Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a wholesome treat that’s both comforting and guilt-free, you’re going to adore this Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. They’re soft, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and honey, and bursting with cozy cinnamon flavor. Seriously, after trying this recipe, I found myself reaching for these cookies over and over—they’re that good and simple to whip up!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe works together to create that perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and a touch of spice. When you shop, look for overripe bananas—they’re the secret star that guarantees natural sweetness and moisture.

• Bananas: Use overripe ones with brown spots for maximum sweetness and softness.
• Honey (or maple syrup): Adds a natural, liquid sweetness and helps bind the cookies gently.
• Egg: Acts as the glue to hold everything together for that perfect chewy texture.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
• Quick cooking oats: These give you that classic oatmeal cookie chew, so don’t substitute rolled oats or instant oats without adjusting.
• Ground cinnamon: Provides that cozy warmth you expect in a good cookie.
• Fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the flavor complexity.
• Chocolate chips (or mix-ins): Optional but highly recommended for a little extra fun—think shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or raisins!

Variations

I love how forgiving this Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is—you can easily make it your own. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit different moods, dietary needs, or just to sneak in some extra goodies.

• Gluten-Free Variation: Stick to certified gluten-free oats to keep the cookies safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Nutty Boost: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch; my kids love the texture contrast it provides.
• Fruit Mix-Ins: Throw in dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for bursts of tangy sweetness—my go-to for a colorful batch.
• Vegan Option: Swap out the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and use maple syrup instead of honey.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy—I can’t tell you how much of a difference parchment paper makes when you’re baking cookies!

Step 2: Mash Those Bananas

In a large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly using a fork or potato masher until smooth with just a few small lumps remaining. Overripe bananas make this step easier and add that luscious sweetness you want.

Step 3: Stir in Wet Ingredients

Add the honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until it looks well combined. I usually mix gently to keep the batter light but still uniform.

Step 4: Incorporate Oats and Spices

Sprinkle in the quick cooking oats, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir them into the wet ingredients just until everything is combined—you don’t want to overmix here because the oats will soften as they bake.

Step 5: Add Your Favorite Mix-Ins

This is where you can get creative. Fold in chocolate chips, shredded coconut, dried fruits, or nuts. My personal favorite? Semi-sweet chocolate chips—they melt slightly and add that irresistible gooey surprise in every bite.

Step 6: Scoop and Space

Using a tablespoon or a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the lined baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart because they’ll spread a little. I always trust my cookie scoop to keep sizes consistent, which helps them bake evenly.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the tops are just set and the bottoms turn lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end—overbaking dries the cookies out. If you like them softer, pull them out closer to 12 minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them firm up just right. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature; I promise they’re delightful either way.

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt atop the cookies right after they come out of the oven—it enhances the chocolate chips and balances sweetness so beautifully. If you’re feeling festive, a dusting of cinnamon sugar adds a nice touch, too.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with a warm mug of your favorite coffee or a cold glass of milk. For breakfast, I love serving these cookies alongside fresh fruit or Greek yogurt for a balanced meal that feels indulgent but wholesome.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special treat, I stack these cookies on pretty plates or layer them with slices of banana and dollops of whipped cream for a mini dessert tower. Wrapping a few up in parchment and tied with twine also makes a thoughtful homemade gift that everyone appreciates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like storing leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and chewy if you line the container with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking together.

Freezing

These banana oatmeal cookies freeze beautifully. I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you want a treat, just thaw a few at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave.

Reheating

To refresh chilled or frozen cookies, I pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until warm. This revives their soft texture and brings back that fresh-baked smell that’s pure magic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is one of those easy, feel-good treats that feels homemade, cozy, and just right no matter the occasion. I’ve made it countless times for quick breakfasts on busy mornings, midday snacks, or whenever I need a little pick-me-up. What I love most is how you can trust the simple, natural ingredients to deliver flavor and comfort without fuss. I really hope you give this recipe a try—you’ll enjoy how it fills your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and banana, and your family will thank you for the deliciousness!

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