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Easy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Easy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Easy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a wholesome and naturally sweet treat made with ripe bananas and hearty oats. These chewy, flavorful cookies are quick to prepare, require simple pantry ingredients, and are perfect for a healthy snack, breakfast on the go, or guilt-free dessert. Customizable with nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits, they offer a flexible, nutritious option suitable for all skill levels and diets, including vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 ripe bananas
  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Mix-Ins

  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or seeds (pumpkin or sunflower for nut-free)
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
  • 1/4 cup raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mash the Bananas – Start with perfectly ripe bananas and mash them in a large bowl until smooth but still a little chunky for texture. This not only sweetens the cookies naturally but also acts as the glue holding everything together.
  2. Step 2: Mix in the Oats and Spices – Add the rolled oats to the mashed bananas along with the cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir the ingredients until well combined to create your cookie dough.
  3. Step 3: Customize Your Dough – Fold in any optional ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips according to your preference for extra flavor and texture.
  4. Step 4: Shape the Cookies – Using a spoon or your hands, form the dough into small cookie-shaped rounds and place them evenly spaced on a lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly to encourage even baking.
  5. Step 5: Bake Until Golden – Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set.

Notes

  • Pick Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better — they add natural sweetness and moisture to your cookies.
  • Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the cookies tender instead of tough.
  • Adjust Baking Time: Slightly thicker cookies may need a couple of extra minutes in the oven to cook through.
  • Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Cool Completely: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to maintain structure.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana oatmeal cookies, healthy cookies, vegan cookies, gluten free cookies, easy cookie recipe, wholesome snacks