These Banana Oatmeal Cookies Are Easy to Make with a Few Simple Ingredients in 20 Minutes
As I sit by my kitchen window, the golden rays of the sun filter through the trees, warming the space with a cozy glow. The sweet, nostalgic aroma of ripe bananas filling the air takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where we would spend our weekends baking together. With every batch of tender banana oatmeal cookies we made, we crafted memories that tasted just as sweet as they smelled. These delightful little treats are not only easy to make with a few simple ingredients, but they also carry the warmth of family bonds and the joy of home.
In just 20 minutes, you can whip up these irresistible banana oatmeal cookies that are healthy and comforting—perfect for those moments when you crave something indulgent yet wholesome. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These cookies are ready in just 20 minutes, making them a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Healthy Sweets Recipes: Made with oats and bananas, these cookies are a wholesome alternative to traditional treats.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love them! Get the little ones involved in the mixing and shaping for an afternoon of fun.
- Versatile: With endless opportunities for variations, you can switch them up to keep things exciting.
- One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal clean-up is required since everything is made in one bowl, leaving you more time to enjoy your cookies!
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To make these delightful banana oatmeal cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or your favorite nut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or nuts for added texture
Let’s Make It Together
Making these banana oatmeal cookies is as easy as pie—or should I say cookie? Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they are creamy and smooth, bringing out their sweet essence.
- Stir in the almond butter and mix until well combined.
- Add the honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, stirring until everything is evenly blended.
- Fold in the rolled oats until they are fully incorporated into the dough—feel free to add the dark chocolate chips or nuts if you’re using them!
- Using a spoon, drop dollops of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers feel set.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Delicious Variations to Try
Get creative with these banana oatmeal cookies by trying out some of these delicious variations:
- Zesty Lemon: Add the zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
- Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a richer texture and flavor.
- Coconut Bliss: Fold in unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical touch that pairs beautifully with the bananas.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a dash of nutmeg or ginger for a warm, cozy spice that will remind you of fall.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips to ensure your banana oatmeal cookies turn out perfectly:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you need a nut-free option, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter, which works beautifully!
- Storage Suggestions: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer preservation. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
- Slicing Tricks: If the dough feels sticky, wet your hands slightly when handling it; this will make scooping and shaping the cookies a breeze.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s what you can expect in terms of nutrition per serving (1 cookie):
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugars: 5g
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.Can I use different ingredients?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different nut butters or sweeteners based on your preference!How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week.How long does it last?
When stored properly, these cookies can last up to a week at room temperature and even longer if frozen.
Wrapping It Up
This cozy banana oatmeal cookie recipe is not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s a way to reminisce about lovely moments spent in the kitchen, and to create new ones. These cookies are comforting, healthy, and oh-so-delicious—sure to please any palate.
I encourage you to save this recipe to your "Healthy Sweet Treats" board so it’s always within reach for your next baking adventure! Happy baking, and enjoy every creamy, golden bite!
Print
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy banana oatmeal cookies made with simple ingredients, perfect for a healthy snack.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or your favorite nut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or nuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until creamy.
- Stir in the almond butter and mix well.
- Add honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt; stir until well blended.
- Fold in the rolled oats and add any chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer preservation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana, oatmeal, cookies, healthy snacks, easy recipes, dessert