Bananas that have turned a bit too ripe might not look appealing, but they are packed with sweetness and flavor that can be transformed into a delightful treat. Many people have discovered the secret of using old bananas to create a healthy, sugar-free bomb of a recipe! Here’s how you can turn those overripe bananas into a delicious and nutritious snack.

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: Start 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 are smooth and creamy. 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 bit of crunch, or some dried fruit or dark chocolate chips for extra 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 even baking.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and 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. Enjoy these delicious banana oat cookies as a healthy snack or breakfast treat!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Natural Sweetness: Ripe bananas are naturally sweet, making them the perfect sugar substitute in baked goods.
• Nutrient-Rich: Bananas are rich in 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: Try adding coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, or spices like nutmeg for variety.

Don’t throw away those old bananas! With this simple and delicious recipe, you can turn them into a nutritious, sugar-free treat that’s perfect for any time of the day. Enjoy the amazing flavor and health benefits of these easy-to-make banana oat cookies!