banana oat cookies

Make these and stash some in the freezer because they are lifesavers on those mornings when you’re running out the door and need something quick. I love that they’re not too sweet but still feel like a treat- perfect for first thing in the morning. They also pair beautifully with a coffee or tea (highly recommend dunking one in a latte)

INGREDIENTS:
2 ripe bananas or 1/2 cup applesauce 
1/3 cup neutral oil - I use avocado oil, but coconut oil or melted butter would be good too
1/4 cup sugar- you can sub coconut sugar 
1 teaspoon vanilla 
1 cup flour 
1/2 teaspoon baking soda 
pinch of salt 
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 
2 cups rolled oats 
1/4 cup nuts of choice, chopped (optional) 
1/4 cup chocolate chips 
*You can use dried fruit in place of nuts or chocolate chips! 

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. 

In a large bowl, mash your 2 bananas if using or add your 1/2 cup applesauce. Then mix in 1/3 a cup oil, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. 

Add the 1 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, salt, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 cups oats, 1/4 cup nuts, and 1/4 cup chocolate chips (or dried fruit) and mix together. The batter should be thick enough that you can roll it into a golf ball shape. If the batter is loose, add a bit more oats (1 tablespoon at a time). 

Once your batter is the right consistency - it sticks together enough to form cookies. Form the cookies by rolling them into a golf ball shape and place 1 inch apart on your baking sheet. 

Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before digging in. Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container.