How to Make Irresistibly Delicious Banana Oatmeal Cookies

If you’re searching for a healthy, easy, and utterly delicious cookie recipe, look no further than these incredible banana oatmeal cookies! These cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while sneaking in some extra nutrition. Made with ripe bananas, wholesome oats, and a touch of sweetness, they’re soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for a personalized twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)

Optional Mix-ins:

• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries

Equipment:

• Oven
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (optional, but recommended)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Let’s Get Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This is where an electric mixer comes in handy!
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Stir in the mashed bananas until well incorporated.
7. Now, it’s time to get creative! Fold in your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits.
8. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops are set.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Baking Success:

• Ripe Bananas are Key: Make sure your bananas are nice and ripe for the best flavor and sweetness. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more intense the banana flavor will be in your cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

FAQs About Banana Oatmeal Cookies:

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

While you can substitute quick oats for rolled oats, keep in mind that they may result in a slightly different texture. Rolled oats will give you a chewier cookie, while quick oats will make them a bit softer.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! This dough freezes beautifully. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

My cookies turned out flat. What happened?

Flat cookies can be caused by a few things, such as using overly ripe bananas, not chilling the dough, or using too much butter. If your dough seems overly wet, try adding a tablespoon or two of extra flour to help absorb some of the moisture.

Enjoy!

These banana oatmeal cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. They’re also a great option for a healthy snack or breakfast on-the-go.

Pro Tip from renowned pastry chef, Emily Carter: “For an extra chewy cookie, slightly underbake them and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This allows them to continue cooking a bit as they cool and creates that perfectly chewy texture.”

Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this recipe your own! You can experiment with different mix-ins, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top, or even drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.

We’d love to hear about your baking adventures! Share your photos and experiences with us in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more delicious and easy recipes, be sure to check out our article on How to Make Zucchini Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies. Happy baking!