These Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of goodness! They’re made with ripe bananas, oats, and a hint of cinnamon for a comforting start to your day.
Who needs store-bought snacks when you can whip these up in no time? I love having them warm with a cup of coffee—perfect for busy mornings or a tasty treat anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are a must for sweetness. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can microwave unripe bananas for 30 seconds to soften them. Just be aware that it might not be as sweet.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give texture. Quick oats can be used too, but they make cookies a bit denser. If gluten-free, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips are delicious here, but feel free to swap them for milk chocolate or white chocolate chips based on your taste. You can also try raisins for a healthier option!
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds are a great substitute. They add a lovely texture without the risk of allergies.
Coconut: Unsweetened shredded coconut adds flavor. If you don’t like coconut, simply leave it out or replace it with more oats!
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Aren’t Too Sticky?
When mixing your ingredients, ensure that your bananas are mashed well to avoid lumps. A smooth mixture helps everything bind together better. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of oats bit by bit until it reaches a manageable consistency. Remember not to overmix, as that can make cookies tough!
- Check consistency: After folding in your chocolate chips, the mixture shouldn’t be too wet or loose.
- Use a cookie scoop for even sizes: This helps in even baking and makes sure they look great!
- Spacing is key: Leaving space between cookies on the baking sheet ensures proper cooking and prevents them from spreading into one another.
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Core Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-18 minutes to bake. Including some cooling time, you can have warm, delicious cookies ready in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking!
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, grab those ripe bananas! Use a fork to mash them until they’re nice and smooth. This is where the sweetness comes from!
3. Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
Now, add the rolled oats, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt to the mashed bananas. If you want to add any optional ingredients like coconut, chia seeds, or nuts, toss those in too! Stir everything together until it’s all well mixed.
4. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold the dark chocolate chips into the mixture until they’re evenly distributed. This is the best part because chocolate!
5. Scoop the Cookies:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. They will spread a little, so give them some room!
6. Bake the Cookies:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re ready when they’re set and the edges are golden brown. Don’t worry if they look slightly soft; they’ll firm up as they cool!
7. Cool Down:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will make them easier to handle. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Enjoy!
Your Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are now ready to eat! Enjoy them warm or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They’re great for breakfast or as a nutritious snack any time of the day!
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for these cookies as they are sweeter and easier to mash. Just make sure they’re soft and brown for the best flavor!
How can I make these cookies healthier?
You can reduce the sugar by cutting back on the chocolate chips or using dark chocolate chips, which contain less sugar. Additionally, adding seeds like chia or flax can boost the nutrition without altering the taste too much!
Can I Freeze the Cookies?
Yes! These cookies freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or bag. You can thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a quick snack!
How Can I Adjust the Recipe for Allergies?
If you have nut allergies, simply omit any nuts and consider adding seeds instead. For gluten sensitivities, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats. You can also replace chocolate chips with carob chips or dried fruit for different flavors!
