Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are the ultimate treat when you crave something cozy, chewy, and a touch nostalgic. Packed with ripe banana goodness, toasty oats, and a hint of cinnamon, every bite is a warm hug that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for breakfast on the go, a wholesome snack, or a light dessert, their natural sweetness and comforting flavors make them a crowd-pleaser, whether you add chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts—or enjoy them just as they are.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t find any complicated ingredients here—just a handful of pantry staples that each bring something special to the table. Every element in these Banana Oatmeal Cookies works together to create the soft texture, gentle sweetness, and irresistible aroma that makes this recipe such a classic.

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed): The natural sugars and moisture from very ripe bananas give these cookies their signature flavor and soft texture.
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Provides hearty chew and rustic appeal; they hold up well and give the cookies structure.
• ½ cup quick oats: These finer oats blend in for a tender bite and help the cookies hold together nicely.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality—be sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing!
• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies soft.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough and gives the cookies a light, slightly cakey texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with warm, fragrant depth—don’t skip it!
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Ensures a gentle lift so your cookies stay fluffy, not flat.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings cozy spice that enhances the banana and oat flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and accentuates all the flavors.
• ½ cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional): For bursts of sweetness or decadence—choose your favorite, or do a mix!
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add crunch and toasty nutty flavor; these are especially delicious if lightly toasted first.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and ensure your Banana Oatmeal Cookies won’t stick when they’re perfectly baked.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Brown Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—about 2 minutes with a hand mixer does the trick. This step creates a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.

Step 3: Mix in the Bananas, Egg, and Vanilla

Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Beat until everything is combined, and anticipate that lovely banana aroma; it’s already starting to feel like something special is happening!

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, quick oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures they’re evenly distributed for the best cookies possible.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually stir the dry oat mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing gently just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop when there are no visible streaks of flour—lumps are totally fine here.

Step 6: Add Your Extras

If you’d like, fold in chocolate chips, raisins, and/or nuts for extra bursts of flavor. This is the moment to personalize your Banana Oatmeal Cookies just the way you like them!

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches between each mound. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges look lightly golden and the cookies are set but still soft in the center.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Give the cookies a few minutes to cool on the pan so they firm up a bit, then transfer them to a wire rack. Once they’re cool enough, grab one and experience the magic of homemade Banana Oatmeal Cookies warm from the oven!

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking can bring out the flavors in every bite. Or, drizzle with a little melted chocolate for a touch of extra indulgence—presentation and taste level up instantly!

Side Dishes

Serve your cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a creamy latte for the perfect coffee break treat. For a breakfast vibe, pair them with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a wholesome and satisfying combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Banana Oatmeal Cookies into a glass jar and tie it with ribbon for a charming homemade gift. You can also sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for a playful dessert, or crumble them over smoothie bowls and oatmeal as a crunchy topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Banana Oatmeal Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy and delicious for up to 3 days—if they last that long! If you’d like to keep them for a few more days, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

These cookies are freezer-friendly and perfect for planning ahead. Let them cool completely, then pop them into a freezer-safe zip bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to three months, and thaw individual cookies at room temperature whenever cravings hit.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked magic again, warm Banana Oatmeal Cookies for a few seconds in the microwave or a couple of minutes in a low oven. This brings back the softness and coaxes out all those cozy bakery aromas.

FAQs

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled and quick oats?

You can, but the texture will be a bit different—instant oats tend to blend in more and the cookies may be a little less chewy. For the most authentic Banana Oatmeal Cookies texture, a mix of rolled and quick oats is best.

What’s the best way to mash bananas for cookies?

The easiest way is with a fork or a potato masher. You want the banana mashed until mostly smooth but a few small lumps are totally fine and add to the cookies’ rustic charm.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free oats, the cookies themselves are gluten-free as there’s no wheat flour in the recipe. Always check that all your ingredients are labeled gluten-free if allergies are a concern.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes) instead of the egg. The results are still irresistibly chewy and flavorful!

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

If your dough seems a bit thin, chill it in the fridge for 20 minutes before baking. Also, ensure you’re not using overly ripe bananas that are more liquid than mashed—this keeps your Banana Oatmeal Cookies perfectly plump.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, guaranteed crowd-pleaser, these Banana Oatmeal Cookies will absolutely win you over. They’re simple, inviting, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for sharing, gifting, or sneaking straight from the tray. Give them a try and discover just how delicious a little baking at home can be!

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