Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies

Introduction

These Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies are the perfect blend of comfort, sweetness, and just the right amount of indulgence. They’re chewy, soft, and packed with flavor—honestly, it’s the kind of cookie that makes you want to take one more bite (and then another). The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, and you probably already have most of the ingredients sitting in your pantry. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up those ripe bananas you have lying around!

What I love most about these cookies is how satisfying they are, without being too heavy. The oats and bananas create a soft, chewy texture, and the chocolate chips give you that perfect bit of sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, something a little healthier, or just a comforting treat, these cookies are the answer. They’re so simple to whip up, and the smell of them baking in the oven? Absolutely heavenly.

I’ve made these so many times for my family, and they always disappear within hours. They’re perfect for those days when you want a sweet treat, but you don’t want to go overboard with something too rich. They hit that perfect balance of flavors and textures, and I can’t wait for you to try them! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your delicious creations!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies aren’t just tasty—they’re packed with benefits too! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:

• Healthy-ish: Made with oats and bananas, they offer some nutritional benefits, like fiber and potassium, while still being sweet and comforting.
• Quick & Easy: With only a few ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time. Perfect for when you need a quick snack or a dessert.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips for other mix-ins like raisins, nuts, or coconut flakes.
• Naturally Sweetened: The bananas provide natural sweetness, meaning less added sugar.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These cookies store well, so you can make a batch and have them ready to go for the week.
• Kid-Friendly: These cookies are great for kids and make a healthier snack option for lunchboxes or after-school treats.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 12-15 cookies
• Calories per serving: Around 80-90 calories per cookie (depending on size)
• Key Nutrients: Potassium, fiber, healthy fats, protein

Ingredients

These simple ingredients come together for the most delicious cookies!

For the Cookies:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (or your preferred chocolate)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, like walnuts or pecans)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional, if you like a fruity twist)

Ingredient Highlights

• Bananas: Naturally sweet and a great source of potassium. Plus, they help keep these cookies soft and chewy!
• Oats: Full of fiber, oats give these cookies their chewy texture while providing long-lasting energy.
• Chocolate Chips: For that perfect chocolatey bite. You can go dark chocolate for a more sophisticated flavor or milk chocolate for something sweeter.
• Cinnamon: A little sprinkle of cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the oats and bananas.
• Nuts & Raisins: Optional, but if you love a little crunch or extra sweetness, toss in some chopped nuts or raisins.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s make these Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies!

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture if you like. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

To the mashed bananas, add the oats, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Mix everything together until well combined.

4. Stir in the Chocolate Chips (and Optional Add-ins)

Fold in the mini chocolate chips, and if you’re using nuts or raisins, add those as well. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.

5. Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Use a spoon or a cookie scoop to drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon or your fingers, as they won’t spread much during baking.

6. Bake

Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges and set in the center. If you prefer a chewier cookie, keep a closer eye on them to avoid overbaking.

7. Cool & Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the cookies warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve

These Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies are perfect for all kinds of occasions:

• As a Snack: Grab a few of these cookies for a quick snack to keep you fueled throughout the day.
• With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: Enjoy these cookies with your favorite hot beverage for an afternoon treat.
• Breakfast Cookies: Because they’re made with oats and bananas, they make for a wholesome breakfast option when paired with yogurt or fresh fruit.
• Lunchbox Snack: Pack a couple in lunchboxes for a sweet and healthy addition to the midday meal.
• Dessert: Whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner or need a healthier dessert option, these cookies are a great choice.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the best out of your cookies:

1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and moister your cookies will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe!
2. Texture Matters: If you like a chunkier texture in your cookies, leave some small banana pieces in the mix. If you prefer smoother cookies, mash the bananas thoroughly.
3. Customize the Mix-ins: Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for dried fruit, shredded coconut, or nuts. The options are endless!
4. Cookie Size: For larger cookies, just adjust the baking time slightly, adding 1-2 minutes as needed.
5. Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month. They freeze beautifully and make for a great on-the-go snack.

Recipe Variations

There’s so much room for creativity with these cookies! Here are a few fun variations you can try:

• Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies: Swirl in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a creamy, nutty flavor.
• Almond Joy Cookies: Add some shredded coconut and chopped almonds in place of the nuts for a tropical twist.
• Pumpkin Spice Banana Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a cozy fall-inspired flavor.
• Carrot Cake Cookies: Stir in a little grated carrot for a veggie boost, and use raisins and walnuts for a classic carrot cake feel.

Freezing and Storage

If you make a big batch, these cookies store really well!

• Storage: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for about an hour, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: To thaw, just leave them at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

Special Equipment

• Cookie Scoop: This will help ensure that all of your cookies are the same size for even baking.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing Bowls: Use a large bowl for mixing the dough so you have plenty of space for all the ingredients.

FAQ Section

Here are a few commonly asked questions:

• Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
  Yes, you can use quick oats, but the cookies will have a slightly different texture—less chewy and more crumbly.
• Can I add protein powder?
  Absolutely! You can add 1-2 scoops of your favorite protein powder to the dough for an extra boost.
• Are these cookies gluten-free?
  Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these cookies can be made gluten-free!
• Can I use other sweeteners?
  Yes, you can substitute the bananas with a natural sweetener like maple syrup, honey, or stevia, but you may need to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.

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Conclusion

These Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies are the ultimate blend of healthy and indulgent. They’re quick to whip up, perfectly customizable with your favorite add-ins, and so satisfying! Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or a treat, they offer a little extra nutrition while still hitting the sweet spot. Fresh out of the oven or stored for later, these cookies are sure to disappear fast!

Let me know how they turn out—I can’t wait to hear what you think! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!