Name: Simple and Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies That Delight
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3 pieces Ripe Bananas (Use very ripe bananas for optimal natural sweetness and moisture.); 1.5 cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats (Ensure they are labeled gluten-free.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Adds depth of flavor.); 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon (Adjust to taste.); 1 pinch Salt (Balances sweetness.); 0.5 cups Nuts (Adds crunch and nutrition.); 0.5 cups Chocolate Chips (For added sweetness.); 0.5 cups Dried Fruits (Adds chewy texture and flavor.)

In the midst of a busy day, the scent of warm cookies can instantly lift your spirits. That’s precisely what happened one afternoon when I decided to whip up a batch of Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies. Perfectly chewy and naturally sweetened, these delightful treats are not only flourless but also gluten-free, making them a wholesome option for a quick snack or light dessert. With just three simple ingredients and only 17 minutes from bowl to oven, you’ll find that they’re an effortless choice for satisfying any sweet tooth, without the guilt. Plus, they’re versatile enough to let your creativity shine—who wouldn’t love adding a handful of nuts or chocolate chips? Ready to experience the joy of baking healthier cookies? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why Choose Banana Oatmeal Cookies?

Wholesome Ingredients: Made with just three natural ingredients, these cookies are a perfect guilt-free indulgence.
Quick and Easy: Mix and bake in just 17 minutes—ideal for those busy days when you crave a sweet treat without the hassle.
Chewy Delight: Enjoy a chewy texture and rich flavor that rivals any store-bought cookie, without the added sugars or gluten.
Endless Customization: Whether you want to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits, this recipe is a canvas for your creativity!
Nutritional Benefits: Each cookie is around 50-60 calories, making them a satisfying and healthy snack option. If you’re in the mood for more delicious treats, don’t forget to check out my Chocolate Chip Cookies for something classic and delightful!

Banana Oatmeal Cookies Ingredients

• Grab your apron and let’s get baking!

For the Cookies

Ripe Bananas – Use very ripe bananas for optimal natural sweetness and moisture.
Gluten-Free Rolled Oats – Ensure they are labeled gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s dietary-friendly status.
Vanilla Extract – This adds a depth of flavor that enhances your Banana Oatmeal Cookies beautifully.
Cinnamon – Adjust to your taste; it brings warmth and a cozy aroma to the cookies.
Pinch of Salt – A little salt balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors of your cookies.

Optional Add-Ins

Nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds) – Adding nuts gives a satisfying crunch and extra nutrition to your cookies.
Chocolate Chips – Fold in some chocolate chips for a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with banana.
Dried Fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries) – These add chewy texture and a burst of flavor to your cookies!

Get ready to enjoy the process of making these delightful treats, as they come together with minimal effort and maximum joy!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1: Prep Bananas
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel and place 2-3 ripe bananas into a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the bananas until they are smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This will create the base for your Banana Oatmeal Cookies, ensuring they are naturally sweet and moist.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Next, add 1 ½ cups of gluten-free rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture is well combined and sticky. This ensures that your cookies will have a great texture and flavor.

Step 3: Optional Add-ins
If you want to spice things up, now is the perfect time to add in your choice of extras! Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits, mixing gently to combine them evenly with the cookie dough. This definitely enhances the flavor and texture of your Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies, making them even more delightful.

Step 4: Portion Dough
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop generous amounts of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. With the back of a spoon, gently flatten each cookie slightly for even baking. This helps them to bake perfectly into chewy cookies, retaining their delicious banana flavor.

Step 5: Baking Method
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn a lovely golden color when done. The edges will be firm while the centers will remain soft, indicating your Banana Oatmeal Cookies are ready to come out of the oven.

Step 6: Cool Down
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is crucial, as it allows the cookies to set and become just the right level of chewy before serving and enjoying.

Storage Tips for Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, refrigerate the cookies for up to a week, but allow them to reach room temperature before enjoying for the best taste.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Banana Oatmeal Cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
Reheating: To renew the cookies’ warmth and chewiness, microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving. Enjoy!

What to Serve with Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

In the joy of creating these chewy delights, the perfect pairing can elevate your experience even more.

Creamy Greek Yogurt: The rich creaminess balances the sweetness of the cookies, adding a delightful tang and extra protein. Just imagine a dollop of yogurt mingling with cinnamon cookies for a fabulous treat!
Coconut Chia Seed Pudding: This refreshing pudding offers a light and nutty flavor, perfectly complementing the banana taste. It’s not only healthy but also adds a fun texture contrast!
Warm Almond Milk: A cozy cup of warm almond milk enhances the warmth from your freshly baked cookies. Together, they make an inviting snack, especially on cool afternoons.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a pop of brightness and acidity that balances the sweetness, creating a delightful contrast with your cookies.
Nutty Snack Mix: A handful of mixed nuts provides a crunchy texture and a heart-healthy boost. Toss in some dried fruit for a delightful twist!
Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of dark chocolate amplifies the sweetness and adds a luxurious touch to your cookies, elevating them to a gourmet treat.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup can transform each cookie into a decadent dessert, enhancing the natural sweetness of the bananas.
Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: This warm, comforting drink pairs beautifully with the cookies, echoing their cinnamon aroma and bringing a delightful warmth to each bite.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to experiment and customize this recipe to suit your taste buds—it’s all about making it your own!

Nut Substitute: Replace almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different crunch. Each nut brings a unique flavor profile that pairs delectably with bananas.
Sweetness Level: Add an extra banana for sweeter cookies, or drizzle in honey or maple syrup for a lovely caramel note. A little sweetness goes a long way!
Cocoa Twist: Mix in cocoa powder to transform these cookies into luscious chocolate delights. Your cookie cravings will be satisfied twice over!
Peanut Butter Magic: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter for a rich, creamy texture that complements the banana perfectly. This adds a delightful twist that you won’t forget.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne for warmth. This unexpected kick can elevate the flavor profile to new heights!
Dried Fruit Delight: Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for an exciting flavor burst. They add both chewiness and a pop of color to your cookies.
Oat Variations: Try using quick oats instead of rolled oats for a different texture. The result will be equally delectable, but with a slightly less chewy bite.
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these cookies warm with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of cold almond milk. They make a perfect companion to your favorite beverage, enhancing every bite.

For more exciting treats, don’t miss out on my delightful Banana Pudding Rice or classic Chocolate Chip Cookies recipes. Happy baking!

Make Ahead Options

These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are ideal for meal prep, making your baking experience even smoother! You can mash the ripe bananas and mix them with the gluten-free oats, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt up to 24 hours in advance. To maintain their delicious quality, refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container; this will help keep the flavors fresh. When ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. In just 12-15 minutes, you’ll have warm, chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies ready to enjoy, ensuring you have tasty snacks for busy days ahead!

Expert Tips for Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Banana Ripeness: Use very overripe bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture. The more spotted, the better!
Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing once oats are added. This helps keep your Banana Oatmeal Cookies chewy rather than dense.
Chill Dough: If your cookies spread too much while baking, chill the dough for 15 minutes prior to baking. Perfectly shaped cookies every time!
Texture Check: Don’t be alarmed if the cookies appear soft when they first come out of the oven—they’ll firm up as they cool on the wire rack.
Storage Tip: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Enjoy them at their best!

Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of bananas should I use?
Absolutely! For the best results, use very ripe bananas that are heavily speckled or even brown. They provide the optimal natural sweetness and moisture you want in your Banana Oatmeal Cookies, making the finished product deliciously satisfying.

How should I store leftover cookies?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This allows them to maintain their delightful chewy texture. If you prefer your cookies chilled, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but let them return to room temperature for the best taste before eating!

Can I freeze Banana Oatmeal Cookies?
Yes, freezing is a great option! To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. After they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, where they will keep for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature. If you want to warm them up, microwave for about 10-15 seconds!

What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it’s likely because the dough was too warm. To remedy this, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies keep their shape while baking, resulting in perfectly chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies.

Are these cookies safe for those with allergies?
Great question! These cookies are naturally gluten-free since they contain gluten-free rolled oats. However, always read labels to ensure the oats are certified gluten-free and consider any nut allergies if you choose to add nuts like almonds or walnuts. Always consult with a medical professional if you’re unsure about dietary restrictions.

Can I customize the cookie flavor?
Very! One of the wonderful things about these Banana Oatmeal Cookies is their versatility. You can add ingredients like cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist, or peanut butter for a nutty flavor. You can also increase the number of bananas for an even sweeter cookie or fold in your favorite dried fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts to create a cookie that’s uniquely yours!