Banana, Date and Hazelnut Oatmeal Cookies

 

These cookies are like little mouthfuls of happiness. Imagine a cross between a banana bread and an oaty flapjack, add in some sweet sticky dates and crunchy hazelnuts and smile. Smile because there’s no flour and no added sugar but you really wouldn’t know. Soft, sweet, delicious and good for you, now come on, how often does that happen…..?

Banana, Date & Hazelnut Oatmeal Cookies

make about 16-18, vegetarian, gluten-free. Adapted from a Kahakai Kitchen recipe

• 65 gr butter, melted
• 2 large ripe bananas
• 8-10 dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 35 gr (2/3 cup) rolled oats
• 65 gr (1/2 cup) toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped (or other nuts)
• 65 gr (1/2 cup) desiccated coconut
• 65 gr (1/2 cup) ground almonds
• a few drops of almond extract (optional)
• 1 tsp baking powder
•  1/4 tsp salt

Preheat the oven to 18o C and line two baking sheets with baking parchment. Mash the bananas in a large bowl with a potato masher or fork, and stir in the melted butter and vanilla. In another bowl, mix together the oats, nuts, dates, coconut, ground almonds, baking powder & salt. Then add this to the banana mix and stir until just combined.

Take tablespoons of the mix and put them on the lined baking tray a few inches apart, flattening them out slightly.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until lightly golden brown. Cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack with a spatula to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Serve with tea or coffee, as a mid morning/afternoon treat or as a lunchbox filler. The house will smell amazing while these are cooking, your mouth will water and people will befriend you….

 Beware they are addictive and don’t last very long, you have been warned…..!

It’s that time again, the end of another month and Nancy at Spicie Foodie hosts a round-up of January Best Recipes from around the food blogging community. My Thai Squash Wonton Soup is featured as well as loads more delicious recipes with beautiful photos. Just click on the YBR (Your Best Recipe) badge above and have a look around….

 I would just like to thank Mateja at Indulging Life for giving me my first Stylish Blogger Award and for her continuing support and foodie friendship. Below is a list of blogs that I think deserve this award as recognition for their creativity, passion and, of course, delicious food! 

 Mateja @ Induging Life

Lindsay @ Kitchen Operas

Lauren @ Corridor Kitchen

Roxan @ Kitchen Meditation

Denise @ Bread Expectations

Tiffany @ Como Water

The Bee & The Fruit in the Kitchen

Nadia @ For the Love of Yum

Jouamma @ Taste of Beirut

Medeja @ Cranberry Jam

Kita @ Pass The Sushi

Nancy @ Spicie Foodie

Tes @ Tes at Home

Kara @ Happy When Not Hungry

Thanks everyone for the constant inspiration, keep it coming!! Copy the award above to display on your blog if you want and you can pass it on to people who you think deserve some recognition..!