These chewy banana oatmeal cookies are a yummy treat! Made with ripe bananas and oats, they are sweet and perfect for a snack or breakfast.
They’re super easy to make, and you’ll love how the bananas add a nice flavor. I enjoy them fresh out of the oven, but they’re just as good the next day—if they last that long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they bring natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag for a day or so.
Rolled Oats: I love using rolled oats for their chewy texture. If you only have quick oats, they can work too, but your cookies may turn out a bit softer. If gluten-free is a must, look for certified gluten-free oats.
Brown Sugar or Honey: These sweeteners enhance flavor, but feel free to cut back or skip if you prefer less sweetness. Maple syrup can be a tasty substitute if you want something less processed.
Melted Butter or Coconut Oil: Both add richness. I personally prefer coconut oil for a hint of flavor. You can also use a plant-based butter for a non-dairy option.
Chocolate Chips or Nuts: Add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips can boost flavor. If you’re nut-free, you can omit them or try dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for added sweetness.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Turn Out Chewy?
Getting the right chewy texture is key for these cookies! Here’s how to do it:
- Use ripe bananas; they not only sweeten the cookies but also provide moisture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients—this keeps them tender.
- Keep an eye on baking time—remove the cookies when they’re just set and lightly golden; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Happy baking! These cookies are best enjoyed warm, but they also stay delicious for days when stored in an airtight container.
Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey (optional, adjust for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 12-15 minutes to bake. So, in about 30 minutes, you’ll have a lovely batch of chewy cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to get those cookies perfectly baked. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they’re nice and smooth. This will be the main ingredient giving your cookies that sweet flavor and chewy texture!
3. Mix in Wet Ingredients:
Add the melted butter (or coconut oil), brown sugar (or honey), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients before adding them to the wet mixture.
5. Combine Everything:
Now, add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir gently until everything is fully combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine!
6. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you want, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips at this point. They add a nice crunch and extra flavor to your cookies.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This way, they won’t stick together while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll want them to be golden and set but not overdone!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for later!
These chewy banana oatmeal cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any time of the day! Enjoy your healthy and delicious cookies!
FAQ about Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are ideal for this recipe as they are sweeter and easier to mash. They will add more flavor and moisture to your cookies!
What Can I Substitute for Rolled Oats?
If you don’t have rolled oats, you can use quick oats; however, the texture may be a bit softer. Steel-cut oats are not recommended since they require longer cooking times and won’t result in the same chewy cookie.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your cookies by adding ingredients such as dried fruit, coconut flakes, or different kinds of nuts. Just remember to not overload the dough to maintain the cookie’s texture!
