Super Seed Cookies

I’ve finally cracked the code on a "sugar-free" treat that doesn't suck! These Super Seed Cookies are crunchy, decadent, and the ultimate snack for those who want a treat but don't want the sugar crash. They’re nut free, refined sugar free, flourless, and instantly fancy with a little chocolate drizzle.

This post may contain affiliate links

The Crunch That Saved My Morning (and My Sanity)

I’ve been living on my grain-free granola lately, and while it’s been a total solace during some pretty chaotic mornings, it got me thinking. I wanted that same seedy crunch, but in a handheld, grab-and-go form. If you know me, you know I LOVE desserts, and healthy desserts are by far my favourite. Let’s be real, sometimes when you read a cookie is grain free, high fibre, doesn’t have refined sugar, is egg free and dairy free you’d probably think to yourself, “what’s the point?” and to that I’d say, try this recipe!

I’m just slightly obsessed with anything crunchy (this granola obsession didn’t find me, I found it!) and if a cookie is crunchy, even better. I buy most of my pantry staples in bulk, which means I always have a ton of pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and I almost always have a too ripe banana on hand, so this recipe was born!

spatula holding healthy seed cookie

Why Refined Sugar Free?

Like many of us in this community, I myself am navigating the choppy waters of peri-menopause, and I’ll be the first to tell you: it’s been beyond challenging. I’m thankfully on HRT now and finally feel like I have a handle on my blood sugar, but getting here? It sucked. There’s no other way to say it. 

Transitioning to a lifestyle that’s lower in sugar wasn’t exactly “fun”, but now that I’m on the other side, I can’t imagine going back. These seed cookies are the result of that shift; they’re crunchy, satisfying on every level, and instantly fancy once you add that chocolate drizzle. I don’t know a single soul who wouldn’t want one of these tucked into their bag for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Oh, and some bonus points: they are nut free, which means you can confidently send the kiddos to school with them. Let’s bake!

What Exactly is a Seed Cookie?

If you’re used to traditional, cakey treats, let me introduce you to something you’ve probably never had before. A super seed cookie is a powerhouse of texture. Unlike store-bought cookies that often rely on processed flours and gums, these are built entirely from whole foods. Think of them as the more sophisticated, travel-friendly cousin of your favourite granola. By using a “base” of seeds instead of flour, we’re creating gluten free healthy cookies, no flour required. 

banana alongside bowl of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, cinnamon and vanilla extract all laid out on a wood table

Ingredients for These Healthy Seed Cookies

I’m a freak for a well-stocked pantry, and this healthy cookies recipe proves why. Every single ingredient here has a job to do, no fillers, no fluff.

  • Sunflower Seeds: These provide the bulk and a beautiful, nutty earthiness without actually using nuts.
  • Pumpkin Seeds: High in magnesium (which we need during hormone shifts!), these add a gorgeous green hue and a serious crunch.
  • Hemp Seeds: They add a boost of plant based protein and healthy fats to help balance the natural sugars in the banana.
  • Ripe Banana: This is our binder and our sweetener. By using a mashed banana, we keep these gluten-free, sugar-free cookies full of fibre. I’m a fan of bananas, and that’s probably NOT going to change. They are a quick and easy sweetener, BUT I know that some of you loathe them. Use whatever sweetener you prefer!
  • Cinnamon & Vanilla: These are the “scent-memory” ingredients. They trick your brain into thinking the cookie is much sweeter than it actually is.
  • Pinch of Salt: Because even a sweet treat needs balance. This helps all the flavours shine and is especially complementary to the optional chocolate drizzle.

Why You’ll Fall in Love With These Cookies

I posted a poll recently asking if I should keep these plain or drizzle them with chocolate. Clearly, chocolate won (because you guys have excellent taste), but the beauty of these multi seed cookies is their versatility! They are the best seed cookies for anyone tired of feeling sluggish after a snack. Because they are packed with fibre and healthy fats, they actually satisfy your hunger. Plus, they are easy, healthy cookies with few ingredients; you probably have everything in your kitchen right now.

bowl of various seeds mixed together

How to Make the Best Healthy Cookies

Making these cookies is easy and quick! Grab your ingredients and let’s get into it:

Mash the bananas

Start by mashing your banana in a medium bowl. You want it smooth, no big chunks! Think of it as the “glue” that will hold all your seeds together.

Mix ingredients

Throw your sunflower, pumpkin, and hemp seeds along with the cinnamon, vanilla, and salt into a bowl and mix thoroughly. You want every single seed to be glistening and coated in that banana mixture.

Shape your cookies

Here is my pro-tip for making them look a little less homemade: Use a 2.6″ cookie cutter. Use an ice cream scoop to drop a mound of the mixture onto your parchment-lined sheet, place the cutter over the mound, and use the back of a spoon to press it flat into a perfect circle.

Bake

Slide them into a 350°F preheated oven. You aren’t looking for a massive colour change, but you’ll start to smell the toasted seeds and vanilla before they are done. Look for the edges to turn a soft, golden brown. 

Let them rest!

This is the hard part. Let them sit on the sheet for 5–7 minutes. They need this time to “set” and get that signature crunch. If you move them too soon, they might crumble, and we don’t want that! Once they are totally cooled, you can add the optional chocolate drizzle and flaky sea salt.

tray of freshly baked cookies with chocolate drizzle

Troubleshooting & Pro-Tips

  • “My cookies are falling apart!” This usually happens if the banana wasn’t ripe enough or if the cookies didn’t cool long enough. A very spotty, brown banana provides the best “stick.”
  • The Chocolate Drizzle: If you’re going for the chocolate win, melt your dark chocolate chips and use a spoon to zigzag across the cooled cookies. Do not skip the flaky Maldon salt! It’s a non-negotiable for that gourmet finish.
  • Storage: Because these are made with fresh fruit (the banana), they don’t like sitting on the counter for days. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a week, or keep them in the freezer.

Dietary Adaptations: Make It Yours

While this is a gluten free nut free cookies dream, I know everyone’s palate is different.

  • For the Banana-Hater: If you absolutely loathe bananas, you can swap the banana for 2–3 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey. The texture will be a bit more like a “lace cookie” that’s thinner and very crisp. You may also need to adjust the baking time slightly.
  • Umami Bomb: Want to get adventurous? Add a teaspoon of miso paste to the mashed banana. It adds a salty, savoury depth that is honestly amazing.
  • Seed Swap: Feel free to use sesame seeds or even a few poppy seeds if you have them on hand. Just keep the total seed ratio the same.
womans hand holding chocolate covered healthy cookie

Healthy Seed Cookies FAQ

Can I make these without a cookie cutter? Of course, the cutter just makes them more uniform in shape. The most important part is that you’re using roughly the same amount of mixture per cookie, so you have uniform baking time. You can just use a spoon to flatten the mounds into discs.

Are these okay for a blood-sugar-friendly diet? Yes! Because we are using the whole fibre of the banana and a massive amount of fats/protein from the seeds, the glucose spike is much lower than that of a traditional cookie.

Did you make these cookies?

Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you make these!! Try these delicious recipes next:

Grain Free Miso Maple Granola

Black Sesame Bark

Nut Free Tahini Granola Bars

TERI ANN CARTY

Food Photographer and Recipe Developer based in Toronto, Canada. 

FREE EBOOK
A Few Favourites

Join my mailing list!

hand holding chocolate drizzled cookie

Healthy Super Seed Cookies (refined sugar free!)

I’ve finally cracked the code on a "sugar-free" treat that doesn't suck! These Super Seed Cookies are crunchy, decadent, and the ultimate snack for those who want a treat but don't want the sugar crash. They’re nut free, refined sugar free, flourless, and instantly fancy with a little chocolate drizzle.
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Servings: 13 cookies
Author: Teri-Ann Carty
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cool Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment

  • oven, ice cream scoop, parchment paper, 2.6" cookie cutter

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds
  • ¼ cup hemp seeds
  • 1 ripe banana
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp vanilla
  • pinch salt

Optional Topping

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350. Line. cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mash banana in a bowl until no lumps remain.
  • Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly to combine.
  • Use an ice cream scoop to measure out cookies.
  • Place the cookie cutter over the mounds, and use a spoon to press them flat. Carefully remove the cutter and continue until all cookies are shaped.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden brown.
  • Let the cookies rest for 5 -7 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • If you are topping with chocolate, melt the chocolate in the oven until smooth. Place cooled cookies back on the parchment lined sheet and use a spoon to drizzle the top of the cookies. Sprinkle with flaky salt.
  • Place in the fridge or a cool place to allow the chocolate to harden.
  • Best stored in the fridge or freezer.

Notes

  • If you hate bananas, sweeten the cookies with 2-3 tbsp maple syrup instead.
  • If you want to add umami, add a tsp of miso.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 0.03mg | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 161mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

14 Responses

  1. 5 stars
    Delicious and super easy to make ! Minimal ingredients for a healthy snack. I made it with a banana exactly as the recipe states. Great recipe !

  2. These look so good, going to make them today. Do you think o could add unsweetened shredded coconut without ruining the original texture too much?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




SUBSCRIBE!

Join my mailing list and be the first to get my recipes, discounts to brands I love and more! I promise not to spam you.