Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

#### Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the **2 ripe bananas** with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.

#### Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add the **applesauce** (or melted coconut oil), **vanilla extract**, and **honey or maple syrup** (if using). Stir until everything is well combined.

#### Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the **rolled oats**, **whole wheat flour**, **baking soda**, **cinnamon**, and **salt**. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

#### Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. You should have a thick, dough-like consistency.

#### Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Optional Nuts
Add the **chocolate chips** (and chopped nuts, if using) to the dough and fold them in gently. Make sure the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

#### Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about **2 inches apart**. The dough will be soft, so it’s best to gently press each cookie down slightly with the back of the spoon to help them spread out a bit as they bake.

#### Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for **10-12 minutes**, or until they are golden brown around the edges and set in the center. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t over-bake.

#### Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are soft and chewy right out of the oven but will firm up slightly as they cool.

### Why You’ll Love Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies:

– **Healthier ingredients**: These cookies are made with ripe bananas, whole oats, and a little bit of honey or maple syrup, offering a much healthier alternative to traditional cookies. They’re also packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, thanks to the bananas and oats.
– **Natural sweetness**: The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, meaning less added sugar is needed, making these cookies a healthier option for satisfying your sweet tooth.
– **Chewy texture**: The combination of oats and mashed bananas gives these cookies a soft, chewy texture that’s hard to resist. Every bite is filled with warmth and comfort.
– **Customizable**: Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste! Add your favorite mix-ins, like dried fruit, shredded coconut, or even peanut butter chips. You can also use gluten-free oats and flour if you need to make them gluten-free.
– **Quick and easy**: This recipe comes together quickly—no need for chilling the dough, and it bakes in just 10-12 minutes! Perfect for when you want a sweet treat in a hurry.

### Tips for the Best Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies:

– **Use ripe bananas**: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for baking, as they add extra natural sweetness and moisture.
– **Don’t overbake**: Since these cookies are soft and chewy, it’s important not to overbake them. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden.
– **Add-ins**: Feel free to get creative with add-ins! Chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds), dried fruit (such as raisins or cranberries), or even a sprinkle of chia seeds or flaxseeds will enhance both the flavor and texture.
– **Adjust sweetness**: Depending on the ripeness of your bananas and your personal sweetness preferences, you may want to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup. Taste the dough before baking and add a little more if you like it sweeter.
– **Make them vegan**: For a vegan version, simply substitute the **honey** with maple syrup or agave nectar and use a flax or chia egg in place of the regular egg.

### Final Thoughts

**Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies** are the perfect treat when you want something sweet but don’t want to go overboard on sugar or calories. These cookies are naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and honey, packed with fiber from oats, and full of chocolatey goodness in every bite. They’re a healthier version of your favorite cookie, but you won’t miss the extra sugar or fat one bit!

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a post-workout treat, or a healthier dessert option, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings. They’re simple to make, customizable, and oh-so-delicious—what’s not to love?

Bake a batch today, and enjoy a treat that’s as nutritious as it is irresistible!