a healthy cookie recipe (seriously!)

Over the last week I've made it my mission to come up with a seriously healthy snack recipe that 's easy to make, vegan, and wheat free.  I decided to use cookies as my inspiration since they are one of my favorite ways to snack (and a big weakness!) - what if I could make something like a cookie but eliminate the sugar and pack it full of healthy stuff?  Well, I did it!  I've made a couple of batches of these little snacks and they are really good!

I'm so excited to share this recipe with you - especially for anyone dealing with a food allergy or a resolution to eat a more healthful diet!

Here are the ingredients to make 2 dozen cookies:

3 ripe bananas
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp cinnamon
3 1/2 cups oats
1 cup raisins
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

*You can substitute dried cranberries or another dried fruit for raisins if you like.  You can also substitute your favorite seed or nut for the pumpkin seeds if you prefer.

Preheat your oven to 350F (180C).  Lightly grease a cookie sheet with canola oil (or your favorite baking oil).

In a large mixing bow, mash the bananas until they are fairly smooth.  Next, stir in the applesauce and cinnamon so that they are well incorporated.  Then, add the oats and mix well.  Last, add the raisins and pumpkin seeds and stir until they are evenly distributed in the mixture.

Use a tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of the cookie mixture onto the cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes.  In my oven the cookies are *perfect* after 15 minutes of baking, but you oven may be a little different  - check them at 15 minutes and add a couple of extra minutes if needed.

Enjoy!