If you’re a fan of cozy, comforting cookies that hit all the right notes of flavor and texture, you’re in for a treat! These Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy oats, the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, and melty chocolate chips. Not only do they satisfy your sweet tooth, but they also offer a wholesome twist, thanks to the heart-healthy oats and banana’s natural sugars. So, whether you’re craving an afternoon snack or a wholesome treat to share with family and friends, this recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
Banana Goodness: Bananas not only add a naturally sweet flavor to your cookies but also give them a moist, chewy texture. Plus, they’re a great source of potassium and fiber, which means you can feel a little less guilty when you indulge!
Healthy Oats: Oats are a fantastic addition to cookies, offering a dose of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. They give the cookies a hearty, chewy bite and help keep you fuller for longer.
Chocolate Chips: Of course, the best part about any cookie is the chocolate! The smooth melt of chocolate chips brings the perfect balance of rich sweetness to each bite. Feel free to swap in dark chocolate chips for a more decadent touch.
Easy to Make: These cookies come together in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. No complicated steps—just simple, straightforward baking.
Great for Meal Prep: With the help of bananas and oats, these cookies are a great option for meal prep. They store well in an airtight container, and you can easily grab one for a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (the riper, the better for natural sweetness!)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened peanut butter or almond butter (optional for a nutty flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1 cup of mashed banana. The riper your bananas, the sweeter and softer they’ll be, making them easier to mash.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This will ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the peanut butter (if using), vanilla extract, and honey or maple syrup to the mashed bananas. Stir to combine until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to gently combine until everything is well incorporated. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more oats or flour, depending on your texture preference.
Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough. If you’re using a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips, you’ll get a beautiful contrast in flavors!
Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly during baking.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary. You’ll know they’re done when they’re slightly firm to the touch but still soft in the middle.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up a little more and gives you the perfect chewy texture.
Tips for the Best Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Bananas: Make sure to use bananas that are very ripe. They will be easier to mash and add more natural sweetness to the dough.
- Customization: Feel free to add in extra mix-ins like chopped nuts, raisins, or coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
- Vegan Version: If you want to make these cookies vegan, swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar, and use a dairy-free chocolate chip variety.
- Storage: These cookies keep well in an airtight container for about 3-4 days, or you can freeze them for longer storage. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper for easy removal when you’re craving a quick bite.