Simple Oatmeal Cookies with Banana (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Simple ingredients

01 - 2 ripe bananas, the spottier the better for natural sweetness
02 - 150g rolled oats (about 1½ cups)
03 - 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter, creamy or crunchy

# Instructions:

01 - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) with the rack in the middle position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - In a medium bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth and creamy. Add the oats and peanut butter, then stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be thick but slightly sticky.
03 - Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into roughly equal-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork or your fingers to form cookie shapes about ¼ inch thick.
04 - Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the cookies feel firm to the touch. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Notes:

01 - These cookies are incredibly versatile - try adding a handful of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
02 - For a warming flavor, add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to the mixture.