These chewy banana oatmeal cookies are quick and tasty! Loaded with oats and ripe bananas, they make a perfect snack or breakfast treat. Plus, they’re really easy to whip up!
Every time I make these cookies, my kitchen smells like a yummy banana bread! I love having them fresh out of the oven with a splash of milk. So good! 🥛🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can bake them in the oven for about 15 minutes at 300°F (150°C) to speed up the process.
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats give these cookies a chewy texture. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they will make the cookies softer. Steel-cut oats aren’t recommended as they won’t cook properly in this recipe.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds sweetness and moisture. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can skip it or use a sugar substitute. Honey or maple syrup work but will increase the liquid in the dough.
Applesauce: It’s a great substitute for oil, making the cookies moist. If you don’t have applesauce, you could use melted coconut oil or any neutral oil instead.
Chocolate Chips/Nuts: These are optional, but they add a nice crunch and richness. You can substitute with dried fruit like raisins for a chewy element or leave them out for a simpler cookie.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Turn Out Chewy?
To get that perfect chewy texture, proper mixing and baking time are key. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Don’t over-mix the dough after adding the oats. Just mix until everything is combined.
- Watch your baking time! Bake just until the edges are golden. They will firm up as they cool.
- Let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack so they keep their shape and chewiness.
These tips will help ensure your cookies turn out lovely and chewy every time!
Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookies:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (can substitute for oil)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake, giving you warm, chewy treats within 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or a potato masher until they are smooth. This is the base of our cookies, so make sure there are no large chunks left!
3. Mix in Wet Ingredients:
Now, add the brown sugar, applesauce, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix everything together well until it’s combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.
4. Stir in the Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently until everything is well mixed. This dough will be thicker and a bit sticky—that’s just right!
5. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’re using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the dough now. These will add a delightful crunch and sweetness to your cookies.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they’ll spread a little while baking.
7. Bake Them Up:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary!
8. Cool Down:
Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up nicely.
9. Enjoy!
Now that your cookies are ready, grab a glass of milk and enjoy these chewy banana oatmeal cookies as a wonderful snack or breakfast treat!
FAQ: Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas work great and can add even more sweetness to your cookies!
How Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
This recipe is already mostly vegan! Simply omit the brown sugar or use a vegan alternative, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The applesauce serves as a great substitute for eggs, so you’re all set!
Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Yes, you can! Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw before enjoying!
What Can I Substitute for Rolled Oats?
If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats can be used, but keep in mind the texture will be different. Steel-cut oats aren’t recommended since they won’t cook properly in the cookie dough.
