Banana Almond Cookies with Cherries

Happy soon-to-be Valentines Day! These little treats are perfect as substitutes for Valentines Candy or afternoon snacks. Full of protein and wholesome ingredients, these tasty morsels will satisfy any sweet tooth.

These can be made Paleo. To make these truly paleo, no-sugar-added dried cherries must be found, such as these. You can substitute raw vanilla powder or the seeds of half a vanilla bean for the vanilla extract. However, I'm not aware of the substitution for almond extract. Any ideas there?

These cookies are inspired by a recipe in Nourishing Meals: Healthy Gluten-Free Recipes for the Whole Family by Alissa Segersten and Tom Malterre. Minus the shredded coconut and added some egg whites to make them fluffy without being too wet. Plus I love the flavors of cherries and almond together so I added the dried cherries.

To present these as little Valentine's Day gifts, either layer the cookies on a pretty plate, cover with saran wrap and a ribbon or layer two (between sheet small sheet of parchment) on a bigger sheet of parchment (about 6x6"), fold, wrap with ribbon and secure with sticker and handwritten note.

Ingredients for Banana Almond Cookies with Cherries
1 very ripe banana
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
2 Tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
2 egg whites

2 cups blanched almond flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp sea salt

1/3 cup chopped dried cherries

1. Mash banana.
2. Add remaining wet ingredients, whisk in sea salt, baking soda, then almond flour. Fold in chopped dried cherries.
3. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls on lightly greased cookie sheet.
4. Bake 18-20 minutes.

Enjoy!

And turn any sad looking banana into a smile with this recipe!