If you’re searching for a sweet treat that’s nourishing, easy to whip up, and guaranteed to bring smiles, look no further than Healthy Banana Oat Cookies. They’re chewy, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, studded with chocolate chips and walnuts, and bring that perfect warmth to snack time or dessert. It’s the kind of recipe you can toss together in a single bowl and have ready in less than half an hour—a true hero for busy days and healthy cravings alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for these Healthy Banana Oat Cookies. Each ingredient is simple, yet plays a starring role in the flavor, texture, or wholesome feel of the cookies. There’s nothing unnecessary here—just straightforward goodness in every bite!
- Bananas (2, ripe and mashed): Super-ripe bananas act as a natural sweetener and binding agent, bringing moisture and lovely banana flavor to the cookies.
- Rolled oats (1 1/2 cups): Oats deliver heartiness and chew, giving these cookies their signature oatmeal cookie texture—plus, they keep everything gluten-free.
- Natural peanut butter (1/4 cup): This brings richness and a touch of salty contrast, helping bind the dough while adding healthy fats.
- Mini dark chocolate chips (1/4 cup): Tiny chips melt into pockets of chocolatey goodness, without overpowering the banana and oat base.
- Chopped walnuts (1/4 cup, optional): If you love a little crunch, walnuts add nutty depth and extra protein to each bite.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint elevates the cookies with warmth and spice, making them irresistible straight from the oven.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): A splash rounds out the flavor, tying the bananas and chocolate together beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Don’t skip it—a pinch of salt brings balance and makes the sweet notes pop!
How to Make Healthy Banana Oat Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this step ensures your Healthy Banana Oat Cookies come off the tray easily and bake with just the right amount of golden crunch on the edges.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher to thoroughly mash your ripe bananas until mostly smooth with just a few small lumps. Bananas are the foundation here, so the riper, the better for maximum sweetness and flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Dough
Add the rolled oats, peanut butter, mini chocolate chips, walnuts (if using), cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt right into the bowl with the banana. Give everything a hearty stir until well combined—no fancy mixers necessary. You’ll notice the dough coming together quickly and looking deliciously chunky.
Step 4: Shape and Portion
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop about two tablespoons of dough per cookie onto your prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of the spoon so they bake up evenly and get a lovely bit of crispy edge.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cookies are set and the edges are beautifully golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—this makes sure they firm up just right and don’t fall apart when picked up.
How to Serve Healthy Banana Oat Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle warm cookies with a touch more cinnamon or a few extra mini chocolate chips for a beautiful, bakery-style finish. A quick dusting brightens the presentation and adds a hint of spice or sweetness to each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your Healthy Banana Oat Cookies with a tall glass of chilled almond milk, a warm mug of herbal tea, or even fresh fruit slices for a satisfying, energizing snack. They also make a delicious sidekick to a yogurt parfait for breakfast or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies high on a favorite cake stand, tie them up in parchment for a homemade gift, or even sandwich a scoop of frozen yogurt between two for a delightful, wholesome ice cream sandwich. They’re sweet enough for dessert but healthy enough for a lunchbox treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The oats will hold their chew, and the flavors deepen as they sit—making day-three cookies just as tempting as day one.
Freezing
Healthy Banana Oat Cookies freeze wonderfully! Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months, ready to grab whenever you need a quick snack or lunchbox addition.
Reheating
For that “freshly baked” magic, reheat cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or a few seconds in the microwave. This revives their chewy texture and melts the chocolate chips ever so slightly, making every bite feel homemade again.
FAQs
Can I substitute peanut butter if I have allergies?
Absolutely! Almond butter or sunflower seed butter work beautifully as a swap, so you can tailor the recipe to your needs without sacrificing taste or texture in these Healthy Banana Oat Cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, these cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them great for those with sensitivities or dietary preferences.
What other mix-ins can I add to the Healthy Banana Oat Cookies?
Get creative: try adding raisins, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or even a few pumpkin seeds. The base is super versatile, so play around with what you love most.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in batches. These cookies are perfect for meal prep, parties, or whenever you want extras to freeze for later.
Are Healthy Banana Oat Cookies suitable for kids?
Yes, these cookies are a fantastic option for kids—they’re naturally sweetened, nutty, chocolate-studded, and easy for little hands to help make or take to school.
Final Thoughts
Give these Healthy Banana Oat Cookies a try and see for yourself why they’re such a beloved staple in so many kitchens! They’re cozy, quick, packed with good-for-you ingredients, and perfectly suited to satisfy both big and little cravings. Happy baking and even happier snacking!
Print
Healthy Banana Oat Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian
Description
These Healthy Banana Oat Cookies are a delicious and nutritious treat that’s perfect for snacking or dessert. Made with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, oats, and natural peanut butter, these cookies are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian.
Ingredients
Ripe Bananas (Mashed):
2 bananas
Rolled Oats:
1 1/2 cups
Natural Peanut Butter:
1/4 cup
Mini Dark Chocolate Chips:
1/4 cup
Chopped Walnuts (Optional):
1/4 cup
Cinnamon:
1/2 teaspoon
Vanilla Extract:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
Pinch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add ingredients: Add oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, walnuts (if using), cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
- Form cookies: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the baking sheet. Flatten slightly.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter.
- Try adding raisins or shredded coconut for a different flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
