These Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are soft, sweet, and oh-so-delicious! Made with ripe bananas and hearty oats, they are the perfect treat for any time of the day.
Trust me, they disappear quickly around here! I love to eat them for breakfast or as a snack. They’re easy to whip up, and the smell while baking is amazing! 🍌
With no added sugar, they’re a tasty way to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping it healthy. Just mix, bake, and enjoy your chewy goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: These are crucial for sweetness and moisture. The riper they are, the better! If you don’t have ripe ones, you can bake them at 350°F for about 15 minutes to speed up the ripening process.
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats give the cookies a chewy texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats can work too but might make cookies a little softer.
Whole Wheat Flour: Whole wheat flour adds nutrition and flavor. You can substitute it with all-purpose flour or almond flour if you want a gluten-free version.
Brown Sugar: This adds some extra sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. You can omit it if you prefer no added sugar or use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener—just adjust the liquid in the recipe.
Butter or Coconut Oil: Both work well in this recipe. Coconut oil gives a nice tropical twist, while butter provides a classic flavor. You can swap coconut oil for a vegan option.
Why Is Proper Mixing Important?
Mixing your ingredients correctly ensures a consistent texture throughout your cookies. Here are some tips:
- When combining wet ingredients like bananas, sugar, and fat, make sure they are fully incorporated before adding dry ingredients. This helps distribute flavors evenly.
- For dry ingredients, mix them together first to ensure even baking, especially with baking soda and flour.
- Don’t overmix once you combine wet and dry ingredients. Just stir until everything is combined, as overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
Following these steps will help you achieve that soft, chewy texture you’re looking for in your banana oatmeal cookies!
Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Total time is around 30-35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies don’t stick.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, take those ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they’re nice and smooth. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps—this adds character!
3. Mix in Wet Ingredients:
Next, stir in your melted butter (or coconut oil) and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined!
4. Add Sugar (If Using):
If you like your cookies a little sweeter, add in the brown sugar and give the mixture a good stir again. This will help all the ingredients blend nicely.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
6. Combine Everything:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your banana mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined—try not to overmix!
7. Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips:
If you’re using nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the dough for that extra crunch and sweetness.
8. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of the spoon, as they won’t spread much while baking.
9. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let them bake for 12-15 minutes. You want the edges to be golden and firm, while the centers stay a little soft.
10. Cool Down:
Once they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your chewy cookies!
These cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Enjoy your soft and chewy banana oatmeal cookies!
FAQ for Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! In fact, the more overripe the bananas, the better! They’ll add more natural sweetness and moisture to your cookies, making them taste delicious.
Can I Substitute the Brown Sugar?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a healthier option, you could use honey, maple syrup, or even omit it completely if you prefer less sweetness. Just remember to adjust the liquid content of the recipe slightly for liquid sweeteners.
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 three months!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your add-ins. You can include dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, different nuts, or even shredded coconut for added flavor and texture!
