Easy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Easy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are soft, naturally sweet treats made with ripe bananas and old-fashioned oats. Packed with fiber and nutrients, these fuss-free cookies are perfect as a wholesome snack, quick breakfast, or guilt-free dessert. The recipe uses simple ingredients and requires minimal prep time, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels while delivering delicious flavor and chewy texture.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 cookies 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (with plenty of brown spots)
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans) or seeds (e.g., pumpkin or sunflower seeds) for nut-free option
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
- 1/3 cup dried fruit (e.g., raisins, cranberries)
- 1 scoop protein powder or 2 tablespoons nut butter for extra protein
- Pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for spiced variation
- Prepare the Bananas: Start by mashing the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. This acts as the natural sweetener and binder for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix the vanilla extract into the mashed bananas to evenly infuse flavor. If using, add nut butter or protein powder at this stage and stir until combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats and cinnamon to the banana mixture. Stir gently until a sticky, cohesive dough forms as the oats absorb moisture and provide structure.
- Incorporate Mix-ins: Fold in optional ingredients like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, distributing them evenly without overmixing the dough.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet and flatten slightly with fingers or a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden but centers remain soft.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overbake to maintain moist and chewy cookie texture.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies and consistent baking.
- Customize with mix-ins to suit your taste preferences.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet a few minutes before transferring to prevent breaking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana, oatmeal, cookies, healthy snack, gluten free, vegan, easy recipe, soft cookies