Banana Walnut Cookies

Did you ever have so many bananas that you don't know what to do with them? 

That's me. All the time. 

I am a sucker for slightly off bananas in the grocery store. I'll buy them, peel them, and stick them in Ziploc bags until I can use them. I found several bags in the freezer the other day and realized I need to curb my impulse for buying anymore.

As much as I love banana bread and muffins, sometimes I want something different besides the usual suspects. Like cookies. I always want cookies.

Enter Banana Walnut Cookies. I wasn't sure how they would turn out, but thought I have nothing to lose, aside from some of the bananas, and everything to gain, like freezer space.

As a girl, space is crucial. No matter where it is. The freezer should be no exception.

BANANA WALNUT COOKIES

2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ cup ground flax seeds

¾ cup butter, softened

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 large egg

1½ cups mashed banana
½ cups steel cut oats, finely ground

1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350ºF degrees. Line cookie sheets with silicone liners or parchment paper.

In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, flax seeds, and salt until well blended; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until well blended.

Add egg and bananas. I pureed the bananas with ½ cup oatmeal to add some extra goodness. By grinding/breaking down the oatmeal with the bananas, it helps yield a smoother looking cookie.

Stir in the flour mixture on low speed until just combined.

Stir in walnuts.

Using an ice cream scoop, drop cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes. Immediately transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before storing.

Yields: About 2½ dozen

Happy Baking!