Banana-Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies

Submitted by: jej
Last Updated: 10/24/2009

This recipe was originally called Banana Oatmeal Cookies. In the midst of making them, however, I ran short on bananas, so filled up the cup with applesauce (the recipe actually said either/or). The cookies were so moist and delicious that I always make the combo now, using half of each.

Also, I omitted the cinnamon and nuts, due to allergies. The flavors were still wonderful -- so usually I still omit the spices! I've also used butter or margarine - the latter Fleischmann's Unsalted. Shortening and margarine result in a cookie with more body (does not spread as readily). My most recent baking was with butter-flavored Crisco, and they stood up round and lovely, almost no spread at all.

1 egg
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup mashed bananas (or applesauce) (I use 1/2 c. of each)
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 3/4 cup rolled oats (I use either old fashioned or quick --NOT instant)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (opt.)
1 cup raisins (opt.) --My DH prefers the golden.

1) Beat egg and add sugar, shortening and bananas.

2) Sift in flour, soda, salt, and spices. (I weigh out the flour, and whisk the rest into it. I no longer sift.) Mix well.

3) Fold in remaining ingredients.

4) Drop on ungreased cookie sheet. I like them fairly small, from a teaspoon. (Parchment paper, also no greasing, is super easy.)

5) Bake at 375 F. for 10-15 minutes, depending on size of cookies. Cool on wire racks.