PB Banana Oat Breakfast Cookies

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed until smooth & creamy
• 1/3 cup peanut butter ~ creamy or chunky
• 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder ** (optional. The cookie will just be lower in protein)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp butter flavor extract ** (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups quick oatmeal  ~ uncooked  (or use old-fashioned oats for more oatmeal texture)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (peanut, walnut, or your favorite)
• 1/4 cup carob or chocolate chips (**optional)

 

Preheat heat oven to 350 degrees.

 

In a large bowl, mix mashed banana & peanut butter until completely combined then add in the applesauce, vanilla protein powder & the extract(s) ~ mix again until all are completely combined.

 

Add in the oatmeal & nuts to the banana mixture & combine.  (** add the optional carob  or chocolate chips at this time if you want them mixed throughout)

 

Let dough rest for 10 minutes.

 

Drop cookie dough, by spoonfuls, onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet & flatten cookies into circles. (** if you just want the carob or chocolate chips on the top of the cookies, add now)

 

Bake cookies approx. 20-30 minutes (some like their cookies less cooked, some cooked more - try it both ways to find which works best for your tastes) or until golden brown & done.  Remove from oven & let rest on cookie sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a cooling rack.  (if you want the traditional fork tong marks on the cookies, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to score the tops of the cookies while they're still warm)

When cookies are completely cool, store in a covered container.  Enjoy!