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Delicious Banana Oatmeal Cookies: Healthy Treats Made Easy

If you’re looking for a quick and simple treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping things healthy, look no further! These banana oatmeal cookies come together with just four ingredients and are a delightful addition to your breakfast or snack lineup. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Pantry Staple Ingredients: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need three primary ingredients: ripe bananas, oats, and an egg. I’ve opted to add chocolate chips for that rich flavor and a splash of honey for extra sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of cinnamon can add some warmth!

Time-Saver: These cookies are a breeze to whip up, going from mixing bowl to your mouth in under 30 minutes. Easy clean-up makes them a win for anyone, regardless of baking skill!

Naturally Sweet: Thanks to the ripe bananas, you’ll get all the sweetness you need without the guilt. Say goodbye to traditional cookies loaded with sugar!

Kid-Friendly Fun: Baking should be a family affair! These cookies offer a fun opportunity for kids to get involved in the kitchen. They can mash, mix, and scoop their way to sweet success!

Ingredients

Ripe Bananas: Look for bananas with lots of brown spots! The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
Quick Cooking Oats: These oats create a super soft cookie texture. They’re also lighter than old-fashioned rolled oats, giving the cookies a delightful chewiness.
Egg: This little ingredient is crucial for binding everything together while adding a bit of lift.
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: You can’t go wrong with chocolate! These melt into sweet pockets of joy in every bite.
Honey (optional): If your bananas are naturally sweet enough, you can skip this. Always taste first and adjust as needed.

Bananas, oatmeal, and chocolate chips on a white marble table

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cookies are a cinch to make. They’re not just delicious, but also the perfect way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter!

Preheat: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mash: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they’re nice and smooth. Pour in the honey (if using) and crack in the egg. Mix until everything is well combined.
Add: Stir in the oats and chocolate chips until just incorporated.
Scoop: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Feel free to flatten them a little if you’d like, but they won’t spread out much while baking.
Bake: Pop them in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely and enjoy!

A piece of banana oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips

Tips for the Best Banana Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies are versatile and can be tweaked in so many ways. Here are some tips to ensure you nail this recipe every single time:

Use very ripe bananas: Opt for bananas with plenty of brown spots! If you’re in a pinch, you can speed-ripen them by microwaving them for about 30 seconds or placing them in a paper bag with an apple overnight.
Manage the moisture: If your bananas are extremely moist, add an additional 2-3 tablespoons of oats to maintain the right consistency.
Chill the dough: If the dough feels sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes for easier handling.
Vary the chocolate chips: While semisweet is classic, feel free to mix things up with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips to suit your palate.
Add a pinch of salt: Including a small amount of salt can elevate the flavors, especially with richer add-ins like nuts or dark chocolate.
Control your portions: Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly.
Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to personalize your cookies with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even shredded coconut!

A stack of banana oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips

How to Store

Storing these cookies is incredibly simple because they don’t contain any dairy. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

To Store: Place the cookies in an airtight container, putting parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Adding a folded paper towel at the bottom can help absorb excess moisture.

To Freeze: If you want to save some for later, freeze completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or use the defrost setting on your microwave when you’re ready to indulge!