Banana-Peanut Butter Cookies

Occasionally I receive a small recipe booklet in the mail from Ralph's grocery store. It's actually one of the few random mailers I like. Ralph's (or Fry's here in Arizona) has done a lot over the years to appeal to the more health conscious customers. When they came out with a few breakfast cookie recipes, you know I was game!

Cookies for breakfast you say? That doesn't sound very healthy. Well, surprisingly, they are! At least in my opinion anyway. It may not be conventional, but can be a well-balanced start to you day. Especially when you pair them with fruit, a smoothie, or some yogurt. Even the ingredients on their own are healthy - whole wheat flour and oats add fiber to your diet, while peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats which help you to stay full and avoid snacking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 10-15 minutes | Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Makes About 12 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 large, ripe banana, mashed
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup low-fat milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lined baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine peanut butter and banana in a bowl until smooth and blended.

Add sugar, vanilla, oats, flour, milk, and baking soda. Mix until blended.

Drop cookies by heaping spoonful onto cookie sheet, leaving 2 inches between cookies.

Gently flatted the cookies into little discs.

Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown.

Let cookies cool completely before removing from baking sheet.

Serve immediately or store in airtight container in the refrigerator. 

FDA Disclaimer: "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease."