Description

Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a wholesome, delicious treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the heartiness of oats. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Packed with nutrients, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, and you can customize them with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Whether you’re looking for a quick, satisfying snack or a guilt-free treat, these Banana Oatmeal Cookies will hit the spot.

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (or butter for a richer taste)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup chocolate chips or raisins (optional)

1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)

1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for a fluffier texture)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth, leaving some small lumps for texture if desired. Add the applesauce (or melted butter), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the mashed bananas. Stir to combine. Mix in the oats until fully incorporated. If you’re using honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness, add it now. Optionally, fold in chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten the cookies slightly with the back of the spoon or your fingers, as these cookies will not spread much during baking.
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is firm to the touch. For chewier cookies, bake closer to 10 minutes, and for crispier cookies, bake for a minute or two longer. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve and enjoy! These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Notes

Add Chocolate Chips: For a richer flavor, add a handful of chocolate chips or chunks to the dough.

Add Dried Fruit: Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots are great add-ins for natural sweetness and a chewy texture.

Nuts and Seeds: Add walnuts, almonds, or chia seeds for extra crunch and nutrients.

Peanut Butter Version: Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter for a nutty twist and additional protein.

Spices: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger to add variety to the flavor profile.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 100
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg