Recipe

These Oatmeal Banana Cookies Are Naturally Sweet

By Marisa Williams at University of Texas at Dallas  

I spend my free time (which is when I have nothing else I'm motivated to do and I'm lounging on the couch), scrolling through recipes on Pinterest. I had recently gone to the grocery store and bought several healthier food choices for the few upcoming weeks of the new semester.

I came across a cookie recipe that was supposed to be just as sweet as regular, homemade cookies, but without added sugar, eggs or flour. I gave it a try and added a few things that would help keep my sweet tooth at bay, but they are still significantly healthier than typical store-bought cookies.

After I work out, I am ravenously hungry and craving everything I shouldn't be eating while trying to get back into shape. These cookies did wonders at satisfying my craving. They were also easy to take as snacks for later in the day when I would have liked to buy a sugary iced coffee or a pastry from the coffee shop. Here is to keeping the New Year's resolutions we've never been able to keep before (because, come on, food is too good)!

Oatmeal Banana Cookies

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 12 mins
  • Total Time: 17 mins
  • Servings: 9
Ingredients
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 medium/large bananas
  • 2 tablespoons any chocolate chips
  • Parchment paper

Marisa Williams

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Using a fork, mash the bananas in a medium to large bowl.

Marisa Williams

Step 2

Add the salt, maple syrup, and vanilla and mix well.

Marisa Williams

Step 3

Place the oats in a food processor or blender so they are of a finer texture.

Marisa Williams

Step 4

Slowly mix in the oats until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Marisa Williams

Step 5

Pour in the chocolate chips of your choice and fold them into the mixture (I used dark chocolate because it is the healthier option).

Marisa Williams

Step 6

Use a spoon or your fingers to collect and shape the "dough" into cookie shapes on a cookie pan covered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Another option is to use foil with non-stick spray. Bake for 12 minutes.

Marisa Williams

Step 7

When they're done, allow to settle and cool completely before removing them from the pan and enjoying them with a nice, cold glass of milk or cup of coffee.

Marisa Williams

#SpoonTip: Oats are a great source of protein without the (in my opinion) nasty taste of protein powder.