Cake Mix Cookies - 2 points

Simon (my adorable 2 year old nephew) is going to be spending some more time with me. Due to a work schedule issue, I will now have the privilege of picking him up from day school and spending 30-45 minutes with him before Alanna comes to pick him up. I am sorry that Alanna is having to work late, since I know that she would like to be the one spending time with Simon. Simultaneously, I feel lucky to have this time with my favorite toddler.

Yesterday, Simon wanted to bake cookies when we got home. It had to be something fast if they were going to get done. My usual quick cookie is a cake mix cookie. You mix 1 box of cake mix with 1/2 cup oil and two eggs; roll into 36 teaspoon size balls; flatten with a glass dipped in sugar; and then bake at 350F for 10 minutes. They are very good, but I felt they could use a little less fat. So, I made the recipe below.

The cookies turned out to be fabulous; they are very moist and taste like tiny banana bread treats. Simon took them to school to share with his little friends.

Cake Mix Cookies
1 box white cake mix
1 large banana, mashed
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup olive oil
2 egg whites

1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
2. Drop by teaspoonfull onto a dry stone or a pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Bake at 350F for 15-18 minutes. (I did half on the stone and half on metal. The stone version took 15 minutes, whereas the metal needed 18.)
4. Yields 36, 2 point servings

Please note that my cookies have black and orange dots because the cake mix had Halloween sprinkles in it (they were on clearance in December - I am nothing if not thrifty).