These Easy Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are soft, delicious, and full of flavor. Made with ripe bananas and oats, they’re a fun treat that’s quick to whip up!
Baking these cookies always makes my kitchen smell amazing! I love how they come out chewy and perfect for snacks or breakfast on-the-go. Enjoy with a glass of milk! 🍪🥛
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can bake unripe ones at 300°F for about 30 minutes until soft and sweetened.
Rolled Oats: Regular rolled oats are great, but you can swap in quick-cooking oats if that’s what you have. Just remember that the texture might be a little different.
Brown Sugar: This can be omitted if you prefer a less sweet cookie. You can also use coconut sugar or maple syrup as substitutions, but adjust the liquid content if using liquid sweeteners.
Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is a healthy choice! If you’re out, melted coconut oil or butter can work too. Applesauce keeps them moist while lowering the fat content.
Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Feel free to skip them completely or use raisins or dried fruit as alternatives. For a nut allergy, of course, just leave them out!
How Do You Achieve Chewy Cookies?
Getting that perfect chewy texture is all about not overbaking them. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Don’t bake too long! Take them out when the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underbaked—this will help set them chewy as they cool.
- Use parchment paper instead of greasing the baking sheet. It helps the cookies to bake evenly and avoids sticking.
Trust me, following these tips will give you cookies that are deliciously chewy every time!
Easy Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups 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)
Estimated Time:
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes of baking, making it a quick and easy treat to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them until they’re smooth. A fork works perfectly for this! The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be.
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the brown sugar (if you’re using it), applesauce or melted butter, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until well combined. This mixture will be the base of your cookies.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix your rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure those dry ingredients are evenly distributed for the best flavor in every bite!
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until everything is moist and incorporated. You want your cookies to stay soft and chewy!
6. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’d like to add nuts or chocolate chips, now’s the time! Gently fold them into the cookie dough for some extra deliciousness.
7. Scoop onto Baking Sheet:
Using a tablespoon, scoop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them out a bit since they will spread. Feel free to flatten them slightly for a uniform shape!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for lightly golden edges and a set center!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This waiting part is the hardest!
10. Enjoy!
Your chewy banana oatmeal cookies are now ready to enjoy! They’re perfect for a snack or dessert. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are the best choice for these cookies. They add natural sweetness and moisture, making your cookies extra delicious!
How to 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! Just make sure to wrap them tightly before placing them in the freezer, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Oats?
Yes! While rolled oats add great texture, you can use quick oats as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture may be a little different, but they will still taste wonderful!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
You can get creative! Try adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract for a unique twist. Chopped dried fruits like cranberries or dates can add an extra sweetness, too! Feel free to experiment!
