These chewy banana oatmeal cookies are a real treat! Made with ripe bananas and hearty oats, they’re both tasty and a bit healthy. Perfect for a snack or breakfast on the go!
Honestly, I can never stop at just one! With a warm, soft center, these cookies are great with a cup of tea. They’re super easy to whip up, and the smell while baking is irresistible! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Very ripe bananas give the best sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can microwave unripe bananas for 30 seconds, then mash.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Stick with old-fashioned for the best texture. Instant oats will work, but they may make cookies more mushy. For a gluten-free option, choose certified gluten-free oats.
Butter or Coconut Oil: Both keep the cookies chewy. I prefer coconut oil for a subtle flavor twist, but butter gives a rich taste. Use applesauce for a lighter, dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and sweetness. You can leave it out for a less sweet cookie or use coconut sugar as a healthier alternative.
Raisins or Chocolate Chips: These are optional but I love how chocolate chips enhance the flavor! You can also use dried cranberries or chopped dark chocolate.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Are Chewy?
Getting the perfect chewy texture is key to great cookies. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:
- Don’t overmix! Stir until just combined for a light texture.
- Use both baking soda and enough moisture from bananas and butter. This combo helps them stay soft.
- Underbake slightly! Take them out when the edges are golden but the centers still look soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Follow these tips, and you’ll get delicious, chewy cookies every time!
Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake. So, in total, you can have warm, chewy cookies ready in just about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Banana Mixture:
In a large bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they’re nice and smooth. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter they will be!
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, mix in the melted butter (or coconut oil), brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s well blended.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Give it a quick stir to mix it all up.
5. Mix It All Together:
Now take your dry mixture and gradually stir it into the banana mixture. Be careful not to over mix—just combine until you don’t see dry oats anymore.
6. Add Extras (If Using):
If you want some extra flavor and texture, fold in raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts. They’re totally optional, but they can make your cookies even yummier!
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You want them to be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will help them firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Now it’s time to savor your delicious chewy banana oatmeal cookies! They go perfectly with a glass of milk or your favorite cup of tea. Enjoy!
FAQ for Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Yes! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they are sweeter and softer, making it easier to mash. Just ensure they don’t have any mold or bad spots.
How Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can freeze them, placing parchment paper between layers, for up to 2 months.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the old-fashioned rolled oats with certified gluten-free oats, and make sure any additional ingredients, like chocolate chips, are gluten-free as well.
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you don’t have butter on hand, you can use coconut oil or applesauce as a healthy alternative. Coconut oil will add a light coconut flavor, while applesauce will keep the cookies extra moist.
