These Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are soft, sweet, and super easy to make! With ripe bananas and oats, they are perfect for a quick snack or breakfast treat.
Whenever I bake these, the smell fills my kitchen with warmth. I love how I can sneak in some healthy oats while enjoying a tasty cookie! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The star of this recipe! Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two. Alternatively, you can use unsweetened applesauce if needed.
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats add texture and heartiness to these cookies. If you only have quick oats on hand, you can use those, but the texture will be slightly different. Instant oats could work too, but they may make the cookies softer.
Brown Sugar: This adds extra sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. If you want to cut sugar, you could use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup, just reduce the liquid slightly. I often skip it completely when the bananas are super sweet.
Butter or Coconut Oil: Both are great fats for moisture. Coconut oil gives a delicious coconut flavor, while butter adds a rich taste. You can swap them for any neutral oil if you’re looking for a vegan option.
How Do I Achieve the Best Cookie Texture?
The key to chewy banana oatmeal cookies is balancing the ingredients and not overmixing! Here are a few tips:
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Don’t skip the resting period on the baking sheet; it helps the cookies set and develop the right texture.
Enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to adjust flavors to suit your taste. Happy baking!
Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes of baking. Total, you’ll need around 25-30 minutes to make these delicious cookies! Perfect for a quick treat anytime.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Banana Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they’re nice and smooth. The more ripe your bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be!
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Stir the melted butter (or coconut oil) into the mashed bananas. Then mix in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined!
4. Combine with Dry Ingredients:
Add in the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt to the banana mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly mixed. If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now!
5. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each scoop, as they will spread a little while baking.
6. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges start turning a lovely golden brown.
7. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your chewy banana oatmeal cookies are all ready! Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or your favorite tea. Perfect for snacking or sharing with friends!
FAQ for Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect for these cookies. They add natural sweetness and moisture, making your cookies extra chewy and delicious.
How Can I Make These Cookies Dairy-Free?
To make these cookies dairy-free, simply use coconut oil or any vegetable oil instead of butter. Your cookies will still be flavorful and chewy!
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Mix-Ins?
Yes! Feel free to get creative! You can add in dried fruit, seeds, or different types of nuts. Just keep in mind that too many add-ins might alter the texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge for a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
