Oats and banana cookies

IINGREDIENTS

- 2 ripe bananas, mashed

- 1 cup rolled oats

- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 1/4 cup butter, softened

- 1 egg

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, mix mashed bananas, butter, egg, and vanilla extract (if using).

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.

5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.

6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.

7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious oats and banana cookies!

BAKING HACKS 

1. Use overripe bananas for the best flavor.

2. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

3. Use old-fashioned oats for a slightly denser cookie.

4. Add chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well) for added texture.

5. Use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar for a slightly caramel-like flavor.

6. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

7. Use a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

8. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to help retain shape while baking.

9. Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookies.

10. Bake for 8-10 minutes for a chewier cookie or 12-14 minutes for a crisper cookie.

Additional tips:

- Use a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.

- Don't overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.

- If using nuts, toast them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to enhance flavor.

- Consider adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

By incorporating these hacks into your oats and banana cookie recipe, you'll be on your way to creating delicious, chewy, and flavorful cookies that are perfect for snacking!

NUTRITIONAL BREAKDOWN 

Per cookie:

- Calories: 120-140

- Fat: 4-5g (mostly from butter and sugar)

- Carbohydrates: 20-25g (from oats, banana, and sugar)

- Fiber: 2-3g (from oats and banana)

- Protein: 2-3g (from egg, butter, and oats)

- Sodium: 50-75mg (from butter and salt)

- Sugar: 8-10g (from sugar and banana)

Additionally, oats and banana cookies may contain:

- Potassium: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)

- Vitamin C: 10-15% of the DV (from banana)

- Vitamin B6: 5-10% of the DV (from banana and oats)

- Manganese: 5-10% of the DV (from oats)

- Antioxidants and phytonutrients from banana and oats

Please note that this breakdown is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and recipe modifications.

Some tips to make these cookies even healthier:

- Use less sugar or alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup

- Choose whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour

- Add nuts or seeds for extra protein and healthy fats

- Use coconut oil or avocado oil instead of butter

- Reduce the size of the cookies to reduce calorie intake

Remember, even with healthier modifications, cookies are still a treat and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.