Banana Oatmeal Cookies

If you’re searching for a comforting, wholesome cookie that’s both soft and chewy, look no further than Banana Oatmeal Cookies. These cookies combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the heartiness of oats and the richness of butter to create a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want a cozy snack, this easy recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. And while the chocolate chips are technically optional, they add an irresistible touch of decadence that makes these cookies even more delightful.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray
• In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy
• Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt
• Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture until just combined
• Fold in the mashed bananas and chocolate chips until evenly distributed
• Use a large cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet
• Bake for 12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and cookies are set
• Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve the cookies warm for the ultimate soft and gooey texture—especially if you included chocolate chips
• Enjoy with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea as a cozy snack or dessert
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
• For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 1 week
• Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months—place parchment between layers to prevent sticking
• To reheat frozen cookies, thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-baked feel
• Avoid stacking warm cookies; let them cool fully to maintain their shape and texture
• If cookies become too soft after storage, a quick bake in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes can help restore a bit of crispness to the edges
• Always store cookies in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat to keep them from becoming stale
• Separate cookies with parchment paper if storing multiple layers to keep them from sticking together

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Variations
Swap the semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks for a richer, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet banana. White chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness, while milk chocolate chips keep it classic and kid-friendly.

• Nutty Add-ins
Add 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with banana and oats. Toast the nuts lightly before adding to bring out their aroma.

• Dried Fruit Options
Mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates to introduce chewy bursts of fruity sweetness. This is a great way to add texture and natural sweetness without extra sugar.

• Healthier Substitutions
Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat while maintaining moisture. You can also substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour to add fiber and a nuttier flavor.

• Spice it Up
Increase the cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons or add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for a warm, spicy twist that complements the bananas perfectly.

• Vegan Version
Use plant-based butter or coconut oil and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). This keeps the cookies moist and chewy while making them vegan-friendly.

• Add Coconut
Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded unsweetened coconut for a tropical flair and extra chewiness.

• Peanut Butter Swirl
Add dollops of peanut butter to the cookie dough and gently swirl it through before baking for a delicious peanut butter and banana combination.

These variations allow you to customize your Banana Oatmeal Cookies to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs while keeping them soft, chewy, and full of flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
   Yes, you can substitute quick oats, but the texture will be slightly softer and less chewy compared to using rolled oats.
2. How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
   Use medium to very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
4. Is it necessary to add chocolate chips?
   No, chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended because they add a lovely sweetness and texture contrast.
5. How do I store these cookies to keep them soft?
   Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread inside; the bread helps keep them moist.
6. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
7. What can I use to replace eggs if I have an allergy?
   You can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or other egg substitutes suitable for baking.
8. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
   Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough once the dry ingredients are added.
9. Can I add other spices to the recipe?
   Yes, cinnamon is classic, but nutmeg, ginger, or allspice can add nice warmth and complexity to the flavor.
10. Are these cookies healthy?
    They contain wholesome ingredients like oats and bananas, but also butter and sugar, so enjoy them as a tasty treat in moderation.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and ripe bananas, you can whip up a batch of cookies that feel like a warm hug. The oats give them a hearty bite, the bananas keep them moist, and the optional chocolate chips turn them into a treat you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re baking for your family or preparing a sweet snack to share, these cookies are guaranteed to please.

Print