I love trying out cookie recipes, but in an effort to shape-up my search for a healthier option was proving difficult.  After umpteen failed attempts, leaving me neither satisfied or excited, I came across this post.  With a few tweaks there was success.  These cookies are moist, filling, just-sweet-enough, and bundles of goodness.

And, you know the absolute best part? I was able to make these with stuff I already had at home. No extra shopping required.  Delicious AND cheap? Check!  The recipe is also extremely forgiving so you can customize to your heart's content.  

NOTE: I'm calling them cookies because I formed them into that shape. They taste more like a compact bowl of oatmeal and are perfect to grab and chomp on the go.

BASE RECIPE

1 container single-serve applesauce (4 oz)
2 super ripe bananas, mashed
1 T canola oil or melted butter
1 T apple butter *
1 3/4 cup quick cook oats
1/4 cup wheat germ (or wheat bran, or ground flax)
1/4 cup skim milk
1 T sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

* No apple butter? Don't worry, add some more banana or an extra tablespoon of oil.

EXTRAS!*

1/3 cup raisins
1/3 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped pecans
Handful slivered almonds

* This is the combo that I most love BUT I know everyone will have other ideas. You can add dried fruit, coconut, only nuts, the kitchen sink...

METHOD:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  
   
2. Dump all ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix well.  
   
3. Let stand for 10 minutes (good time to clean up dishes and do some jumping jacks!).  
   
4. Drop by tablespoon on to baking sheet.  
   
5. Smoosh cookies slightly to flatten.            NOTE: These will not change shape when they bake so form them to the shape you like best.
   
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes.  
   
7. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes and then transfer to wire rack for further cooling.  
   
8. Eat at leisure and chase with a cool glass of water.

MAKES about 18 cookies.  You can freeze these too!

**