Name: Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 overripe bananas (about 1 ¼ cups mashed banana); 2 Tablespoons honey (or maple syrup); 1 egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 ½ cup quick cooking oats; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp fine sea salt; ½ cup chocolate chips or other add ins like shredded coconut, dried cranberries, raisins, etc.

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Banana Oatmeal Cookies are the irresistible treat every home baker should have in their back pocket! Bursting with naturally sweet banana, a hint of honey, and that heartwarming cinnamon aroma, these cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with goodness. Whether you’re searching for a quick breakfast grab, a wholesome snack, or a cozy dessert, this recipe brings comfort to every bite—no fancy techniques or rare ingredients needed. Get ready to treat yourself (and maybe share, if you want!) with these unbeatable cookies.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Banana Oatmeal Cookies lies in their simplicity—each ingredient plays an important part in giving you a chewy cookie that tastes like home. From overripe bananas lending natural sweetness to your favorite mix-ins, every item on this list adds something special.

Overripe Bananas: Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and extra-moist texture.
Honey (or Maple Syrup): This natural sweetener amps up flavor and keeps the cookies soft—maple syrup is a tasty vegan switch.
Egg: It helps bind everything together and gives a tender bite.
Pure Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon deepens the sweet, comforting notes in every bite.
Quick Cooking Oats: These oats yield the perfect chewy texture—if you have old-fashioned oats, give them a quick pulse in a food processor.
Ground Cinnamon: Just a teaspoon transforms the cookies with warm, inviting spice.
Fine Sea Salt: Don’t skip this! It sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Chocolate Chips or Add-Ins: Pick your favorite—chocolate chips for classic appeal, or get creative with coconut, cranberries, or raisins.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your Banana Oatmeal Cookies bake evenly and come off the pan perfectly without sticking—a small step that makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mash Those Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, grab a fork or potato masher and mash the overripe bananas until they’re mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine—they add extra pockets of banana flavor in your cookies.

Step 3: Stir in Honey, Egg, & Vanilla

Pour the honey, crack in the egg, and splash in the vanilla extract over your mashed bananas. With a sturdy spoon or whisk, blend until everything looks unified and glossy—this base will make your Banana Oatmeal Cookies deliciously moist.

Step 4: Add Oats, Cinnamon, and Sea Salt

Now add the oats, cinnamon, and salt right into the wet mixture. Stir well to combine—at this stage, the dough will look hearty and speckled with spice, promising chewy cookies in every bite.

Step 5: Fold In Mix-Ins

Choose your adventure: chocolate chips for a kid-friendly classic, or try shredded coconut or tangy dried fruit for something unexpected. Fold them into the dough gently until evenly distributed without overmixing.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape

Use a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon or a cookie scoop (about 1½ tablespoons) to portion out the dough. Place each mound on the lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart—these cookies won’t spread much, so you can fit quite a few per tray.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Banana Oatmeal Cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops just set and the bottoms have a hint of golden brown. The kitchen will smell amazing—like warm banana bread, but even easier to share.

Step 8: Cool and Savor

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes. This step lets them firm up before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—if you sneak one while they’re warm, we won’t tell!

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled, your cookies are ready to wow. Serve them slightly warm for gooey chocolate pockets or at room temperature when you need an easy grab-and-go snack.

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Banana Oatmeal Cookies with a dusting of cinnamon or a few extra chocolate chips right before serving for an extra pop of color and flavor. You could even drizzle a touch of melted dark chocolate for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk, a hot mug of coffee, or even a fruity smoothie for a breakfast treat. For a cozy dessert, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm applesauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by stacking Banana Oatmeal Cookies and tying them with baker’s twine for a sweet gift. Turn them into wholesome ice cream sandwiches, crumble them over Greek yogurt, or add them to a brunch spread next to fresh fruit and baked goods.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay soft and chewy—just the way homemade Banana Oatmeal Cookies should be.

Freezing

Freeze extra cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—so you’re never far from a homemade snack.

Reheating

For fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, pop a Banana Oatmeal Cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This softens the oats and reactivates the chocolate’s gooey magic—like day one all over again.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

Yes! Old-fashioned oats will work, though the texture will be a bit chunkier and heartier. For a chewier result, pulse them briefly in a food processor before adding to your Banana Oatmeal Cookie dough.

What other mix-ins taste good?

The options are endless! Chopped nuts, toasted coconut, raisins, dried cranberries, or even peanut butter chips all complement the classic flavors of Banana Oatmeal Cookies and add fun texture or color.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

They can be! Just make sure you use certified gluten-free oats, as cross-contamination can occur with regular oats. All other ingredients in Banana Oatmeal Cookies are naturally gluten-free.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for a set and slightly golden bottom with the tops no longer appearing wet. Remember, they won’t turn deeply golden—pull them out when they’re just set so they stay soft and moist.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe scales beautifully. Just use a larger bowl and baking sheets, and freeze any extras for quick snacks or lunchbox treats.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a fuss-free, feel-good treat, give these Banana Oatmeal Cookies a try—you’ll be amazed how a handful of ingredients come together for something so moist, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. Happy baking, and don’t be surprised if these cookies disappear faster than you expect!

Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: About 18 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a delicious and wholesome treat that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Made with ripe bananas, oats, and a touch of honey, they are easy to whip up and customize with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

3 overripe bananas (about 1 ¼ cups mashed banana)
2 Tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
1 egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cup quick cooking oats
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp fine sea salt
½ cup chocolate chips or other add ins like shredded coconut, dried cranberries, raisins, etc.

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, set aside.
Mash bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas.
Add wet ingredients: Add honey, egg, and vanilla and stir to combine.
Mix dry ingredients: Add oats, cinnamon, and sea salt and stir until combined.
Add mix-ins: If desired, add chocolate chips or other mix-ins and stir until evenly distributed.
Portion and bake: Use a measuring spoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes until set.
Cool: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

You can customize these cookies with your favorite mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or seeds.
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American