f you’re on the hunt for a cozy, heartwarming treat that’s not only delicious but also a healthier option, these Oatmeal Banana Cookies might just be your new go-to snack! Perfect for those looking to use up overripe bananas and craving something sweet without too much guilt, these cookies are a fantastic blend of hearty oats and sweet, natural banana flavor.

What’s more, they are incredibly easy to make and require only a handful of simple ingredients. Ideal for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or a satisfying dessert, these cookies will charm anyone who gives them a try.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

2 large ripe bananas

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for a bit of indulgence)
1/4 cup nuts (such as walnuts or pecans, chopped)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
A pinch of salt

Instructions for Making Oatmeal Banana Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
Combine the ingredients: Add the rolled oats, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the mashed bananas. Mix everything together until well combined.

Shape the cookies: Using a spoon, scoop out portions of the cookie mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly into a cookie shape, as they will not spread much during baking.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and set.
Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choose the Right Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a brown paper bag overnight.

Customize Your Add-Ins: While chocolate chips and nuts are suggested add-ins, feel free to get creative. Consider incorporating dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, various seeds (such as pumpkin or sunflower), or even a scoop of protein powder for an extra health boost.

Watch the Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. If they start to get too dark, reduce the baking time.

Let Them Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set properly and makes them easier to handle without breaking.

Consistent Size: Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to ensure all your cookies are the same size. This promotes even baking and ensures that all your cookies will be done at the same time.

Mixing Well: Make sure that all ingredients are well combined before scooping onto your baking sheet. The oats should be well-coated with the mashed banana mixture for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast on the Go: Pair a couple of these cookies with a piece of fruit and a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a quick, satisfying breakfast.

After-School Snack: Serve these cookies as a healthy after-school snack for kids. They’re sweet, filling, and nutritious.

With Ice Cream: For a decadent treat, sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies to create an ice cream cookie sandwich.

Dessert Platter: Add these cookies to a dessert platter along with a variety of other cookies and sweets for a delightful mix that guests can enjoy.

Yogurt Parfait: Crumble a cookie over a bowl of Greek yogurt, add some fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey for a delicious parfait.

Storage Tips

Cool Completely: Before storing, allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Storing cookies while they are still warm can lead to condensation and sogginess.

Airtight Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you prefer a softer cookie, you can place a piece of bread in the container, which helps maintain moisture.

Room Temperature: Keep the container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you might consider other options like freezing.

Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze the cookies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in a microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats? Yes, you can use instant oats, but the texture might be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a chewier texture, while instant oats will make the cookies a bit softer.

Can I make these cookies vegan? Absolutely! To make vegan Oatmeal Banana Cookies, ensure that your add-ins, like chocolate chips, are vegan-friendly. Most other ingredients in this recipe are naturally vegan.

Can I add sugar or sweetener? If you prefer sweeter cookies, you can add a tablespoon or two of honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener. However, the bananas usually provide enough sweetness on their own.

Why are my cookies dry? If your cookies turn out dry, you might have added too many oats. Ensure you measure the oats correctly, and remember that the moisture content in bananas can vary, so you might need to adjust accordingly.

Can I make these gluten-free? To make gluten-free Oatmeal Banana Cookies, simply use certified gluten-free oats. This will ensure that the cookies are safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Oatmeal Banana Cookies

ideal for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or a satisfying dessert, these cookies will charm anyone who gives them a try.

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Serving Size

Ingredients

2 large ripe bananas

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup chocolate chips optional, for a bit of indulgence
1/4 cup nuts such as walnuts or pecans, chopped

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
A pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
Combine the ingredients: Add the rolled oats, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the mashed bananas. Mix everything together until well combined.

Shape the cookies: Using a spoon, scoop out portions of the cookie mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly into a cookie shape, as they will not spread much during baking.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and set.
Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.