Mood-boosting banana and oatmeal cookies

banana and oatmal cookies

Is your family is feeling a little low what with all this social distancing we are having to endure for the public good these days? Cheer them up with a batch of hearty banana cookies. So easy! With just two key ingredients and a few optional add-ons for extra flavor and happiness, these cookies are sure to please your family.

They are inexpensive and easy to make, satisfying, and full of good nutrition.

But can they boost your mood? The answer is a resounding yes.

banana cookies

Bananas are big on potassium, a bonus for your muscles, nerves, and brain. Potassium reduces blood pressure to calm you down and reduce the risk of stroke. It also helps your bones absorb calcium. Strong bones support an active, happy life.

Banana’s mood-boosting carbohydrates help the brain absorb the tryptophan in bananas. This healthy fruit also comes with vitamin B6, which helps convert tryptophan into the mood-lifting hormone serotonin. Happy days!

And let’s not forget the oats, the other key ingredient in these cookies.

Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth. This gluten-free whole grain is an effective mood booster because of its soluble fiber. It works to keep blood sugar and mood stable by controlling those irritating sugar rushes! Oats also contain the mood-boosting mineral selenium, offering double the protection for your happy centers.

Even the chocolate chips will help lift your spirits.

Dark chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that create feelings of pleasure. Dark chocolate also contains serotonin, an antidepressant that can elevate mood.

banana and oatmal cookies

Easy banana and oatmeal cookies
Makes eight 1-inch cookies

3/4 cup quick oats, not steel-cut or old-fashioned (75 grams)
1 large overripe banana mashed to a liquid-like consistency
2 tablespoons (25 grams) dark chocolate chips, nuts. dried cranberries, or some combination of these, all optional

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease a small baking pan with coconut or canola oil or line it with a silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, mix oats with the mashed banana using a fork or even your clean hands, until it becomes an evenly mixed, thick batter. If you plan on using add-ins like chocolate chips, mix them into the cookie batter at this time.
Make 8 round balls out of the cookie batter. Place onto baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Gently press down on each ball so that it flattens into a round disc. Cookies will not spread much during baking, so keep that in mind when shaping and flattening your discs.
Bake for about 15 minutes or until cookies are lightly brown and set. Cookie bottoms should also be brown and easily come off baking sheet. Let cookies cool before eating.
Store uneaten cookies in an air-tight container the fridge.