe ideas you can also visit the HGG YouTube channel here! 

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Zesty Orange Cranberry Bars

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Freeze 3 hours hours

Servings 0

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp juice from a Limoneira Mandarin Orange
• 1 tbsp zest from a Limoneira Mandarin Orange
• 1 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup slice almonds
• 1/2 cup cranberries
• 2 cups rolled oats

Instructions

• Begin by mixing the juice, zest, almond butter and honey together.
• Then add the sliced almonds and cranberries, stir together and finally stir in the rolled oats.
• Use a freezer safe dish around 9 x 8 inches, lined with a small piece of parchment paper.
• Add the mix and press down until it is flat and well compacted.
• Finally add the zest on top and freeze for a minimum of one hour, but these are best after 3 or more hours.
• Cut and enjoy!

Click Below For More Bar Recipes

Orange Oatmeal Applesauce Bars

Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake Bars

Breakfast Cereal Bars

This video was created for the Limoneira YouTube Channel! Megan Roosevelt, RDN is the Spokesperson for Limoneira. To see all our tips & videos makes sure to visit & subscribe to the Limoneira YouTube Channel! 

How To Make Banana Rainbow Pops

To make Banana Rainbow Pops you’ll need bananas, yogurt, sprinkles and popsicle sticks. This is a great recipe for children to help with. The more children can help out in the kitchen, the more it builds their kitchen confidence! You can watch the how-to video here!

Health Benefits of Bananas

Bananas contain potassium which supports heart health and muscle function. Bananas are also rich in fiber which is important for digestive health.

Health Benefits of Yogurt

For this recipe I used unsweetened greek yogurt, since both the banana and sprinkles add sweetness to the recipe. Choosing an unsweetened yogurt is also a great way to be mindful of sugar consumption. For dairy-free yogurt, I like an almond milk greek yogurt, there are also some incredible coconut milk yogurt options as well. I like the thickness of a greek yogurt which helps stick well to the banana however, you can use any yogurt that you prefer!

Dye-Free Sprinkles

I recommend dye-free sprinkles when you can. Dye-free sprinkles are typically colored with turmeric, beet juice and vegetable juice whereas traditional sprinkles may use artificial colors such as Red #3, Blue #1, Yellow #5, Yellow #6 and more. Studies have linked artificial colors / artificial food dyes to hyperactivity in children as well as behavioral changes, hives and asthma.

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Banana Rainbow Pops

Servings 6

Equipment

• 6 popsicle sticks
• 1 cookie sheet with parchment paper

Ingredients

• 3 bananas
• 2 cups yogurt I love using unsweetened almond milk greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles Look for Dye-Free sprinkles!

Instructions

• Add parchment paper to a baking sheet
• Peel 3 bananas, then cut in half
• Place a popsicle stick in each banana half along the flat side
• Dip bananas in yogurt and roll to cover completely with yogurt
• Place yogurt covered bananas on cookie sheet with parchment and top with sprinkles
• Place the bananas in the freezer for 2-3 hours, then enjoy!

Kid-Friendly Kitchen Tools

We love and use these knives!

Fun With Food colorful plates, see here!

Where To Watch Fun With Food

Watch more episodes of Fun With Food here!

You can can also follow along for more food fun on Instagram here @funwithfoodkids.

What Is Fun With Food?

Fun With Food is an Educational Cooking Show for Kids. In each episode, we make a recipe or go on a food adventure while learning about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, nutrition, feelings and more. Fun with Food is created and hosted by Megan Roosevelt, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and mom of 2.