Ingredients

  • Nonstick cooking oil spray
  • 1 very ripe medium banana
  • 13 cup canola oil
  • 23 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, or as needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups quick-cooking (not instant) oatmeal or rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (vegan, if desired)

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Lightly spray two baking sheets with oil.
  • In a mixing bowl, mash banana well.
  • Add oil, sugar and vanilla, and mix with a strong fork.
  • Add flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, and mix until just moistened.
  • Add oatmeal, walnuts and chocolate chips.
  • Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix well, making sure oats are well moistened.
  • (If dough is very slippery, add one or two extra tablespoons flour.)
  • Using clean, wet hands, re-wetting as needed, roll dough into balls slightly smaller than a golf ball, about 1 1/3 inches in diameter.
  • Flatten slightly and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
  • Bake until lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and allow to cool for 2 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
  • Store in an airtight container.