Introduction

Got spotty bananas that need a purpose? Turn them into these Banana Oatmeal Cookies! Soft, chewy, and packed with warm, cozy flavors, these cookies are perfect for a quick snack, breakfast on-the-go, or even a healthy dessert. They’re easy to make and a great way to avoid wasting those overripe bananas.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Nutritious & Delicious: Made with wholesome ingredients like oats and bananas.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Versatile: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to suit your taste.
• Naturally Sweetened: Bananas bring natural sweetness, so there’s less need for added sugar.

Ingredients

Basic Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins:

• ¼ cup chocolate chips
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1 tablespoon chia or flax seeds (for extra nutrition)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mash the Bananas:

1. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth using a fork or potato masher.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

1. In a separate bowl, mix the oats, cinnamon, brown sugar (if using), baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir until well combined.

4. Add Optional Mix-Ins:

1. Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, or other add-ins of your choice.

5. Shape the Cookies:

1. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
2. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon (these cookies don’t spread much).

6. Bake:

1. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
• Customize Add-Ins: Mix and match your favorite toppings for unique variations.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Variations

• Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the batter for a nutty twist.
• Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar and skip chocolate chips or use dairy-free versions.
• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):

• Calories: ~80
• Protein: ~2g
• Carbohydrates: ~14g
• Fat: ~2g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sugar: ~5g

Conclusion

These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful way to use up ripe bananas while creating a treat everyone will love. Soft, chewy, and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for any time of day. Bake a batch today and enjoy these wholesome cookies with your favorite cup of coffee or tea!