Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a wholesome treat that’s packed with flavor, look no further than these Banana Oatmeal Cookies. They’re soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened with just the right touch of comfort from bananas and honey. Ready in under half an hour, these cookies are a delightful answer to your sweet tooth and a healthier snack you can actually feel great about sharing with friends or sneaking into lunchboxes. Banana Oatmeal Cookies combine the best of classic flavors with a hearty, nourishing twist—perfect for anyone looking to balance deliciousness with real-food ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient not only adds its own signature taste and texture but also brings a wholesome boost—think natural sweetness, chewy oats, and the creamy richness of nut butter. Here’s what you’ll need to make these cookies a regular treat in your lineup:
- Ripe bananas: Their natural sweetness is the star and helps bind the cookies without extra sugar.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Oats add heartiness and that irresistible chewy texture that makes Banana Oatmeal Cookies so special.
- Peanut butter or almond butter: Creamy nut butter delivers richness and a plant-based boost of protein.
- Honey or maple syrup: For gentle, natural sweetness—use whichever you love best for a subtly different flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash heightens the cozy, home-baked aroma of these treats.
- Cinnamon: A warm spice backdrop that makes every bite taste like comfort.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Mini chocolate chips or raisins (optional): For extra indulgence or a fruity burst, stir these in as your mood strikes.
- Ground flaxseed or chia seeds (optional): Add a little extra fiber and nutrition without changing the taste.
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
First things first—let’s set yourself up for success! Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little bit of prep keeps the cookies from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. While your oven comes to temperature, gather your mixing bowls and ingredients so you’re ready to go.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your mashed ripe bananas, peanut butter (or almond butter), honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mixing the wet ingredients first lets them blend beautifully, ensuring the banana stays front and center with its flavor and moisture.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Now you’ll add in the oats, cinnamon, and salt—plus flaxseed or chia seeds if you want that extra nutrition. Stir until everything’s evenly distributed and starting to look like a chunky, rustic cookie dough. The oats will soak up a bit of moisture, making the mixture stick together just right.
Step 4: Fold in Tasty Add-Ins
If you’re feeling adventurous (or just love a hint of chocolate or sweetness), stir in the mini chocolate chips or raisins. The little pops of flavor throughout are what make Banana Oatmeal Cookies completely irresistible—totally optional, but highly recommended!
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough, placing them about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each one with the back of your spoon to help them bake evenly. Slide them into your hot oven and watch the magic happen as they bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your Banana Oatmeal Cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This quick step helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle—plus, the aroma filling your kitchen will have everyone lining up for a taste!
How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Garnishes
Try dusting your freshly baked Banana Oatmeal Cookies with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few extra chocolate chips right after they come out of the oven. For a slightly more decadent touch, drizzle with a tiny bit of melted nut butter or a dot of honey.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of almond milk, a rich latte, or even a bowl of Greek yogurt for a balanced snack. They’re also fantastic alongside a fruit salad or smoothie for a feel-good breakfast upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a vibrant platter lined with parchment for a rustic look at brunch. You can also sandwich two cookies with a smear of nut butter or yogurt between them for a fun twist—kids especially love this! Other ideas include crumbling them over yogurt parfaits or using them as a healthier base for homemade ice cream sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, just pop your Banana Oatmeal Cookies into an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and fresh at room temperature for up to three days, or you can chill them in the fridge to stretch their shelf life even further.
Freezing
These cookies freeze like a dream! Simply let them cool completely, pile into a freezer bag or airtight container, and stash them in the freezer for up to two months. Pull one or two out as needed for a ready-made snack that tastes just as wonderful as the day you baked them.
Reheating
To bring your Banana Oatmeal Cookies back to their just-baked glory, zap them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. They’ll be soft, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying.
FAQs
Can I make Banana Oatmeal Cookies without nut butter?
Absolutely! You can use sunflower seed butter or even tahini if you want to keep the cookies nut-free. The texture will be slightly different but still chewy and delicious.
Are these Banana Oatmeal Cookies gluten free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these cookies are naturally gluten free. They’re also dairy-free and vegetarian, ticking a lot of boxes for various diets.
How ripe should my bananas be for this recipe?
The riper the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots; the natural sugars make the cookies sweeter and give that classic banana bread flavor.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely. Banana Oatmeal Cookies keep well at room temperature or refrigerated, and you can even freeze them for meal-prep or snacks on the go. Just let them cool fully before storing.
What can I substitute for honey or maple syrup to make them vegan?
Maple syrup is a great vegan choice, but you could also try agave nectar if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind the sweetness and overall flavor will vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s just as nourishing as it is delicious, these Banana Oatmeal Cookies are bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give them a try—once you experience how easy, wholesome, and flavorful they are, you’ll want to whip up a batch again and again!
Print
Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a healthy and delicious treat that are easy to make. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian, making them a versatile snack option for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or raisins
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, oats, peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in chocolate chips, raisins, or seeds if desired.
- Bake Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free and sweetened with bananas and honey.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
