As our family journeys to live eat in a more healthful way I (the one in the family with a sweet tooth) went on a search to find a sweet treat that was also not so bad for us. I think I found it! I was on this site: http://pantrychef.wordpress.com/ and found a recipe for Banana Oatmeal Granola Bar Bite Cookies. I decided to give it a try (we always have bananas smashed in bags in the freezer) and we were all pleased! I even have my parents making them as well!
Here is the recipe as found on the site:
Banana Oatmeal Granola Bar Bite Cookies
Serving: 24 cookies
Time: 35 minutes
Level: Easy (super kid friendly, so let them help!)
Time: 35 minutes
Level: Easy (super kid friendly, so let them help!)
3 ripe bananas (wait until they are nice and spotty. They are sweeter that way.)
2 c. oats (you can use whole wheat, steel cut, quick cooking, or most any other type of oats)
1/2 – 1 c. dried fruit, chopped (I used prunes but apricots and cranberries work well, too)
1/3 c. coconut oil (you can use vegetable oil)
1/2 c. nuts, chopped (optional)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. oats (you can use whole wheat, steel cut, quick cooking, or most any other type of oats)
1/2 – 1 c. dried fruit, chopped (I used prunes but apricots and cranberries work well, too)
1/3 c. coconut oil (you can use vegetable oil)
1/2 c. nuts, chopped (optional)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
In a medium bowl, mash bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients. Preheat oven to 350°. Let mixture sit on the counter for 15 minutes.
On a parchment paper lined baking sheet, drop mixture by spoonfuls. With your hands, shape cookies into desired shape and press down until flattened to desired thickness. (Cookies will come out of the oven in the exact same shape they went in…) Bake for 20 minutes. Yum!
Tips
- Don’t forget to use parchment paper. The bananas and dried fruit will leave a sticky residue on your baking sheet if you don’t!
- Don’t forget to use parchment paper. The bananas and dried fruit will leave a sticky residue on your baking sheet if you don’t!
A few personal notes...
1. We have only ever tried these with coconut oil and love the subtle coconut taste it adds to the cookies.
2. I have made these with all types of oats (steel cut-quick) and they all turn out great
3. Add Brewers Yeast if you are nursing and looking for a way to increase your milk supply (you can also add flax meal in place of some of the oatmeal)
4. I am attempting my first batch of chocolate cookies. I increased the oil by a table spoon and added in about a 1/3 cup of cocoa powder. I will have to let you know how everyone likes them.
5. So far our favorite fruits to add are apricots, raisins, and prunes.
Let me know if you try them and add your own twist!
Happy baking!
