Do you have some overripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter, just waiting to be thrown away? Before you toss them in the trash, consider transforming them into something delicious and nutritious! With this simple recipe, you can turn those old bananas into scrumptious banana oat cookies that are both sugar-free and good for you. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

3 ripe bananas
1 cup of rolled oats
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
A handful of nuts or seeds (optional)
A handful of dried fruit or dark chocolate chips (optional)

How to Make Banana Oat Cookies:

1.Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2.Mash the Bananas: Peel the ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash them until they become smooth and creamy. Remember, the riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be!

3.Add Oats and Flavorings: Add the rolled oats to the mashed bananas. Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon. These ingredients enhance the natural sweetness and flavor of the bananas without adding any sugar.

4.Mix in Optional Ingredients: If you like, you can add a handful of nuts or seeds for a delightful crunch, or some dried fruit or dark chocolate chips for an extra burst of flavor. Stir until everything is well combined.

5.Shape the Cookies: Use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon to ensure they bake evenly.

6.Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown and become firm to the touch.

7.Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, indulge in these delicious banana oat cookies as a healthy snack or a delightful breakfast treat!

Why This Recipe Works:

Natural Sweetness: Ripe bananas are naturally sweet, making them an excellent sugar substitute in baked goods.

Nutrient-Rich: Bananas are packed with potassium, vitamins, and fiber, while oats provide complex carbohydrates and additional fiber.

Versatile and Easy: This recipe is quick to prepare and can be customized with your favorite add-ins.

Tips for Success:

Choose Very Ripe Bananas: The more overripe the bananas, the better, as they provide more natural sweetness.

Experiment with Add-Ins: Get creative! Try adding coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, or spices like nutmeg to add variety to your cookies.

Don’t let those old bananas go to waste! With this friendly and easy-to-follow recipe, you can transform them into a flavorful and healthy treat. Enjoy the delightful taste and the numerous health benefits of these banana oat cookies. They are perfect for any time of the day, so give them a try today!