If you are looking for a wholesome treat that combines natural sweetness and comforting flavors, this Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is just what you need. It’s a delightful mix of ripe bananas, hearty oats, and a hint of cinnamon that yields irresistibly soft cookies with a touch of chewiness. Perfect for a cozy snack or an easy dessert, this recipe is straightforward yet packed with taste and texture that feel like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple and each plays a vital role, making the cookies both delicious and nourishing. From the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to the warm spice of cinnamon, every component adds something special to the taste and texture of the cookies.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: The natural sweetener and binding agent that keeps these cookies soft and moist.
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats: Adds heartiness and a slightly chewy texture that makes the cookies wholesome.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure so your cookies hold their shape beautifully.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness and contributes a subtle caramel undertone.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings rich flavor and a tender crumb to the cookies.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, sweet aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a comforting spice that perfectly complements the banana.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts: For an extra layer of indulgence or crunch.
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process adds air to your dough, helping your cookie texture stay tender and soft once baked.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix everything thoroughly until the batter is smooth and beautifully combined. The bananas will add natural moisture and sweetness to the dough.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spices throughout the dough.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually stir the dry ingredient mix into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, or your cookies might turn out dense instead of soft and cakey.
Step 6: Add Optional Mix-ins
If you love a little extra texture or chocolatey goodness, fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts now. They add delightful bursts of flavor that take these cookies next level.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking — soft is the goal here!
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to transfer to a wire rack to cool completely without breaking. Patience here truly pays off.
How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon on top for a simple, elegant finish. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate for a visually enticing and flavorful touch that complements the bananas perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced snack or dessert. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with creamy or slightly tart accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few cookies on a pretty plate tied with a ribbon for gifting, or sandwich some vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an irresistible homemade ice cream treat. These versatile banana oatmeal cookies shine solo or dressed up with fun presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, perfect for nibbling throughout the week without any hassle.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for longer storage by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, so you always have a batch ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat the cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives their softness and gently melts any chocolate chips inside.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Absolutely! Using quick oats will give your banana oatmeal cookies a chewier texture compared to the slightly more rustic chew of old-fashioned oats. Both work well depending on your preference.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written, because they contain all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute the flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe gluten-free without compromising taste.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, just swap out the egg for a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons water) and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The bananas help keep the cookies moist and flavorful, making a vegan version deliciously easy.
How do I get chewier cookies?
Using quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats will make the cookies chewier. Also, slightly under-baking them ensures they stay soft and moist instead of drying out.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, shredded coconut, or even a pinch of nuts for added crunch. This Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is wonderfully adaptable.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is a standout in the world of simple, tasty treats with heart. It’s quick to make yet so satisfying, thanks to the perfect balance of banana sweetness, hearty oats, and gentle spices. I hope you find as much joy in baking and sharing these cookies as I do — they really are a little bite of comfort worth savoring.
Print
Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful blend of ripe bananas, wholesome oats, and a hint of cinnamon, baked to perfection for a soft and cake-like texture. They make a healthy yet indulgent treat perfect for dessert or a snack, with optional chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and crunch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for your dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined for a moist and aromatic batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture until fully incorporated, forming your cookie dough.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in the chocolate chips or chopped nuts if using, to add texture and flavor variations.
- Form Cookies: Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are done.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft, cake-like texture perfect for a tender bite.
- Use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats if you prefer a chewier cookie.
- Whole wheat flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour as a healthier alternative.
