Ingredients:
- 2 large very ripe bananas (approx. 230g)
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp (30ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp (5ml) pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (190g) Old Fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (45g) almond flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup (30g) hemp seeds
- 1/4 cup (35g) pumpkin seeds
- 1/3 cup (50g) dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Note: This prevents sticking without adding extra grease.
- Mash the Bananas. In your large bowl, mash the 230g of bananas until they are a liquid, soup like consistency. Don't leave large chunks, as they will create soggy spots in the cookies.
- Create the Emulsion. Whisk in the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and looks like a thick caramel.
- Incorporate Dry Base. Add the oats, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt. Use your spatula to fold them in until every oat is fully hydrated by the wet mixture.
- Add the Crunch. Fold in the hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed so every bite has a mix of textures.
- Portion the Dough. Scoop the mixture into 12 large equal portions on the pan. They won't spread, so flatten them slightly into a cookie shape before baking.
- Bake to Set. Bake for 15 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the centers feel firm.
- The Final Set. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes. Note: This allows the internal starches to finish setting so they don't fall apart.
- Transfer to Rack. Move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottoms from getting sweaty and soft.