Baked Oatmeal and Banana Cookies

These baked oatmeal and banana cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat, perfect for any time of the day. The combination of oats, banana, and subtle hints of lemon creates a flavorful cookie that is both chewy and satisfying. With a crunchy exterior and soft interior, these cookies are a great way to enjoy a healthier dessert option. The natural sweetness from the banana and a touch of sugar make them just sweet enough without being overpowering. The added texture from coconut flakes or nuts makes every bite interesting. Ideal for those who love experimenting with different flavors or are looking to use some ripe bananas. Plus, these cookies are quite versatile; you can tweak the recipe to suit your flavor preferences. They're also a hit with both kids and adults alike, perfect for lunchboxes or an afternoon snack. Follow the recipe to see how simple ingredients can yield delicious results.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups oatmeal
• 100 g butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 large banana
• 1 lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 to 1 cup corn flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• A few tablespoons coconut flakes or chopped nuts

For Coating

• Cocoa powder
• Coconut flakes

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and egg until the mixture becomes fluffy and smooth.
3. Blend the banana with the lemon juice until smooth, and add it to the creamed mixture, stirring well to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, finely blend the oatmeal until it resembles flour. Combine it with the baking soda and mix into the banana mixture.
5. Gradually fold in the coconut flakes and cornflour, ensuring the dough becomes stiff enough to handle.
6. Once the dough is ready, take roughly tablespoon-sized amounts and form them into balls with your hands.
7. For variety, roll some of the balls in coconut flakes, pressing lightly to form a flat cookie shape.
8. Roll others in unsweetened cocoa powder, similarly flattening them into discs.
9. Arrange all the cookie discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each.
10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
11. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. These cookies will remain soft and lightly sweet with a wonderful aroma when done.
13. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors.
14. For an extra indulgence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
15. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Tips

• Butter should be at room temperature for easy mixing.
• For added flavor, try incorporating almond or vanilla extract.
• Substitute corn flour with whole wheat flour for a different texture.
• For a vegan twist, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).

Nutritions

• Calories: 150 per cookie
• Protein: 2 g
• Fats: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g

Variations

• Use almond flour for a gluten-free option.
• Add a handful of dark chocolate chips for an extra treat.
• Replace lemon zest with orange zest for a citrus twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a glass of milk or coffee.
• Accompany with a fruit platter or yogurt for a complete breakfast.
• Great with a scoop of your favorite ice cream on top.

Best Places

• Le Caprice Café - Known for its delicious pastries and cookies. Location: Arlington House, 3 Arlington Street, London, UK.
• Café de Flore - A legendary café with classic French pastries. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
• Tart Bakery - Offers a wide range of innovative cookies. Location: 555 S 700 E, Salt Lake City, USA.
• Balthazar Bakery - Renowned for its classic French bread and pastries. Location: 80 Spring Street, New York, USA.
• Pasteleria Escribà - Famous for creative desserts and pastries. Location: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 546, Barcelona, Spain.
• Dominique Ansel Bakery - Home of the original cronut. Location: 189 Spring Street, New York, USA.
• Pasticceria Marchesi - Offers exquisite Italian pastries. Location: Via Montenapoleone, 9, Milan, Italy.
• Café Sacher Wien - Known for the Original Sacher-Torte. Location: Philharmonikerstraße 4, Vienna, Austria.
• Pierre Hermé Paris - Offers luxury pastries and cookies. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
• Ladurée - Famous for its iconic macarons. Location: 16 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.