If you give a kid a cookie...

they will probably expect to snack on them all summer long.

Truth be told, they are not the only ones around here that enjoy a good cookie. I am always on the hunt for healthy cookie recipes. OK, so maybe "healthy" and cookie seem like a little bit of an oxymoron, but you know what I mean...something with whole grains, wheat flour, less sugar, etc.

A few years ago I got my hands on a recipe that we enjoy pretty often around here. I still am on the fence as to whether or not they are "healthy." How about "healthier?" They do have some protein, fiber, and calcium packed into these babies.

Since the kids are home for the summer and seem to be asking for a snack ALL the time (and, please tell me it's not just MY kids), I thought I would share a family favorite.

Banana Bread Cookies

1 cup (2 large) ripe bananas (I usually use 3 large bananas)

1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 large egg

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup whole-wheat flour

3/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Beat bananas, brown sugar, honey, oil, and egg until well-combined.

2. Add both flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat until combined.

3. Stir in chocolate.

4. Drop tablespoons of batter onto greased baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until cookies are golden-brown.

These are really different and definitely remind you of banana bread. They are a soft cookie with substance. We love having them around. They also freeze well, so you will often find a bag or two of these in my freezer.

Hope you love them as much as we do!