Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are not only quick and easy to make, but they also pack a healthy punch. With bananas providing natural sweetness, oats offering fiber, and honey adding a touch of richness, these cookies are a guilt-free snack. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome breakfast option, a post-workout snack, or a sweet dessert that won’t derail your diet, these cookies check all the boxes. Plus, you can easily customize them with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or coconut.

Ingredients

• 3 overripe bananas (about 1 ¼ cups mashed banana)

• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups quick cooking oats

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

• ½ cup chocolate chips or other add-ins like shredded coconut, dried cranberries, raisins, etc.

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

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.

3. Add honey, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas, stirring to combine.

4. Stir in the oats, cinnamon, and sea salt until fully incorporated.

5. If desired, add your mix-ins like chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or dried cranberries and mix 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 cookies about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are set and the bottoms are lightly browned.

8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 18 cookies

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Customize the cookies by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, raisins, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts.

• Sweeteners: If you prefer, swap the honey with maple syrup or agave for a different sweetness profile.

• Vegan Option: To make these cookies vegan, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds before serving.

• Reheating: Reheat individual cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I make these Banana Oatmeal Cookies without an egg?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg or chia egg to make them vegan-friendly.

2. Can I use regular oats instead of quick oats?

Yes, but the texture of the cookies may be a bit chewier since regular oats are larger than quick oats.

3. How can I make these cookies sweeter?

You can increase the amount of honey or maple syrup, or add a little bit of brown sugar to make the cookies sweeter.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! These cookies are naturally gluten-free since they are made with oats. Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.

5. Can I add nuts to the cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans would make great additions to these cookies.

6. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are ready when the tops are set, and the bottoms are lightly browned. If they’re too soft in the center, bake them a bit longer.

7. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas, but be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

8. Are these cookies healthy?

Yes, they are a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, made with natural sweetness from bananas and honey, and packed with oats for fiber.

9. How do I store leftover cookies?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

10. Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

Yes, chocolate chips are a great addition! You can mix in chocolate chips or any other add-ins you like.

Conclusion

These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a quick and delicious treat you can feel good about eating. Made with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, oats, and a touch of honey, they’re perfect for any time of day—whether for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. Plus, with endless variations to try, you’ll never get bored of these sweet, chewy cookies. Enjoy them fresh or make a batch to freeze for later!