Ever had overripe bananas sitting on your counter and wondered what to do with them? Forget banana bread—try these banana oatmeal cookies instead!
Banana oatmeal cookies are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious treat without the guilt. They’re naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, require minimal ingredients, and come together in no time. Whether you need a quick snack, a grab-and-go breakfast, or a light dessert, these cookies fit the bill perfectly.
With just a few pantry staples—bananas, oats, and a handful of simple ingredients—you can whip up a batch of these wholesome cookies. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Want a touch of indulgence? Add chocolate chips. Prefer some crunch? Toss in a handful of nuts. Looking for extra chewiness? Dried fruit works wonders.
Ready to bake some goodness? Let’s get started!
Why Banana Oatmeal Cookies Are a Must-Try
One of the best things about banana oatmeal cookies is how naturally sweet they are. Since ripe bananas provide plenty of sweetness, you don’t need to add refined sugar. That means you can enjoy these cookies guilt-free, knowing they’re made with wholesome ingredients.
Not only are they delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients. Oats bring fiber to keep you full longer, while bananas provide a healthy dose of potassium to support heart health and muscle function. This makes them a smart choice for a satisfying snack or even a quick breakfast option.
Another reason to love these cookies? They’re incredibly easy to make! With just a handful of ingredients and a single mixing bowl, you can whip up a batch in no time. No need for fancy equipment or complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
These cookies also make excellent meal prep treats. Whether you need a quick bite before heading out the door, a lunchbox addition, or a light dessert, they store well and remain soft and chewy for days. Keep a batch on hand for whenever a craving strikes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these soft and chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Overripe Bananas – The riper, the better! Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to your cookies.
- Rolled Oats – These give the cookies their chewy texture and a fiber boost.
- Flour (optional) – If you’d like a firmer cookie, a bit of flour helps to add structure.
- Baking Powder – This ingredient ensures a light, airy texture for your cookies.
- Cinnamon & Vanilla – These enhance the flavor with a warm, aromatic sweetness.
- Add-ins (optional) – Choose from chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or peanut butter for extra flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Banana Oatmeal Cookies:
- Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup. - Mash the Bananas
Peel the overripe bananas and mash them in a bowl until smooth. This will provide natural sweetness and moisture to your dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, and cinnamon. If you’re using flour, add it here to help with the cookie’s structure.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to the dry mixture and stir until fully combined. - Fold in Add-ins
This is where you can get creative! Fold in your favorite add-ins, like chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or peanut butter. - Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before enjoying the chewy, flavorful goodness!
Tips for the Best Banana Oatmeal Cookies
For the best banana oatmeal cookies, always use overripe bananas. The more brown spots, the better—they provide natural sweetness and moisture, making your cookies extra soft and flavorful.
The oat-to-banana ratio is key to achieving the perfect texture. If you prefer softer, more cake-like cookies, use a little more banana. If you like them firmer and chewier, add extra oats. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your ideal balance.
When mixing your ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cookies dense and tough rather than soft and tender. Stir just until everything is combined for the best results.
Proper storage is essential for maintaining freshness. Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a delicious cookie anytime with just a quick thaw!
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about banana oatmeal cookies is how easy they are to customize. Here are some fun ways to switch up the recipe and make it your own:
- Add chocolate chips for a dessert-style cookie that satisfies your sweet tooth.
- Make it nutty with almonds, walnuts, or pecans for an extra crunch and depth of flavor.
- Go tropical by mixing in shredded coconut for a chewy, island-inspired twist.
- Use maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness if you prefer a more caramelized flavor.
- Make it vegan by skipping eggs (if applicable) and using dairy-free chocolate or nut butter as a binder.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create the perfect banana oatmeal cookie that suits your taste!
How to Store and Freeze for Later
To keep your banana oatmeal cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay good for about a week. For long-term storage, freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, a quick reheat in the microwave or oven will bring back their soft, chewy texture.
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
- Overripe Bananas – The riper the better! Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to your cookies.
- Rolled Oats – These give the cookies their chewy texture and a fiber boost.
- Flour optional – If you’d like a firmer cookie, a bit of flour helps to add structure.
- Baking Powder – This ingredient ensures a light airy texture for your cookies.
- Cinnamon & Vanilla – These enhance the flavor with a warm aromatic sweetness.
- Add-ins optional – Choose from chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or peanut butter for extra flavor and texture.
Instructions
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
Mash the Bananas
- Peel the overripe bananas and mash them in a bowl until smooth. This will provide natural sweetness and moisture to your dough.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, and cinnamon. If you’re using flour, add it here to help with the cookie’s structure.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to the dry mixture and stir until fully combined.
Fold in Add-ins
- This is where you can get creative! Fold in your favorite add-ins, like chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or peanut butter.
Scoop and Bake
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Cool and Enjoy
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before enjoying the chewy, flavorful goodness!
Notes
- Banana ripeness: For the best results, use overripe bananas that are brown and soft. They’re naturally sweeter and will make your cookies extra moist.
- Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins such as dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or chopped dark chocolate to customize the flavor.
- Storage: Store your Banana Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
- Texture tip: If you prefer a chewier cookie, let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This helps to firm it up and reduces spreading.
Conclusion
Banana oatmeal cookies are the perfect blend of healthy and delicious. They’re easy to make, naturally sweetened, and packed with fiber and nutrients. Plus, with so many ways to customize them, you’ll never get bored. Whether you like them plain, loaded with chocolate chips, or packed with nuts and dried fruit, there’s a version for everyone.
Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and experiment with your favorite mix-ins. Let us know how they turned out and share your best variations!
