Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, honey, and the mashed banana. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Stir in the pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt. Ensure the dry ingredients are well combined for even flavor distribution.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir thoughtfully until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and nuts if you're using them, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Lightly flatten each cookie with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to ensure an even bake.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a colorful presentation, serve on a rustic wooden board with fresh fruit.