These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are soft, wholesome, and naturally sweet—perfect for anyone who loves simple, nourishing treats that come together in minutes. With just a few everyday ingredients, these cookies make a great quick breakfast, snack, or healthier dessert option. Their tender texture and warm banana flavor pair beautifully with oats, and you can easily customize them with mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or cinnamon. This recipe is easy enough for beginners and delicious enough for seasoned bakers looking for a lighter, feel-good cookie.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. - Mash the Bananas:
In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cookies will be. - Mix in the Remaining Ingredients:
Add the oats, vanilla extract, cinnamon, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until fully combined. Fold in optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins for texture and variety. - Scoop and Shape:
Scoop small mounds of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Use the back of a spoon to gently flatten each mound—these cookies will not spread on their own. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies feel set. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or fully cooled.
Tips for Best Results
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots—they add the most moisture and sweetness.
- Don’t skip flattening the cookies. The dough doesn’t spread, so shaping helps them bake evenly.
- For chewier cookies: Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before scooping to allow the oats to soften.
- **Add-ins are flexible—**try coconut flakes, chopped dates, or a spoonful of peanut butter for richness.
- Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 75
- Total Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Sodium: 10mg
Conclusion
These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect solution when you’re craving something sweet but want to keep things on the healthier side. They’re quick, customizable, and made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether enjoyed with your morning coffee, packed into lunchboxes, or used as a wholesome dessert, this recipe delivers warm, comforting flavor in every bite. Make a batch today and enjoy a simple treat that fits beautifully into a balanced lifestyle!
