Banana Peanut Butter Cookies {GF + healthy}

Every once in awhile, I just want a cookie. But not one that makes me feel awful. I am of the belief that real-food goodness + satisfying sweet treats CAN be created with ease. However, more often than not, when searching for recipes, I never find just one that 100% completely satisfies my real-food requirements. So, in the end, I usually create my own — enter these delightful Banana Peanut Butter Cookies. Gluten-free and a healthy option for a sweet treat, might I add. Enjoy!

DRY Ingredients::
– 1+3/4 cup brown rice flour [you could also use almond flour – but sub out 2 Tbls. of the flour for coconut flour]
– 1/4 c.+ 2 Tbls.  ground flaxseed
– 1 tsp. baking soda
– Sprinkles of salt

WET Ingredients:
– 1 older banana
– 1/2 c. maple syrup
– 1/2 c. applesauce [I make my own – just boil an slightly chopped apple with enough water in bottom of pan to cover the bottom, then blend in a food processor]
– 2 tsp. pure organic vanilla extract
– 1 c. peanut butter

DIRECTIONS:
#1: Mix dry ingredients together in a separate bowl [not your electric mixing bowl].
#2: Mix wet ingredients together in the electric mixing bowl.
#3: Add dry to wet ingredients gradually to mix well.
#4: Add 1/2 cup oats {if you’re intolerant to gluten, be sure to use GF oats} and 1/2 c. 65%+ dark chocolate chips.
#5: Place a sheet of parchment paper down on a baking sheet and place cookie batter on top. Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes or to desired doneness! Side Note: cookies can be shaped as desired — I just “dropped” them on the cookie sheet.

If you like this recipe — share the love with your friends + family! And if YOU have any recipe [an old family favorite, comfort food or one you saw/ate somewhere] that you’d like “health-ified”, send it to me {whitney@macksmo.com} and I’ll see what I can do!