Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt

Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer.
3. Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
- 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
- Makes 18-20 cookies

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 120
- Total fat: 4g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar or honey.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with coconut oil or vegetable oil.
- Rolled oats can be substituted with quick oats or steel-cut oats.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Substitute the bananas with mashed sweet potatoes or pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist.
- Add 1 tsp of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the dry ingredients for a spiced flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Use ripe bananas for a sweeter and more flavorful cookie.
- Don't overmix the dough as it can result in tough cookies.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Storage instructions:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or until warm.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the cookies on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Arrange the cookies in a jar or tin for a homemade gift.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with cinnamon or powdered sugar for added flavor.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat.

Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or hot tea for a comforting snack.

Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
- Vegetable sticks with hummus dip

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cookies are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the dough.
- If the cookies are too wet, add a tablespoon of flour to the dough.

Food safety advice:
- Wash your hands before handling food.
- Use clean utensils and equipment when preparing food.
- Store food at the correct temperature to prevent spoilage.

Food history:
- Oatmeal cookies have been a popular treat since the early 1900s, with variations including raisins, chocolate chips, and nuts.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, chewy, and slightly nutty from the oats.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cookies as a snack or dessert.

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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Banana, Chewy