There’s something truly delightful about turning overripe bananas into warm, soft cookies that just melt in your mouth. The first time I baked these Banana Oatmeal Cookies, my kitchen transformed into a haven of sweet aromas; the blend of vanilla and cinnamon wafted through the air, instantly lifting my spirits. It was a simple remedy for a long day, a reminder that comfort can come from just a few ingredients!
Perfect for busy weeknights or quick afternoon snacks, these cookies come together in just 20 minutes, allowing you to indulge without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re extraordinarily versatile—feel free to mix in chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or whatever dried fruit you have on hand. Trust me, they’re a crowd-pleaser, bringing smiles that rival even the most elaborate desserts. So grab those ripe bananas and let’s get baking!
Why are Banana Oatmeal Cookies a must-try?
Quick and Easy: You can whip these cookies up in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for those busy days!
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Made with wholesome ingredients like bananas and oats, they satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.
Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to create your own signature cookie.
Nutritious and Delicious: Each cookie balances flavor and nutrition, with only 79 calories each.
Family Favorite: Ideal for kids and adults alike, these cookies quickly become a staple in your home.
So, why not treat yourself? You can also explore more satisfying snacks in our extensive recipe collection!
Banana Oatmeal Cookies Ingredients
• Wondering what goes into these delightful treats? Here’s what you’ll need!
For the Cookies
- 3 overripe bananas – about 1 ¼ cups mashed; the riper, the sweeter!
- 2 Tablespoons honey – or maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
- 1 egg – helps bind the ingredients for a chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – adds a warm, comforting flavor.
- 1 ½ cup quick cooking oats – gives these cookies their heartiness.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – brings a cozy spice that complements the bananas.
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt – enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- ½ cup chocolate chips – or any mix-ins like shredded coconut or dried cranberries for a twist!
Enjoy crafting these Banana Oatmeal Cookies; they’re as scrumptious to make as they are to eat!
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies
-
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While it warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside—this will make cleanup a breeze!
-
Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the 3 overripe bananas until smooth. You want about 1 ¼ cups of mashed banana, which brings natural sweetness to your cookies.
-
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add in the 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well blended, creating a sweet and aromatic mixture.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: Now, add the 1 ½ cups of quick cooking oats, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt. Stir until combined; the mixture should look hearty and well-integrated.
-
Add Mix-Ins: If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the time to toss in your ½ cup of chocolate chips or your choice of mix-ins like shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or raisins. Stir until evenly distributed.
-
Scoop Cookies: Using a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon or a 1 ½ TBS cookie scoop, measure out portions of the dough, placing them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart—they’ll spread slightly as they bake!
-
Bake Cookies: Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the tops are just set and the bottoms are very lightly browned for that perfect chewy texture.
-
Cool Down: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Once they’ve set a bit, transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
-
Serve: Enjoy these delightful Banana Oatmeal Cookies slightly warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing or savored all to yourself!
Optional: Sprinkle with a pinch of extra cinnamon before serving for a delightful twist.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Banana Oatmeal Cookies
-
Perfect Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture; spotted or brown bananas are ideal for these cookies.
-
Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
-
Cookie Scoop Best: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes, helping them bake evenly. This also makes the process quicker and tidier!
-
Cooling Time: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and reduces the chance of breakage.
-
Mix-In Magic: Get creative with mix-ins; try nuts, seeds, or your favorite dried fruits. Just remember, too many add-ins can alter the cookie’s texture.
These tips will help you achieve the best Banana Oatmeal Cookies every time!
What to Serve with Banana Oatmeal Cookies?
Imagine an afternoon where the sweet aroma of banana-filled baked goods mingles with your favorite warm beverage, inviting family and friends to enjoy delightful pairings.
-
Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, enhancing your dessert experience with lightness and brightness.
-
Creamy Yogurt: Pairing cookies with a dollop of Greek yogurt offers a tangy, smooth component that balances the sweetness, making each bite a creamy delight.
-
Nut Butter Spread: Slather some almond or peanut butter on top for added protein and richness. The nutty flavor beautifully complements the banana while adding a satisfying crunch.
-
Herbal Tea: A cup of chamomile or peppermint tea provides a soothing contrast, enhancing the cozy, homestyle feel of your cookie treat.
-
Chocolate Milk: With chocolate chips in the cookies, a glass of cold chocolate milk is a wonderful nostalgic pairing that children and adults alike will adore.
-
Cinnamon Ice Cream: A scoop of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream served alongside warm cookies creates a delightful temperature contrast, making each dessert moment feel indulgent.
-
Oatmeal Smoothie: Blend oats, banana, and almond milk for a delightful smoothie that echoes the flavors of your cookies, delivering a delicious, nutritious boost.
Enjoy experimenting with these ideas to transform your Banana Oatmeal Cookies into a cherished dessert experience!
How to Store and Freeze Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your Banana Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay soft and chewy.
Fridge: For extra freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they’re in a well-sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months, making them perfect for future snacking.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds or heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
Banana Oatmeal Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing your cookies; each twist enhances their delightful essence!
- Nut-Free: Swap the egg for ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for a vegan option.
- Vegan: Use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement for a plant-based cookie. One tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water does the trick!
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of bananas. Just a little heat goes a long way!
- Coconut Lover: Swap half of the oats for shredded coconut for a tropical twist, adding chewy texture and flavor to each bite.
- Berry Bliss: Incorporate ½ cup of dried blueberries or chopped strawberries for a fruity explosion bursting in every cookie! These berries complement the bananas wonderfully.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in ½ cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and richness. They give the cookies a delightful texture and a heartier feel.
- Granola Style: Add ½ cup of your favorite granola blend to the dough for added sweetness and a satisfying crunch. This gives a fun breakfast twist to your cookies!
- Chocolate Overload: For those chocolate lovers, use a mix of dark and white chocolate chips to create a decadent dual-flavor experience. Chocolate bliss is always a hit!
Make Ahead Options
These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix together the wet ingredients (mashed bananas, honey, egg, and vanilla) up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and flavorful. The dry ingredients (oats, cinnamon, and salt) can also be pre-measured and kept in a separate airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine both mixtures, add your mix-ins, and scoop the dough onto your baking sheet. You’ll get delicious, homemade cookies with minimal effort, making for sweet, guilt-free snacking any time!
Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of bananas should I use for Banana Oatmeal Cookies?
Absolutely! Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The ones with brown spots or even all-brown bananas are perfect, as they will provide natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
How should I store my Banana Oatmeal Cookies?
For optimal freshness, keep your Banana Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last a bit longer, store them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a week—just make sure they don’t get too dry!
Can I freeze Banana Oatmeal Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them very easily! To do this, lay the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for a quick warm-up.
What can I do if my cookies come out too dry?
If your cookies turn out dry, it may be due to overmixing or not using enough ripe bananas. For the next batch, ensure your bananas are extra ripe, and mix the ingredients until just combined. You might want to add a tablespoon or two of milk or yogurt to the dough for a richer, softer texture.
Are these cookies suitable for children with nut allergies?
Yes! This recipe is nut-free as it stands, but always double-check the chocolate chips or any mix-ins you choose, as they may contain allergens. Feel free to replace chocolate chips with seeds or dried fruits for a nut-free addition that kids will love.
Can I add different ingredients to these cookies?
The more the merrier! You can mix in nuts, seeds, or other dried fruits according to your preference. Just remember that too many add-ins may change the texture, so I recommend keeping it simple with ½ cup of additional ingredients, as seen in the recipe.
Delicious Banana Oatmeal Cookies for Guilt-Free Snacking
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mash the 3 overripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add in the 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, stirring until well blended.
- Mix in 1 ½ cups of quick cooking oats, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt until combined.
- Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips or your choice of mix-ins.
- Scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops are set and the bottoms are lightly browned.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.