Not sure what to do with all of those old brown bananas sitting on your counter? Instead of just throwing them out use them for something delicious.
The best part is that these cookies are ridiculously yummy and depending on what you add in they can be pretty healthy too. They are super versatile and can be eaten for breakfast, an afternoon snack or as a tasty dessert.
These are also an easy food to make for those who suffer from food allergies. My oldest daughter Lily has a severe peanut allergy so sometimes finding safe deserts can be difficult. We try to make our own snacks any chance we can get so I know exactly what is in her food and lessen the chance of a reaction.
Preparation is very simple and you can easily have your young child help. Lily is almost five years old and she has been making these with me since she was probably two years old. It's so cute to see how excited she gets to mash up the bananas and mix everything in the big bowl.
So enough talk, let's get to the good part :)
Ingredients:
3 Mashed ripe bananas
2 Cups of Oats
1/3 Cup Applesauce
1/4 Cup Milk
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Tsp Cinnamon
Optional:
1/2 Cup Shredded Coconut
1/2 Cup Mini chocolate chips
1/2 Cup Favorite nut or seed butter
*One batch makes about 20 cookies.
Directions:
Step 1- Preheat the oven to 350 Degrees and spray two baking sheets with a non-stick spray.
Step 2- Mash the bananas until they are an applesauce-like consistency.
Step 3- Add the oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, applesauce and milk. Mix until the oats are thoroughly covered. You can also add in any optional items including mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut or nut/ seed butter.
Step 4- Scoop the mixture with a spoon and place them on the baking sheets. Make the cookies about 2 inch wide and since they do not expand you can place them pretty close together.
Step 5- Bake for about 15-20 minutes and then let them cool for 5 additional minutes.
Step 6- Enjoy!!!! These cookies taste amazing warm out of the oven but are also great cold. You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5 days.
Did you make these cookies? If so leave a comment below! Let me know if you used any optional ingredients and what combo you think is the best.