Are you ever out somewhere and see those moms, who are obviously at their wit’s end..
With snot stains on their shirt, an “If you so much as THINK about looking at me, I will cut you” expression on their face and a kid with a kool-aid mustache trailing behind them crying?
Before I had kids I vowed never to be that mom.
Never. Ever. Not in a million years.
I mean, “C’mon random woman…kids aren’t that hard. I mean, there’s no reason to be so angry”, I used to think.
Well.
The universe heard my judgment…tucked it away in it’s universe-back-pocket and saved it for a rainy day. Or a random Friday in the year 2012.
Yeah, last Friday, not only was I that random woman that I placed such harsh judgment on many years ago…I was that woman times 17.
The only difference between that woman and me, was I didn’t have snot on me. I, unknowingly, had dried blood on my pants from when my 7 year old got a bloody nose before we left the house. And it was super awesome, because not only did I not notice the blood until it was too late, it was BLOOD ON MY PANTS!! Draw your own conclusions, people.
So as I was whisper-yelling at my kids, attempting to buy groceries for my family and trying nonchalantly to hide the blood stains on my pants I shape-shifted into that poor, poor woman from long ago.
The only difference between her and me, was she was WAY more pulled together. I dreamed of only a kool-aid mustache and a few tears in that moment. I dreamed of some crusty snot on my shoulder. I was in full fledged “panic-in-Target” mode, while my kids bounced off the end displays and random old people looked at me in disgust saying, “Get control of your child” with only their eyes.
So moral of the story…that woman in Target who looks like a Nick Nolte mug shot, don’t judge her. The universe is a bitch.
Now.
Moving on.
Banana Bread Cookies.
They’re comforting. The perfect cure for a tough day at Target.
I’ve been trying to make these cookies for ages, but once I have an idea for old bananas, suddenly my family feels the need to eat their potassium.
But finally yesterday I convinced my kids to eat a box of Nerds instead of the totally mashable bananas I had on the counter.
Wow, I’m either the coolest or worst mom in history.
So mash your bananas, and mix in some other important ingredients…oil, egg, sugar, oats…
Also, as you can see I used chocolate chips in mine. If you don’t like chocolate chips in your banana bread, you can easily sub in nuts or raisins…
Then just bake. They’ll look pretty when they’re done.
Then…if you want to get crazy you’ll need to frost them. Cookies with frosting are kind of my thing.
And I made a maple cream cheese frosting, which is totally optional, but really not optional at all.
Then eat.
Print
Banana Bread Cookies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
Makes about 26 cookies
Ingredients
Cookies
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 cup brown sugar (either dark or light)
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 cups quick oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped walnuts or raisins (I used chocolate chips)
Frosting
- 3 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 Tbsp maple syrup ~ or if you don’t prefer maple you can use 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Combine bananas, sugar, oil, vanilla and egg in mixing bowl. Beat until combined.
- Add in flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix on low until smooth.
- Finally pour in oats and chips, nuts or raisins. Stir until evenly incorporated.
- On a nonstick cookie sheet, or a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, drop batter my large tablespoon, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.
Frosting
- In a stand mixer combine cream cheese, butter and maple syrup or extract beating until smooth.
- Turn mixer down to low and add in powdered sugar until just combined. Turn mixer up to medium and beat until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Spread a tablespoon of frosting onto each cookie.
Notes
store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate if desired.
I love your stories and your food. I unsubscribed to a dozen food blogs recently but I will forever remain faithful to yours. You make me smile and laugh too.
Aww, so glad you’re here!! Thanks for the note!
Umm, I totally feel you on the Target incident. Why do kids turn into crazy people when you are trying to grocery shop? I found your blog a little while ago and I totally love it!! I made the oreo pudding cookies this week and they were awesome. Thanks for the great recipes.
So glad you liked them! Thanks!
I loveee cookies and I also love banana bread. I think you`re awesome for creating this. Even if you`re that mom at the markets. It`s okay, I wont judge.
I still have nightmares about that mug shot!
Making banana bread cookies is one of my favorite things to do in the fall! Can’t wait to try yours 🙂
Ive been on a massive banana bread fest – banana anything from cakes to breads but not cookies, not yet! These look perfect, Shelly!
The sudden need for potassium – omg my family does that to me too!
And the maple cream cheese frosting = YES!!!
Yeah. After I had my first kid, who was THE EASIET baby ever born, I would totally judge the moms who were a wreck, thinking, “If you’d put that baby on a schedule, he’d be better.” Universe. Back pocket. THEN my second child was born. I have lots and lots and lots of compassion for that mom at Target now. The only reason I am not that mom at Target is because I wait until my kids are in school, then I go.
Gosh. I always feel bad for those moms when I see them. Kids are a pain and I don’t even have any. Thank goodness for cookies.
I actually feel like that will totally be me…..
Um, was that a True Blood reference in there???
LOL we have all been that mom, trust me. I remember just picking my son up around his waste, he was about three and hauling him like that, hanging sideways and I pushed the buggy and he screamed like I was killing him. yeah people were looking a few younger ones laughed, they will get there’s, trust me!
Haha. I used to judge those women who had kids throwing a fit in the check out lane bribing their kids with candy bars. Then I became the mom who the ENTIRE grocery visit became “if you’re good you can pick something out”….Yeah, candy works.
Love these cookies! And frosting is NOT optional.