Simple Skinny Smashed Banana Cookies (done two ways!)

This ridiculously easy, healthy alternative to conventional cookies was born out of three reasons:

1. two overly ripe bananas making my fruit basket look incredibly unappealing
2. boredom during a snow day and refusal to leave my house to go to the store to buy butter
3. a desire to give into my 38-week pregnancy cravings while desperately wanting to be healthy

The result of my laziness and hunger was a definite win; you won’t be disappointed with my Simple Skinny Smashed Banana Cookies prepared two ways: Cocoa Coconut and Peanut Butter Raisin.

Instructions:

1. Find 5 minutes of free time
2. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
3. Smash two overly ripe bananas in a bowl until they’re fully smooshed and smooth
4. Add 1 C of old fashioned oats and vanilla; blend together to incorporate fully with the banana
5. Take half of the mixture and put in a separate bowl
6. For the Cocoa Coconut dough, add chocolate chips, cocoa powder, coconut flakes, and sweetener, which is optional.
7. Take a small taste to preview your yummy creation and adjust any ingredients according to your preferences
8. For the Peanut Butter Raisin add the peanut butter, cinnamon, and raisins
9. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and use a spoon to drop a spoonful of dough onto the sheet. Cook for 13-16 minutes
10. Enjoy the scrumptious aroma filling your house as your stomach rumbles

Makes about 16-18 cookies

The fun part is that once you have the two ingredient base, you can customize your little treats however you’d like- do your kids hate cinnamon and your husband loves cranberries? Do you want to experiment with a touch of honey and pistachios for a Mediterranean flare? Go for it! The possibilities are endless. And while you’re at it, let me know how these turned out for you and what modifications you made by commenting below.

Happy (and healthy) snacking!