PEANUT BUTTER BANANZAS

I usually do a drink or a dessert in each blog, as I think that it is a choice to make - drink OR dessert most of the time, but not always.😉These could be considered a dessert, but absolutely could be consumed as part of a breakfast meal with some fresh fruit, or as a power-it-up afternoon snack - especially for kids who are on-the-go-go!

INGREDIENTS
¾ cup ripe bananas (2-3, depending on their size)
1 cup all-natural peanut butter
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole wheat flour
½ cup instant oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup mini chocolate chips 

PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie tray with parchment paper and set aside. 
In a medium mixing bowl, mash bananas with a fork. Add peanut butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth. 

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add to the peanut butter mixture, beating until well-combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. 

Using a tablespoon measure or cookie scoop, form them into rounded balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 9 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes about 2 dozen cookies. Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month. Either way, heat before consuming (approximately 8 seconds in the microwave if fresh; 15 seconds if frozen), as they are best warmed!