These chewy banana oatmeal cookies are a fantastic treat! Made with ripe bananas and wholesome oats, they are both tasty and healthy. Who can resist a warm cookie right out of the oven?
Whenever I make these, the smell fills my kitchen and makes my family come running. Bonus points if you add a few chocolate chips—they really take them to the next level of yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: They are the star of this recipe! The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. If you’re out of bananas, you could try using unsweetened pumpkin puree for a different twist.
Rolled Oats: These lend great texture to the cookies. Instant oats could work if that’s what you have, but they might make the cookies a bit softer. I love regular rolled oats for that perfect chewiness.
Brown Sugar: It adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can skip the brown sugar as bananas are naturally sweet. However, if you want to mimic the flavor, try coconut sugar as a substitute.
Applesauce or Butter: Applesauce makes these cookies lighter, while butter gives a richer flavor. Use whichever fits your diet or preference. You can also use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Are Extra Chewy?
To achieve that chewy texture, focus on a few key points during preparation:
- Use well-mashed, ripe bananas for moisture.
- Don’t overmix your batter! Combine just until you see no dry oats.
- If your dough feels too dry, a splash of milk can help.
- Flatten the dough slightly on the baking sheet; it helps them bake evenly and stay chewy.
Remember, letting them cool slightly on the baking sheet allows them to set without becoming hard. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional – walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 12-15 minutes to bake. All in all, you can have these delicious cookies ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Also, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or a potato masher until they are smooth. Ripe bananas are key as they provide sweetness and moisture.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
Add the applesauce or melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. You can adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sweet you like your cookies!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. This will ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the cookies.
5. Combine Mixtures:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Stir just until the two mixes are combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Add Extras:
If you’re using nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, fold them into the dough gently until evenly incorporated.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. You can flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon for a more even bake.
8. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and they are set in the middle.
9. Cool:
Once they are done, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy:
Your chewy banana oatmeal cookies are ready! Serve them warm with a glass of milk or your favorite tea. They are perfect for a snack or a sweet treat anytime!
FAQ for Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas can work wonderfully! Just be sure to thaw them completely before mashing. You may notice some extra moisture—simply drain off any excess liquid if needed to maintain the right cookie consistency.
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free chewy banana oatmeal cookies, simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll be good to go!
Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Absolutely! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing!
What Other Mix-Ins Can I Add?
The possibilities are endless! You can add dried fruits like cranberries, different types of nuts, or even swap in peanut butter chips for a nutty flavor. Just keep the total volume of mix-ins around 1/2 cup to maintain the cookie’s structure.
