DAYBREAK COOKIES

Instead of handing them a PopTart as they head out the door, give them a couple cookies. Bake a batch of these tasty, healthier breakfast cookies to keep on hand for busy mornings and breakfast on the go.

Ingredients:

1½ c. whole wheat flour

2½ c. old-fashioned rolled oats

2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 c. creamy peanut butter or almond butter

1/2 c. dark brown sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. mashed banana (about 2 medium)

1 c. shredded apple (about 2 medium, peeled)

1/2 c. chocolate chips

Optional add-ins: chopped walnuts or pecans, raisins, dried cranberries

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. In large bowl, blend peanut butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla and mix until well combined. Mix in mashed banana. Slowly add flour mixture until just combined. Stir in shredded apple, chocolate chips, and any other desired add-ins to evenly distribute. Form 3-4 tablespoons of dough into large balls and place a few inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball. Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly browned. Let cool on cookie sheets for 10 minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.