Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

Begin your day with these deliciously hearty vegan and gluten-free banana oatmeal breakfast cookies, featuring a nutritious mix of bananas, oats, almond flour, and coconut. Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, they've replaced conventional flour with almond flour, which adds a delightful nutty flavor while keeping them gluten free. The natural sweetness of bananas pairs beautifully with the wholesome texture of oats and the hint of coconut, making each bite both satisfying and nourishing. If you like, enhance them with additionals like chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and crunch. Quick and easy to make, these cookies are the ideal grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings or a delightful snack to enjoy any time of day.

Ingredients:

- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed

- 1 1/2 cup rolled oats

- 1 cup almond flour

- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

- 1/4 tsp of salt

- Optional add-ins: ¼ cup vegan chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, maple syrup (or agave nectar), and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

3. Add the rolled oats, almond flour, shredded coconut, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to the banana mixture. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. If using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in at this point.

4. Using a 2 tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

5. Flatten the cookies slightly with the back of the spoon or your fingers, as they won't spread much during baking.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set.

7. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade vegan cookies with a refreshing beverage or as a delightful snack!