Name: Amazing Banana Oatmeal Cookies: 12 Heavenly Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ripe bananas, mashed

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Okay, get ready for your new favorite cookie: the absolute best Banana Oatmeal Cookies! Seriously, these guys are magic. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with that natural sweetness from ripe bananas. I remember making these for the first time when I had a bunch of overripe bananas staring me down, and wow, did they deliver! It’s like a little bit of sunshine in every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Seriously, these banana oatmeal cookies are a total win-win! They’re naturally sweet from those ripe bananas, meaning you don’t need a ton of added sugar. Plus, they’re just SO easy to whip up – perfect for when you need a treat in a flash.

Naturally sweet and delicious
Quick and simple to make
Perfect for a healthy treat

These cookies are fantastic because they’re not just for dessert. I love grabbing one with my morning coffee, or even as a little pick-me-up snack in the afternoon. They have this wonderfully chewy texture that just hits the spot every time.

Gather Your Ingredients for Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready for these amazing banana oatmeal cookies. It’s pretty straightforward, but a few little things make a big difference. First off, you absolutely want those bananas to be super ripe – like, brown spots all over! That’s where all the natural sweetness and moisture comes from, so don’t skimp on that. Make sure your butter is softened too; you know, soft enough to give a little when you press it, but not melty. That’ll make creaming it so much easier!

Essential Dry Ingredients for Banana Oatmeal Cookies

For our dry mix, we’ll need 2 cups of rolled oats – the old-fashioned kind work best for that chewy texture. Then, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda for a little lift, half a teaspoon of cinnamon for that warm cozy spice, and just a pinch of salt to balance everything out.

Key Wet Ingredients for Your Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Now for the wet stuff! We’ve got that 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and a mix of 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar for sweetness and chewiness. You’ll also need 1 large egg, a teaspoon of vanilla extract for that classic cookie flavor, and of course, those 2 beautifully mashed ripe bananas. Seriously, the riper, the better!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Alright, let’s get these banana oatmeal cookies into the oven! It’s a pretty straightforward process, but like Grandma used to say, “A little patience goes a long way!” We’re going to mix up our dough, drop it onto the sheets, and watch the magic happen. Trust me, the smell that fills your kitchen will be absolutely divine.

Preparing the Cookie Dough for Banana Oatmeal Cookies

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This is my little secret to making sure cookies don’t stick – it makes cleanup a breeze! Now, in one bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Just give them a good whisk so everything is nicely combined.

In a bigger bowl, it’s time to cream that softened butter with both the brown and granulated sugars. You want to beat them together until they’re nice and fluffy, almost like a pale yellow cloud. You can use an electric mixer for this, or if you’re feeling strong, a good sturdy whisk and some elbow grease work too! Next, beat in your egg and that lovely vanilla extract. Then, gently stir in your mashed bananas until it’s all mixed in. Finally, gradually add those dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix it *just* until everything is combined. Seriously, don’t go crazy mixing here; we don’t want tough cookies!

Baking Your Perfect Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Now for the fun part! Drop rounded tablespoons of your cookie dough onto those prepared baking sheets. Give them a little space, about 2 inches apart, because they will spread out a bit. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be a lovely golden brown, and the centers should look set, not gooey. Once they’re done, let them hang out on the baking sheets for just a couple of minutes to firm up a bit before you carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely. That cooling step is important for that perfect chewy texture!

Tips for the Best Banana Oatmeal Cookies

To make sure your banana oatmeal cookies turn out absolutely perfect every single time, there are a couple of little tricks I always swear by. First off, and I can’t stress this enough, use really, really ripe bananas. The browner, the better! They give you that amazing natural sweetness and moisture without needing extra sugar, plus a deeper banana flavor. Another super important thing is to not overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Just mix until it’s *barely* combined. Overmixing is the enemy of tender cookies, trust me!

Also, ovens can be a little finicky, right? So, keep an eye on your first batch. The baking time might need a slight tweak depending on your oven. You want those edges golden brown and the centers set, but still a little soft. If your cookies tend to spread too much, you can try chilling the dough for about 15-20 minutes before baking – it really helps them hold their shape!

Variations for Your Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, these banana oatmeal cookies are just begging for some fun add-ins! I absolutely love tossing in about half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch. Chocolate chips are always a winner, too – milk, semi-sweet, or even dark chocolate chips work beautifully. For a bit of a twist, try adding some dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy, fruity burst. Honestly, whatever you feel like adding, these cookies are pretty forgiving and delicious!

Storing and Reheating Your Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Once your delicious banana oatmeal cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to store them. The best way to keep them fresh and chewy is in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay lovely for about 3 days that way. If, by some chance, you have some leftovers after that, or if they happen to get a little too firm, don’t worry! You can pop them in the microwave for just 5-10 seconds to warm them up and get that soft, chewy texture back. It’s like they’re fresh out of the oven all over again!

Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Got questions about these yummy banana oatmeal cookies? I get it! Baking is an art, and sometimes you just need a little clarification. So, let’s dive into some common things people ask.

Q: Can I use green bananas for these banana oatmeal cookies?
Oh no, please don’t! For the best flavor, sweetness, and texture in these banana oatmeal cookies, you really need ripe, speckled bananas. Green bananas aren’t sweet enough and can make your cookies taste a bit bland or starchy. Stick to those brown-spotted beauties!

Q: How do I make my banana oatmeal cookies chewier?
To get that super chewy texture in your banana oatmeal cookies, make sure you’re not overbaking them. You want the edges golden but the centers still looking a little soft when you take them out. Also, using brown sugar helps a lot with chewiness because of its molasses content. And remember, don’t overmix the dough!

Q: What can I substitute for all-purpose flour in this banana oatmeal cookies recipe?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can try a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Some people also have success using oat flour, but it can make the cookies a bit denser. Just make sure to measure it correctly – spoon it into the cup and level it off, don’t scoop directly from the bag!

Nutritional Information for Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info for these banana oatmeal cookies is an estimate, okay? It can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use and how big you make your cookies. But generally, they’re a pretty wholesome treat!