Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Sink your teeth into the comforting sweetness of Banana Oatmeal Cookies, a delightful treat that perfectly marries the natural fruity flavor of ripe bananas with the hearty texture of oats. These cookies are soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet, making them a favorite for anytime snacking. Whether you’re after a wholesome breakfast on the go or a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up, these gems deliver flavor, nutrition, and nostalgia in every single bite. You won’t believe how simple they are to make or how quickly they disappear!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Banana Oatmeal Cookies is how each ingredient shines through, creating a cookie that is flavorful, fragrant, and irresistibly chewy. You’ll find that these ingredients aren’t just pantry staples—they each play a vital role in achieving the perfect bite every time.
- Bananas (2 ripe, mashed): The bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, helping to bind everything together.
- Old-fashioned oats (1 1/2 cups): Oats offer heartiness and that classic chewy texture you expect in oatmeal cookies.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): This helps give the cookies their tender structure without weighing them down.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures your cookies rise just enough for a soft, light interior.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a lovely hint of warmth and spice, complementing the bananas beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A small amount goes a long way to balance out the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Butter lends richness and helps create the perfect crumb.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and that irresistible, subtle caramel flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the flavors with a touch of classic sweetness.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder and contributes to the soft texture of the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with inviting aroma and depth.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and nuttiness if you’d like a bit of texture.
- Chocolate chips or raisins (1/2 cup, optional): For a little extra indulgence, toss in your favorite for pockets of gooey or chewy goodness.
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the very first batch. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper; this tiny step means your Banana Oatmeal Cookies will lift off easily and cleanup will be a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, add the oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Give them a quick whisk or stir. This not only evenly distributes the leavening and spices but also fluffs up the oats for that signature chewy bite.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a larger mixing bowl, blend the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together. Beat them until the mixture looks light and fluffy—it makes a world of difference in texture! This aerates the dough, giving your cookies that soft, tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Crack in the egg, pour in the vanilla, and fold in those mashed bananas. Mix everything together until well combined. The bananas will make the mixture look wonderfully creamy and smell fantastic!
Step 5: Combine and Customize
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. You want everything fully incorporated but avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies. If you’re adding nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins, gently fold them in now.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds of dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Pop into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just golden and the centers look set.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—the toughest part is waiting!—then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This keeps them chewy in the middle but delightfully crisp at the edges.
How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Garnishes
For that fresh-from-the-bakery look, sprinkle warm Banana Oatmeal Cookies with a pinch of flaky salt, a dusting of cinnamon sugar, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Even a few extra chopped nuts on top can add a lovely finishing touch and a little crunch.
Side Dishes
These cookies are right at home with a cold glass of milk or a piping hot mug of coffee. For a nourishing snack, pair them with a bowl of Greek yogurt and fresh berries. They’re also wonderful tucked into a packed lunch or alongside a smoothie for a wholesome breakfast treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Banana Oatmeal Cookies into ice cream sandwiches by smooshing your favorite ice cream in between two cookies. For a party platter, mix classic and chocolate chip-studded cookies, arranged on a rustic wooden board. You can even crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a delicious topping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Banana Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay soft and delightful for up to 4 days. Nestle a slice of bread in with the cookies to help lock in moisture and keep them perfectly chewy.
Freezing
These cookies are champions in the freezer! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months—just grab one (or a few) whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring your Banana Oatmeal Cookies back to warm, bakery-fresh glory, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. They’ll be just as soft and inviting as when they first came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Quick oats will work if that’s what you have, but expect a slightly different texture. Old-fashioned oats lend a chewier bite and heartier texture, which really elevates these Banana Oatmeal Cookies.
Do I have to add nuts or chocolate chips?
Not at all! The base recipe is delicious on its own, but feel free to get creative. Mix in your favorites or leave the cookies simple—either way, they’re bound to disappear fast.
Are Banana Oatmeal Cookies gluten free?
You can easily make them gluten free! Just swap in your favorite certified gluten-free oats and a trusted gluten-free flour blend. The cookies will be just as tasty, with no compromise.
How can I make the cookies even healthier?
Try swapping half the butter for unsweetened applesauce, or reduce the sugar slightly. You could also toss in flaxseed or chia seeds for a little nutrition boost without affecting that classic Banana Oatmeal Cookie flavor.
Why do my cookies come out cakey?
This can happen if you use extra-large bananas or overmix the batter, making it wetter. Measure your mashed banana (about 1 cup max) and mix until just combined for that ideal chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the homemade comfort of Banana Oatmeal Cookies. Wholesome, simple, and packed with cozy flavors, they bring joy to any table. Give them a try, experiment with add-ins, and share them with loved ones—you might just discover a new family favorite!
Print
Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a delicious and wholesome treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Packed with the goodness of bananas, oats, and nuts, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated. Fold in nuts and chocolate chips or raisins if using. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies freeze well and are perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or snack.
- Use gluten-free oats and flour if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
