These chewy banana oatmeal cookies are a tasty treat made with ripe bananas, oats, and a touch of sweetness. They’re perfect for a snack or even breakfast!
Trust me, there’s nothing better than the smell of warm cookies coming from the oven. I love to enjoy them with a cup of tea—so cozy! ☕🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Using ripe bananas is crucial for sweetening without extra sugar. If you don’t have ripe ones, place them in a brown paper bag for a day or two to speed up the ripening. You could also use applesauce as a substitute if needed.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats provide the chewy texture we love. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they may make the cookies less chewy. Adjust the amount slightly if using quick oats like 1 1/4 cups.
Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: For added sweetness, brown sugar works great. You can replace it with honey or agave syrup if you prefer a liquid sweetener. Use less, about 2-3 tablespoons, since liquid options are sweeter.
Mix-Ins: Raisins and chocolate chips add flavor, but feel free to get creative! Nuts, dried fruits, or even coconut flakes can be great alternatives.
How Can I Make Sure My Cookies Are Chewy?
To achieve that delightful chewy texture, focus on the mixing and baking process. First, don’t overmix the wet and dry ingredients; just combine until everything is moistened. Also, ensure your bananas are well mashed to integrate smoothly. Lastly, avoid overbaking—check the cookies at the 12-minute mark. They should be soft to the touch and will firm up as they cool.
- Pay attention to your baking time; it can make a big difference in texture.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain chewiness for longer.
Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/3 cup raisins or chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 12 to 15 minutes of baking time, plus some cooling time afterward. In total, plan for about 30 minutes to enjoy fresh, chewy banana oatmeal cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a medium bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be!
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the brown sugar or maple syrup (if you’re using it), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Add the Oats:
Next, pour in the old-fashioned rolled oats and give it a good mix until all the oats are fully incorporated into the banana mixture. This will be the base of your cookies!
5. Fold in Optional Ingredients:
If you’re adding raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts, fold them into the mixture now. This step adds extra flavor and texture to your cookies.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon, scoop out portions of the cookie dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart; the cookies will spread a bit as they bake. Gently flatten each portion with the back of the spoon.
7. Bake:
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. The cookies should be set and lightly golden around the edges when they are done.
8. Cool Down:
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.
9. Enjoy!
Your chewy banana oatmeal cookies are now ready to be devoured! They are delicious on their own or even better with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ About Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they are sweeter and easier to mash. Just make sure they aren’t moldy or spoiled.
How Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use certified gluten-free oats instead of regular rolled oats. They will still have the same chewy texture and flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Sugar?
If you want to skip the sugar, you can use mashed dates, applesauce, or coconut sugar. Just keep in mind that using liquid sweeteners may slightly alter the dough’s consistency, so you might need to add a bit more oats.
