Baking is a great way to unwind and relax during these stressful times, or just pass the time with friends and family. If you need a new recipe or want to bake something different, try making these delicious Banana Everything Cookies. They are crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside and packed with all these favorites: bananas, chocolate chips, walnuts and oats. 

BANANA EVERYTHING COOKIES

Time: Start to finish: 24 minutes (12 minutes active)

Servings: 24

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana

⅓ cup canola oil

⅔ cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¾ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal or rolled oats, not instant

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

½ cup chocolate chips (vegan, if desired)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Spray two baking sheets with nonstick cooking oil. Mash the banana in a medium bowl. Mix in canola oil, sugar and vanilla extract. Then add flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Mix together until moistened. 

Add the oatmeal or rolled oats, walnuts (optional) and chocolate chips. Mix well to ensure the oats are well moistened. If the dough is too wet, add more flour as needed. 

Using your hands, roll the dough into golf ball-sized balls and space about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until slightly brown. Let cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a rack to cool. 

Once cooled, serve and enjoy. 

These cookies can make the perfect ice cream sandwich when paired with a big scoop of classic vanilla or any flavor with peanut butter.