These zero-waste muffin top cookies are toddler (and baby, if you omit the honey) approved. We try to keep these as more of a dessert treat in our house but they would also be great for breakfast or a snack on the go. Sweetness comes from banana and dried fruit instead of sugar, though you can add honey for an extra sweet kick. I usually make two batches at once because these tend to disappear quickly! I routinely make these with my toddler’s help because everything just gets thrown in the food processor and blitzed. In just a few minutes of hands-on time you’ll be on your way to healthy cookies. Very little clean-up, too. Hallelujah!

Throw them in your reusable snack bag or plastic-free container (these cookies happen to fit perfectly in this container). These can be made low- or zero-waste if you can find the ingredients in bulk.

Recipe inspired by @life.in.gineral. Thanks, Ginger!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cashew butter (can also be made with almond butter or sunbutter)
• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1/4 cup mashed banana
• 1 cup almond flour (or almond meal)
• 1/4 cup soaked dried fruit (dates and raisins are favorites here)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• OPTIONAL (and not for babies under 1 year old): 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
2. Place all ingredients besides eggs in a food processor and blend. Scrape the sides if necessary.
3. Add eggs and blend until smooth.
4. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet – grease with butter, use a Silpat or compostable parchment paper. The batter will be slightly runny but sticky. Use an ice cream scoop (I have this one and love it) or large spoon to portion out the batter. Do not crowd the sheet, the batter will spread slightly while cooking.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. For me 12 minutes is perfect but I’ve tried in a different oven and 15 minutes worked better.
6. Cool on wire rack and enjoy!

It will change the texture a bit but I have also experimented with adding protein powder and other mix-ins like chia seeds or ground flax. If you try this recipe, please let me know in the comments or tag me on social media @meredithtested.