Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and offer a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, while the oats offer fiber and a satisfying texture. You can also customize them with your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips. They make for a great breakfast cookie, snack, or dessert that everyone in your family will enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit (such as raisins or cranberries), or seeds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Add the honey, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas, and stir until well combined.
4. Add the oats, cinnamon, and sea salt, and stir until the mixture is fully combined.
5. If desired, fold in any mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts, and stir until evenly distributed.
6. Use a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon or a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookie dough about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are just set and the bottoms are very lightly browned.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
9. Serve the cookies slightly warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 18 cookies
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Banana Oatmeal Cookies: Add ¼ cup of chocolate chips for a classic treat.
• Nutty Cookies: Add ¼ cup of chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Dried Fruit: Add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for added sweetness and texture.
• Vegan Version: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg and maple syrup instead of honey.

Storage/Reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, though the texture of the cookies might be a bit softer. Rolled oats are preferred for a chewier texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, to make these cookies gluten-free, make sure you use certified gluten-free oats.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use ripe bananas that are starting to brown for the best natural sweetness and moisture. Overripe bananas work great for this recipe.

Can I add more sweetener to the dough?

If you prefer sweeter cookies, feel free to add a bit more honey or maple syrup. Just be mindful that adding too much liquid may change the consistency of the dough.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?

Definitely! You can add any mix-ins you like, such as nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or even coconut flakes.

How can I make these cookies less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce or omit the honey and just rely on the natural sweetness of the bananas.

How can I get these cookies to hold together better?

If the dough feels too wet or loose, add a bit more oats to help bind the dough together. If it’s too dry, add a small splash of milk or water.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the tops are set, and the bottoms are lightly browned. They may still seem soft when you remove them from the oven, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

How can I make these cookies more indulgent?

For a more indulgent version, you can add a handful of chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.

Conclusion

Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a simple, wholesome, and satisfying snack. They’re naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and honey, making them a great option for those who want a healthier treat without sacrificing flavor. Customize them with your favorite mix-ins, enjoy them as a snack, or serve them as a breakfast treat. These cookies are easy to make, full of fiber, and sure to become a new go-to recipe in your kitchen!

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