HEALTHY PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL COOKIES

Who doesn' like oatmeal cookies. Oatmeal cookies are one of everyone's favorites, unfortunately often they're not as healthy a dessert or snack choice as we would like. Finally you can give into your cravings and enjoy a peanut butter and oatmeal dessert for breakfast or any time. We promise not to tell your inner-child that it's actually a nutritious way to jump-start your day or feed that sweet tooth.

Prep Time:20 min Start to Finish:50 min

Servings :12

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray

1/2 cup mashed banana (about 1 large)

1/2 cup chunky natural peanut butter (unsalted and unsweetened)

1/2 cup honey

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat two cookie sheets with cooking spray; set aside. In a large bowl, stir together banana, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla. In a small bowl, combine oats, flour, milk powder, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir the oat mixture into the banana mixture until combined. Stir in dried cranberries.

2. Using a ¼-cup measure, drop mounds of dough 3 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. With a thin metal or small plastic spatula dipped in water, flatten and spread each mound of dough to a 2¾-inch round, about ½ inch thick.

3. Bake, one sheet at a time, for 14 to 16 minutes or until browned. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Store in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

Nutritional:

1 Serving: Calories 220 (Calories from Fat 60); Total Fat 7g (Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 35mg; Total Carbohydrate 38g (Dietary Fiber 4g, Sugars 22g); Protein 6g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 2%; Vitamin C 2%; Calcium 4%; Iron 8% Exchanges: 2 Starch; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 Fat Carbohydrate