These Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are a tasty and healthy way to start your day! Made with ripe bananas and wholesome oats, they are naturally sweet and filling.
They’re perfect for breakfast on the go, but I often enjoy them with my morning coffee. Just whip up the mix, bake, and get ready for a delicious treat that feels good too!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use ripe, brown bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness. If you don’t have bananas, unsweetened applesauce can work as a substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture. If you have quick oats on hand, they can be used too, but the cookies may be a bit softer and chewier.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips are great for evenly distributing sweetness. You can swap them for dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a different taste.
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch and flavor. If you’re allergic or prefer no nuts, feel free to skip them or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Vanilla Extract: This enhances the overall flavor. If you’re out, a little almond extract can be a tasty alternative.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice. You can omit it or replace it with nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Hold Their Shape?
One challenge with these cookies is getting them to hold their shape while baking. Here are some tips:
- Flatten the cookies slightly before baking. This helps them spread evenly in the oven.
- Don’t overload the batter with extra ingredients like too many chocolate chips. Keep it balanced.
- Make sure your bananas are well-mashed; this ensures even moisture and binding.
Using these techniques, your cookies will come out perfectly shaped and delicious every time! Enjoy your baking!
Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 12-15 minutes of baking time. You can expect to have delicious, healthy cookies ready in around 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your cookies from sticking!
2. Mash Those Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them up until they’re nice and smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter the cookies will be—so feel free to go for bananas that are a bit brown!
3. Mix in the Goodies
Now, add the rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, chopped walnuts (if you’re using them), vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and honey or maple syrup (if you like it sweeter). Stir everything together until it’s well combined and looks like a yummy cookie dough.
4. Shape the Cookies
Grab a spoon and scoop out cookie-sized amounts of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Use the back of the spoon to flatten them out a little; this helps them bake evenly.
5. Bake!
Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You want the cookies to be set and just lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!
6. Cool and Enjoy
Once they’re done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. And that’s it—your Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are ready!
7. Dig In!
Enjoy these delicious, wholesome cookies for breakfast or as a snack. They’re perfect for any time of day!
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they will be sweeter and easier to mash, resulting in tastier cookies.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize your cookies. You can include ingredients like dried fruits, seeds, or even nut butter for a protein boost. Just keep the proportions of oats and bananas similar for the best results.
What Can I Use Instead of Honey or Maple Syrup?
If you prefer a sugar-free option, you can omit the sweetener altogether, as the bananas provide natural sweetness. Alternatively, pureed applesauce or a sugar substitute like stevia can be used.
