Healthy & Easy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Updated on: December 21, 2025

Freshly baked golden-brown banana oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips on a baking sheet.

Introduction

Discover the joy of baking these delicious and wholesome banana oatmeal cookies. They are incredibly simple to make, relying on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas for a guilt-free treat. Perfect for busy parents and beginners, this recipe offers a quick prep time and delightful results. Enjoy a healthier snack that everyone will love, packed with natural goodness.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Oatmeal Cookies

You’ll adore these banana oatmeal cookies for many reasons. They are a delightful blend of simplicity and wholesome ingredients.

Naturally Sweet: Ripe bananas provide all the sweetness you need, often eliminating the need for refined sugar.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and baking time, you can have fresh cookies ready in under 30 minutes.
Dietary Versatile: Easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free or vegan, catering to various dietary needs.
Healthy Snack: These cookies make an ideal breakfast on the go or a nutritious afternoon pick-me-up.
Kid-Friendly: Children love the taste, and you’ll love that they’re eating something so good for them.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your batch of delicious banana oatmeal cookies:

3 overripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ¼ cups)
2 Tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
1 egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cup quick cooking oats
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp fine sea salt
½ cup chocolate chips (or other mix-ins like shredded coconut, dried cranberries, raisins)

Notes & Substitutions

Overripe bananas are key for natural sweetness and moisture in these banana oatmeal treats. Their brown spots indicate peak ripeness. According to nutrition experts, ripe bananas offer essential potassium and vitamin B6. Use quick oats for a softer texture, or rolled oats for a chewier cookie. For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). Experiment with different mix-ins like chopped nuts, seeds, or other dried fruits for endless variations.

Equipment

Making these simple banana oatmeal cookies requires only basic kitchen tools.

Large mixing bowl
Two baking sheets
Parchment paper
Fork or potato masher
1 ½ TBS cookie scoop or tablespoon
Wire cooling rack

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake your perfect batch of banana oatmeal cookies. This beginner-friendly recipe comes together quickly.

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the overripe bananas using a fork or potato masher. Ensure no large lumps remain for a smoother cookie dough.
Add the honey (or maple syrup), egg, and pure vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir these wet ingredients well until they are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
Now, incorporate the dry ingredients: quick cooking oats, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt. Stir everything together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
If you desire, fold in your chosen mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or dried cranberries. Stir them until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Use a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon or a 1 ½ TBS cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Place these mounds onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Look for the tops to be just set and the bottoms very lightly browned. The cookies will firm up more as they cool.
Let the banana oatmeal cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking. This helps them retain their shape before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Serve them slightly warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

For the best banana oatmeal cookies, always use very ripe, spotty bananas. These provide the most natural sweetness and moisture. Avoid overmixing your dough once the oats are added; mixing too much can develop gluten, leading to tougher cookies. Adjust baking time by a minute or two for your preferred texture. For gooier cookies, bake closer to 12 minutes; for firmer ones, aim for 15 minutes. If cookies are crumbly, your bananas might not have been ripe enough or the dough was too dry. If they’re flat, your bananas might have been too watery, or you added too much sweetener.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serve these delicious banana oatmeal cookies warm from the oven for a comforting treat, or enjoy them at room temperature for a convenient snack. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months; simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly. Get creative with variations! Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a spiced cookie. Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and healthy fats. Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, butterscotch, or a mix of dried cherries and pistachios to customize your healthy banana oatmeal cookies.

Nutrition Information

These banana oatmeal cookies offer a wholesome profile. Bananas provide essential potassium and natural sugars, while oats contribute significant dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting fullness. This recipe offers a good source of energy. Depending on your mix-ins, you can also add healthy fats from nuts or seeds. Adjust portion sizes or ingredient choices to align with your specific dietary goals, making these cookies a flexible and healthy option.

Component	Benefit
Bananas	Potassium, Vitamin B6, natural sweetness
Oats	Dietary Fiber, Manganese, whole grains
Egg (if used)	Protein, Vitamin D
Honey/Syrup	Natural sweetener, antioxidants (honey)
Cinnamon	Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties

Studies show that oats can significantly improve digestive health and promote satiety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about these delightful banana oatmeal cookies.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, they can be if you use certified gluten-free quick oats. Always check oat packaging to ensure they are processed in a gluten-free facility.

Can I make them vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the honey with maple syrup and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies usually mean your bananas were too watery or you added too much liquid. Ensure your bananas are just ripe enough, not overly mushy.

Can I use steel-cut oats?

No, steel-cut oats are too coarse for this recipe and won’t absorb moisture correctly. Stick to quick-cooking or rolled oats for the best texture in these banana oatmeal cookies.

How long do they last?

These cookies stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

You’ve now mastered a simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe for banana oatmeal cookies. These delightful treats are a testament to how easy and delicious healthy eating can be. With their natural sweetness and wholesome ingredients, they make the perfect snack, breakfast, or light dessert. We encourage you to try this customizable recipe, adapting it to your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy sharing these wonderful, homemade cookies with your family and friends!