Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Soft, chewy banana oatmeal cookies made with natural ingredients—perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast treat that’s quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats – Old-fashioned oats give the best chewy texture. Quick oats can work but the cookies will be softer.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay tender.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a warm cozy flavor. Optional but recommended.
- Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas – The riper the better. They add natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 egg – Binds everything together. Use a flax egg 1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water for a vegan option.
- ¼ cup melted butter – Unsalted is best. Substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free cookie.
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey – For added sweetness and a hint of flavor. Maple syrup keeps it vegan.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor and makes the cookies smell irresistible.
Optional Add-Ins (Pick Your Favorite)
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips – A classic choice for chocolate lovers.
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans – Add crunch and healthy fats.
- ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries – For a chewy fruity twist.
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds – For added fiber and texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth and slightly creamy. A few small lumps are okay.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- To the mashed bananas, add the egg, melted butter (or coconut oil), maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
- Add the oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined. The dough will be slightly sticky but thick.
Step 5: Add Your Mix-Ins
- Fold in any extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Keep the total add-ins to about ½ cup for best texture.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave a bit of space between each—these cookies don’t spread much, so you can flatten them slightly if desired.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. Don’t overbake—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
📝 Notes
- For best results, use overripe bananas to enhance sweetness and texture.
- You can customize by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
- These cookies freeze well—store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- To make vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey.
🥗 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 7 g |
| Protein | 2.5 g |