My husband’s favorite cookies of all time are cowboy cookies. He loves them because they are the perfect mix of oatmeal, walnuts and chocolate chips all in one delicious cookie. This recipe takes the original and makes it even better by making it a little better for you.

This recipe manages to make these cookies healthier without sacrificing the taste. My husband didn’t even notice that I’d replaced the old flour and Crisco with bananas, peanut butter and applesauce.

These cookies are a guiltless way to get your dessert on and they cover most of the food groups too. I dare you to make the switch and see if your family can tell the difference.

Healthy Cowboy Cookies

5 ripe bananas, mashed

2/3 cup peanut butter

1 1/2 cup applesauce

2 teaspoons vanilla

3 1/2 cups oats

1/4 cup flax seed

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Throw the mashed bananas, peanut butter, applesauce and vanilla into a mixer and beat on medium speed until well combined. Turn off mixer. Add the oats, flax and salt and stir on low until combined. Add the walnuts and chocolate chips and stir just until mixed. Don’t over stir or you will break the chocolate chips.

Scoop rounded tablespoonfuls onto a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 18-25 minutes.

Joy Larson is the mother of four boys, graduate of the University of Montana, animal lover and writer.

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