These chewy banana oatmeal cookies are a treat you won’t want to miss! Made with ripe bananas and hearty oats, they’re soft, sweet, and feel like a warm hug in cookie form.
These cookies are so easy to whip up; just mash, mix, and bake! I love sneaking one before breakfast—they’re healthy enough to count! Plus, they make a great snack for any time of the day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key to natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can place unripe bananas in a paper bag for a day or so to speed up ripening. Unsweetened apple puree can also be a substitute for added moisture.
Rolled oats: Always choose rolled oats for a chewy texture. Quick oats can work too, but they won’t give the same hearty bite. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to get certified gluten-free oats.
Brown sugar: While optional, it adds rich sweetness and moisture. Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be substituted to keep that sweet element while offering different flavors.
Applesauce: This keeps the cookies moist and can be swapped with melted coconut oil or butter if you want a richer taste. If avoiding fats, use a little more applesauce instead.
Raisins or chocolate chips: These are fun add-ins. You can swap raisins for dried cranberries or the chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips, depending on preference!
How Can I Get the Perfect Chewy Texture?
Achieving chewy cookies is all about the balance of ingredients and baking time. Here are some tips to help you get that perfect texture:
- Use ripe bananas; they not only add sweetness but also moisture, making the cookies chewy.
- Don’t over-mix the dough once you add the oats; this helps maintain a good texture.
- Keep an eye on baking time—12-15 minutes is ideal. Take them out as soon as they are set but still soft in the middle.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before moving them. This helps them firm up without losing their chewiness.
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Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookies:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (or melted butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, e.g., walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. After cooling for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, you’ll have delicious cookies ready to enjoy in less than half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, you can prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a medium bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they are smooth. Ripe bananas are key because they add natural sweetness and moisture to your cookies.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Next, stir in the unsweetened applesauce (or melted butter), brown sugar (if using), and vanilla extract. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Now, add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt to the mixture. Stir everything together until it’s completely combined. Make sure there are no dry spots of oats left.
5. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’re using raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts, gently fold them into the dough. This is where you can customize your cookies to your liking!
6. Form the Cookies:
Using a spoon or your hands, drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. They’ll spread a little while baking, so give them room!
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your chewy banana oatmeal cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite tea!
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for a delicious treat anytime!
FAQ for Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Can I Use Frozen Bananas in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas can add great flavor and moisture to the cookies!
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats instead of regular oats. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to enjoy a delicious treat without worry.
Can I Substitute the Sugar?
Yes! You can use maple syrup or honey as a natural sweetener in place of brown sugar. If you do, reduce the applesauce slightly to maintain the right dough consistency, as these liquids will add moisture.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative! You could add shredded coconut, chopped dried fruit, or different kinds of chocolate chips. Just remember to adjust the amount slightly to maintain the cookie’s texture.
