Who doesn’t love the combination of bananas and oats? These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect fusion of natural sweetness, chewy texture, and wholesome goodness. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert, a quick snack, or even a light breakfast option, these cookies have you covered.
This recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a batch of cookies that are soft, satisfying, and packed with nutrients. They’re naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, meaning you don’t need loads of added sugar to enjoy their flavor. Plus, they’re customizable—add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to make them your own.
These cookies are perfect for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping snacks for the week, or satisfying a late-night craving, Banana Oatmeal Cookies are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive in and explore why this recipe is a must-try in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Optional Add-Ins
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or raisins
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The consistency should resemble a thick puree. - Mix the Ingredients:
Add the rolled oats, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and honey (if using) to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined. If you’re adding any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, fold them into the batter at this stage. - Form the Cookies:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon to create an even shape. - Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are firm to the touch. - Cool and Serve:
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store for later!
Cooking Tips
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
- Customize the Texture: If you prefer chunkier cookies, leave some banana pieces intact rather than mashing them completely.
- Make It Vegan: Swap honey for maple syrup to keep the recipe 100% vegan.
- Add a Crunch: Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and additional nutrients.
- Double the Batch: These cookies freeze beautifully, so consider making a double batch to have on hand for busy days. Simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave before eating.
Nutritional Benefits
- Bananas:
Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and natural sugars, providing a quick energy boost. They also contribute to the soft texture and natural sweetness of the cookies. - Oats:
Rolled oats are a great source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full longer. They also contain important nutrients like iron, magnesium, and zinc. - Healthy Fats (Optional Add-Ins):
Nuts and seeds bring healthy fats to the table, which support brain health and reduce inflammation. - Low Sugar:
This recipe relies on the natural sweetness of bananas, making it a healthier option compared to traditional cookies loaded with refined sugar. - Versatile Nutrition:
Depending on your mix-ins, you can easily add antioxidants (from dark chocolate), omega-3 fatty acids (from chia seeds), or additional fiber (from dried fruits).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Guilt-Free: These cookies are packed with wholesome ingredients, allowing you to indulge without any guilt.
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy schedules.
- Naturally Sweetened: The bananas provide all the sweetness you need, making this recipe free from refined sugars (unless you add extras).
- Kid-Friendly: These cookies are a hit with kids and a great way to sneak in some healthy ingredients.
- Customizable: From chocolate chips to seeds, you can tailor the recipe to suit your cravings or dietary preferences.
- Portable: Perfect for on-the-go breakfasts, lunchbox treats, or post-workout snacks.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegetarian.
- Vegan Option: Swap honey for maple syrup and you have a completely vegan cookie.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the recipe is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free: The recipe contains no dairy unless you add mix-ins like milk chocolate chips.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts and use seeds or dried fruit for a nut-free version.
Why This Recipe Works
The simplicity of this recipe lies in its reliance on natural ingredients. Mashed bananas act as a binder, eliminating the need for eggs or other traditional cookie ingredients. Their natural sweetness means you can keep added sugars to a minimum, while oats provide structure and a chewy texture. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to make it your own, adapting it to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Additionally, baking the cookies at 350°F ensures they cook evenly, allowing the oats to toast slightly while the bananas retain their moisture. The result is a cookie that’s soft and chewy on the inside with just a hint of crispiness on the outside.
Conclusion
Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a true gem in the world of healthy baking. Their simplicity, versatility, and delightful taste make them a favorite among kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious snack, a quick breakfast, or a satisfying dessert, these cookies tick all the boxes.
Plus, the ease of preparation means you can whip up a batch anytime you have ripe bananas on hand. With endless customization options and a wealth of nutritional benefits, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of warm, delicious Banana Oatmeal Cookies. One bite, and you’ll see why these cookies are loved by all who try them!
Print
Irresistible Banana Oatmeal Cookies: A Healthy and Delicious Treat for All Ages
- Total Time: 25mins
Description
Who doesn’t love the combination of bananas and oats? These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect fusion of natural sweetness, chewy texture, and wholesome goodness. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert, a quick snack, or even a light breakfast option, these cookies have you covered.
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Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or raisins
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The consistency should resemble a thick puree. - Mix the Ingredients:
Add the rolled oats, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and honey (if using) to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined. If you’re adding any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, fold them into the batter at this stage. - Form the Cookies:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon to create an even shape. - Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are firm to the touch. - Cool and Serve:
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store for later!
- Prep Time: 10mins
- Cook Time: 15mins