Name: Cookie Dough Smoothie Bowl Recipe
Ingredients: Frozen Bananas (2 large, or about 2 cups sliced): Frozen bananas are the absolute star of this smoothie bowl. They provide the creamy, ice cream-like texture we crave, and their natural sweetness eliminates the need for excessive added sugars. Using frozen bananas is key; fresh bananas will result in a runny smoothie, not a thick and satisfying bowl. For optimal sweetness and digestibility, use bananas that are ripe with brown spots before freezing. This stage of ripeness maximizes their natural sugars and makes them easier to digest.; Rolled Oats (1/2 cup): Don’t underestimate the power of rolled oats in this recipe! They are the secret ingredient that truly captures the “cookie dough” essence. Oats add a subtle chewiness and heartiness that mimics the texture of raw cookie dough. Beyond texture, oats are a fantastic source of fiber, which keeps you feeling full and satisfied for longer. They also contribute to a slower release of sugars into your bloodstream, preventing energy crashes and promoting stable blood sugar levels. You can use regular rolled oats or quick-cooking oats; both work equally well. For a gluten-free version, simply ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.; Milk (1/2 cup, Dairy or Non-Dairy): Liquid is essential for blending all the ingredients into a smooth consistency. The type of milk you choose is entirely up to your dietary preferences and taste. Dairy milk, such as cow’s milk, will add a classic creamy richness and protein. For a vegan and lactose-free option, non-dairy milks like almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk work beautifully. Oat milk tends to be naturally sweeter and creamier, enhancing the cookie dough flavor profile even further. Unsweetened varieties are recommended to control the overall sweetness of the smoothie bowl.; Almond Butter (2 tablespoons, or other Nut/Seed Butter): Almond butter is the magic binder and flavor enhancer in this recipe. It provides that signature nutty, slightly roasted flavor that is characteristic of cookie dough. Almond butter also adds healthy fats, protein, and fiber, contributing to the smoothie bowl’s overall nutritional value and satiety. If you have nut allergies, you can easily substitute almond butter with other nut or seed butters like peanut butter (classic cookie dough flavor!), cashew butter, sunflower seed butter (sunbutter, for nut-free), or even tahini (sesame seed butter for a unique twist). Choose a natural almond butter without added sugars or oils for the healthiest option.; Maple Syrup (1-2 tablespoons, or other Liquid Sweetener): While the ripe bananas provide a good amount of sweetness, a touch of maple syrup elevates the cookie dough flavor and adds a hint of caramel-like depth. Maple syrup is a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, meaning it has a gentler impact on blood sugar levels. You can adjust the amount of maple syrup to your desired sweetness level. Alternatively, you can use other liquid sweeteners like honey (if not vegan), agave nectar, or date syrup. For a sugar-free option, consider using a few drops of stevia or monk fruit sweetener.; Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla extract is the aromatic backbone of any good cookie dough recipe, and this smoothie bowl is no exception. It enhances all the other flavors and adds a warm, comforting note that is quintessential cookie dough. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor; avoid imitation vanilla flavoring, which can taste artificial.; Salt (Pinch): A seemingly small but crucial ingredient – a pinch of salt. Salt enhances sweetness and balances the flavors in the smoothie bowl. It prevents the smoothie from tasting overly sweet and flat, and instead brings out the complexity of the other ingredients. Don’t skip the salt!; Mini Chocolate Chips (1/4 cup, or to taste, Dairy or Vegan): What’s cookie dough without chocolate chips? These are the delightful bursts of chocolatey goodness that make this smoothie bowl truly feel like a decadent treat. Mini chocolate chips are recommended for their distribution throughout the bowl, ensuring you get a bit of chocolate in every spoonful. However, regular-sized chocolate chips or even chopped chocolate work just as well. For a dairy-free and vegan version, use vegan chocolate chips, which are widely available in most grocery stores. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.

Ingredients

Frozen Bananas (2 large, or about 2 cups sliced): Frozen bananas are the absolute star of this smoothie bowl. They provide the creamy, ice cream-like texture we crave, and their natural sweetness eliminates the need for excessive added sugars. Using frozen bananas is key; fresh bananas will result in a runny smoothie, not a thick and satisfying bowl. For optimal sweetness and digestibility, use bananas that are ripe with brown spots before freezing. This stage of ripeness maximizes their natural sugars and makes them easier to digest.

Rolled Oats (1/2 cup): Don’t underestimate the power of rolled oats in this recipe! They are the secret ingredient that truly captures the “cookie dough” essence. Oats add a subtle chewiness and heartiness that mimics the texture of raw cookie dough. Beyond texture, oats are a fantastic source of fiber, which keeps you feeling full and satisfied for longer. They also contribute to a slower release of sugars into your bloodstream, preventing energy crashes and promoting stable blood sugar levels. You can use regular rolled oats or quick-cooking oats; both work equally well. For a gluten-free version, simply ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.

Milk (1/2 cup, Dairy or Non-Dairy): Liquid is essential for blending all the ingredients into a smooth consistency. The type of milk you choose is entirely up to your dietary preferences and taste. Dairy milk, such as cow’s milk, will add a classic creamy richness and protein. For a vegan and lactose-free option, non-dairy milks like almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk work beautifully. Oat milk tends to be naturally sweeter and creamier, enhancing the cookie dough flavor profile even further. Unsweetened varieties are recommended to control the overall sweetness of the smoothie bowl.

Almond Butter (2 tablespoons, or other Nut/Seed Butter): Almond butter is the magic binder and flavor enhancer in this recipe. It provides that signature nutty, slightly roasted flavor that is characteristic of cookie dough. Almond butter also adds healthy fats, protein, and fiber, contributing to the smoothie bowl’s overall nutritional value and satiety. If you have nut allergies, you can easily substitute almond butter with other nut or seed butters like peanut butter (classic cookie dough flavor!), cashew butter, sunflower seed butter (sunbutter, for nut-free), or even tahini (sesame seed butter for a unique twist). Choose a natural almond butter without added sugars or oils for the healthiest option.

Maple Syrup (1-2 tablespoons, or other Liquid Sweetener): While the ripe bananas provide a good amount of sweetness, a touch of maple syrup elevates the cookie dough flavor and adds a hint of caramel-like depth. Maple syrup is a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, meaning it has a gentler impact on blood sugar levels. You can adjust the amount of maple syrup to your desired sweetness level. Alternatively, you can use other liquid sweeteners like honey (if not vegan), agave nectar, or date syrup. For a sugar-free option, consider using a few drops of stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla extract is the aromatic backbone of any good cookie dough recipe, and this smoothie bowl is no exception. It enhances all the other flavors and adds a warm, comforting note that is quintessential cookie dough. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor; avoid imitation vanilla flavoring, which can taste artificial.

Salt (Pinch): A seemingly small but crucial ingredient – a pinch of salt. Salt enhances sweetness and balances the flavors in the smoothie bowl. It prevents the smoothie from tasting overly sweet and flat, and instead brings out the complexity of the other ingredients. Don’t skip the salt!

Mini Chocolate Chips (1/4 cup, or to taste, Dairy or Vegan): What’s cookie dough without chocolate chips? These are the delightful bursts of chocolatey goodness that make this smoothie bowl truly feel like a decadent treat. Mini chocolate chips are recommended for their distribution throughout the bowl, ensuring you get a bit of chocolate in every spoonful. However, regular-sized chocolate chips or even chopped chocolate work just as well. For a dairy-free and vegan version, use vegan chocolate chips, which are widely available in most grocery stores. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.

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Instructions

Prepare Your Frozen Bananas: If you haven’t already, ensure your bananas are frozen. The best way to freeze bananas for smoothies is to peel them, slice them into coins or chunks, and then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab just the right amount for your smoothie.

Combine Ingredients in a Blender: In a high-speed blender, combine all the ingredients except the chocolate chips. This includes the frozen bananas, rolled oats, milk (of your choice), almond butter (or other nut/seed butter), maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Blend Until Smooth and Creamy: Secure the blender lid tightly and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop the blender a few times and scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated and no frozen banana chunks remain. The blending process might take a minute or two, depending on the power of your blender. Aim for a thick, spoonable consistency, similar to soft-serve ice cream. If the smoothie is too thick, add a tablespoon or two more of milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a few more frozen banana slices or a handful of ice cubes.

Pour into a Bowl: Once the smoothie is perfectly blended and creamy, carefully pour it into a bowl. A regular cereal bowl or a slightly larger bowl works well.

Top with Chocolate Chips (and Get Creative!): Now for the fun part – the toppings! Generously sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the top of your smoothie bowl. Don’t be shy! This is where the “cookie dough” visual really comes to life.

Optional Toppings (Elevate Your Bowl): While chocolate chips are classic, feel free to get creative and add other toppings to customize your Cookie Dough Smoothie Bowl to your liking. Here are some delicious and healthy topping ideas:
- Extra Chocolate Drizzle: Melt a tablespoon of chocolate chips or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top for an extra decadent touch.
- Chopped Nuts: Add a sprinkle of chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, or peanuts for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Shredded Coconut: Toasted or untoasted shredded coconut adds a subtle sweetness and tropical flair.
- A Sprinkle of Sea Salt: A few flakes of sea salt sprinkled on top enhance the sweetness and chocolate flavors, creating a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
- Granola: For extra texture and crunch, add a spoonful of your favorite granola.
- Fresh Fruit: While it’s a cookie dough bowl, a few slices of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can add a burst of freshness and color.
- Cookie Crumbs (Healthy Version): Crumble a healthy cookie like a vegan oat cookie or a homemade protein cookie over the top for an extra cookie dough experience.

Serve Immediately and Enjoy! Cookie Dough Smoothie Bowls are best enjoyed immediately after preparation while they are still cold and creamy. Grab a spoon and dive into your healthy and delicious cookie dough creation!

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 450-550
Sugar: 30-40 grams
Sodium: 100-200 mg
Fat: 20-30 grams
Saturated Fat: 5-8 grams
Carbohydrates: 60-80 grams
Fiber: 10-15 grams
Protein: 10-15 grams