Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the comforting charm of Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies. These cookies bring together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the satisfying heartiness of rolled oats, and just the right touch of brown sugar for endearing, soft-baked treats. They embody everything wonderful about homemade baking: they’re easy, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely scrumptious with every bite. Whether you love a handful of chocolate chips or a sprinkle of walnuts, each cookie is a hug for your taste buds. Dive in, and let’s bake something you’ll want to share with everyone—though you might want to keep a few secret stashes for yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies so wonderful is how each ingredient plays its part—no fillers, no fuss, just good honest flavor and the ideal soft, chewy texture. With just a handful of kitchen staples, you’ll create cookies that taste like they required much more work than they actually do!
- Mashed ripe banana (1 cup, about 2–3 bananas): This is the key to moist, tender cookies and a sweet, natural banana flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and ensures that signature chewy bite.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Provides a gentle caramel sweetness and keeps the cookies chewy.
- Large egg (1): Helps bind everything together and adds a little lift.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brightens the flavors and gives the cookies warmth.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Creates structure but doesn’t overwhelm the soft, oat-filled texture.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies just a bit of rise and keeps them light.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the lovely flavors—never skip it!
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm spice that plays perfectly with banana and oats.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (2 cups): Stars of the show for chewy texture and wholesome flavor.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For a little crunch and nutty goodness—you decide if you want them!
- Raisins or chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Toss in either (or both!) for pops of sweet or gooey delight.
How to Make Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—a must for even baking and chewy centers. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to guarantee the cookies lift off easily and maintain their shape (plus, cleanup is a breeze).
Step 2: Cream Butter & Brown Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost creamy. This step aerates the fats, setting the stage for perfectly soft cookies.
Step 3: Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in your mashed banana, the large egg, and the vanilla extract. The banana not only imparts a naturally sweet flavor but also keeps your Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies tender and moist.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices throughout your dough for a balanced flavor profile.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—overworking the dough could make the cookies tough instead of delightfully chewy.
Step 6: Stir in Oats and Extras
Fold in the rolled oats for that signature hearty chew. At this point, you can also add walnuts, pecans, raisins, or chocolate chips if you’d like—customize your Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies just how you love them.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches of breathing room between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye out for lightly golden edges and soft centers—they’ll set up more as they cool!
Step 8: Cool, Then Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking pan for five minutes, which helps them stay together before moving to a wire rack. Once they’re cool, you’re in for pure chewy delight!
How to Serve Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Garnishes
For a little flourish, dust your fresh-baked cookies with a pinch of powdered sugar, or drizzle a thin glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few reserved chocolate chips right after baking can make every bite extra magical.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfectly delicious all on their own, but they also shine beside a tall glass of cold milk, a cozy mug of tea, or even dunked into warm coffee. For snack platters, try serving alongside fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to balance their sweetness with something cool and creamy.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon for charming homemade gifts, or arrange them in layers inside a wide mason jar for a rustic, heartfelt treat. For a party, create a cookie sandwich by spreading a little nut butter or cream cheese frosting between two cookies—nobody will be able to resist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, keep your Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They maintain their soft, chewy texture incredibly well, and the banana flavor even gets better by day two!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully—simply layer them in a freezer bag or airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper. They’ll hold their taste and texture for up to two months, making them a perfect make-ahead snack.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked magic, pop a thawed Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It’ll turn wonderfully warm, soft, and almost gooey—just like the day you baked it!
FAQs
Can I make Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and always choose certified gluten-free oats to ensure the cookies are safe for those with sensitivities.
What’s the best way to mash bananas for the recipe?
Use very ripe bananas and mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth. A few tiny lumps are totally fine and add to the rustic texture of the cookies.
Can I reduce the sugar in this cookie recipe?
You can! Try cutting back the brown sugar by up to 1/4 cup—the bananas will still give plenty of sweetness, and the cookies will taste just as delicious, though a little less rich.
Are there any healthy additions I can mix in?
Definitely—feel free to add a tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds for a boost of nutrition, or toss in dried cranberries for even more fruity goodness!
How can I make the cookies even chewier?
For extra chew, make sure not to overbake, and use old-fashioned rolled oats – not quick oats – for maximum texture. A touch more banana also brings added moisture and chew.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing treat, give these Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies a try. They’re simple enough for a weekday, special enough for a celebration, and absolutely guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!
Print
Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with wholesome oats and warm spices. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2–3 bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Add the mashed banana, egg, and vanilla, mixing well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Stir in Oats and Optional Add-Ins: Mix in the oats, and fold in nuts or raisins/chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally soft and chewy.
- You can add 1 tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds for extra nutrition.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg