If you’re on the lookout for a wholesome treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, the Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft, chewy oats and naturally sweet ripe bananas, with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you want a quick snack, a healthy dessert, or a little pick-me-up with your afternoon coffee, these cookies offer a simple yet deeply satisfying flavor profile that will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is crucial to achieving that perfect bite in this Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a special role in bringing flavor, texture, and body to the cookies, making sure they’re soft, flavorful, and just the right level of sweet.
- Ripe bananas: Mash them well for natural sweetness and moisture that binds the cookies beautifully.
- Quick oats or old-fashioned oats: These add heartiness and a satisfying chew.
- Brown sugar: Offers a caramel-like depth and enhances moisture retention.
- Melted coconut oil or unsalted butter: Brings richness and tenderness to every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that complements the banana perfectly.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently and ensures a tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour or whole wheat flour: Provides structure while keeping the texture soft.
- Chocolate chips or raisins (optional): For optional bursts of sweetness and texture.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take advantage of this time to line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash those ripe bananas until they become smooth and creamy. This step is key to infusing the cookies with natural sweetness and moisture, so no lumps should remain.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Stir in the melted coconut oil (or butter), brown sugar, and vanilla extract with your mashed bananas. This combination adds richness and an aromatic depth that elevates the cookie beyond ordinary.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Into the same bowl, add the oats, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and flour. Mix everything gently until just combined — over-mixing can toughen the cookies, so be gentle.
Step 5: Add Optional Mix-ins
If you like, fold in chocolate chips or raisins along with chopped nuts. These extras lend texture and surprise bursts of flavor with every bite.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading. Gently flatten each mound using the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges turn a lovely golden color.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling allows their texture to settle perfectly, so patience here pays off deliciously.
How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can enhance both the look and flavor of your cookies. A drizzle of melted chocolate also works magic for an indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a snack that feels like a mini celebration. They also complement fruit salads or yogurts perfectly for a wholesome breakfast or afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or a fun snack box, try sandwiching two cookies with peanut butter or cream cheese filling. Another great presentation is a cookie platter paired with fresh fruit, nuts, and a honey drizzle for a healthy dessert board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them soft and fresh, perfect for grabbing as you rush out the door.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze hard, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm frozen or leftover cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. It revives their softness and enhances flavor, making them taste freshly baked each time.
FAQs
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Absolutely! Old-fashioned oats give the cookies a chewier texture and a heartier bite, while quick oats produce a softer cookie. Both work well, so choose based on your texture preference.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For the best flavor and sweetness, use bananas that are very ripe, with several brown spots on the peel. These bananas mash easily and impart that signature sweetness without extra sugar.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, simply use melted coconut oil instead of butter and replace chocolate chips with vegan ones. Also, check that the brown sugar is vegan-friendly to keep the recipe plant-based.
What’s the best way to prevent cookies from sticking?
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is the easiest way. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup quick and effortless.
Are these cookies healthy?
While they satisfy a sweet tooth, these Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe are made with wholesome ingredients like oats, bananas, and nuts, offering fiber and nutrients. They’re a much better choice than processed snacks for a nourishing treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about these Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe that makes them a lifelong favorite. They’re easy to whip up, wonderfully adaptable, and just delicious enough to brighten any day. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and discover how quickly these cookies can become your go-to snack for any occasion.
Print
Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies made with ripe bananas, oats, and a touch of cinnamon. These soft, chewy cookies are perfect as a snack or dessert, featuring optional chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture. Easy to prepare and bake, they offer a wholesome treat suitable for vegetarians and can be adapted for a vegan diet.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup quick oats or old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas until smooth and creamy, which forms the natural base for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted coconut oil or butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas, mixing well to combine.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the oats, ground cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and flour to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined to form the cookie dough.
- Fold in Optional Ingredients: If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips or raisins along with the chopped walnuts or pecans, incorporating them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure the brown sugar is vegan-friendly.
- These cookies freeze well and make an excellent grab-and-go snack or quick breakfast option.
- To add extra richness, mix in a spoonful of peanut butter into the dough before baking.
