These Easy Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are delicious and super simple to make! With mashed bananas, oats, and a touch of sweetness, they are a perfect treat for any time of day.
What I love most about these cookies is how soft and chewy they are. Plus, they’re a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Happy baking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas are best for this recipe as they provide natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have bananas, unsweetened mashed sweet potato can be an alternative, though it will change the flavor.
Rolled Oats: Regular rolled oats work great, but you can also use quick oats if that’s what you have. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, certified gluten-free oats are widely available and work just as well!
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. You can use white sugar instead or adjust the sugar amount based on your taste preferences. Maple syrup can also replace brown sugar; just reduce other liquids slightly.
Applesauce: It keeps the cookies moist and is a great substitute for butter if you’re looking for a lower-fat option. You can omit it altogether if you prefer a richer taste, just add a bit more butter or oil.
Mix-ins: Chopped nuts or chocolate chips give the cookies a fun texture. If you’re allergic to nuts, try sunflower seeds or leave them out altogether. Dried fruit can also make for a delicious addition!
How Do You Ensure the Cookies are Chewy?
The secret to chewy cookies lies in the mixing and baking method. Avoid overmixing after adding the oats. Here’s how to get that perfect chewy texture:
- Use ripe bananas, as they make the dough moist and flavorful.
- Don’t flatten the cookies too much before baking; a little height will help them stay chewy.
- Keep an eye on baking time! Remove them when the edges are just golden. They’ll continue to firm up while cooling.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious, chewy cookies that are sure to be a hit!
Easy Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 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
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, so you’ll have fresh, chewy cookies ready in about 25-30 minutes total. Perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat after dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes for an easy cleanup!
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a medium mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they’re nice and smooth. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be!
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the brown sugar (if you’re using it), applesauce (or melted butter), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and you have a nice, creamy texture.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt into the banana mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined. You want a thick dough without overmixing!
5. Add Optional Mix-Ins:
If you want to make your cookies even tastier, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips at this stage. They add a lovely crunch and sweetness!
6. Scoop the Dough:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to flatten each dollop slightly with the back of your spoon to help them bake evenly.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the cookies into your preheated oven and bake them for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They’re ready when the edges are a golden brown.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, take the sheet out of the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your chewy banana oatmeal cookies warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk or a cup of tea!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas before mashing them. Place them in the fridge overnight or microwave them for a few seconds until they’re soft. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy dough!
How Do 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 in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Omit the Sugar Completely?
Yes, if your bananas are very ripe, you can skip the sugar altogether as they will provide enough natural sweetness. If you want a bit of sweetness, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup instead!
What Can I Substitute for Applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce, you can substitute it with an equal amount of mashed avocado or Greek yogurt for a similar moisture content. Melted coconut oil or butter can also work if you prefer a rich flavor!