Banana Oatmeal Cookies: 12-15 Min Bake

Name: Banana Oatmeal Cookies: 12-15 Min Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487730H55M58S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-3 large, very ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed); ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated white sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups mix-ins of your choice (e.g., chocolate chips, nuts)

by dorina alena

August 15, 2025

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Banana oatmeal cookies have always been my go-to comfort food, and this recipe is the one I always come back to. I remember my mom making these on rainy afternoons; the sweet, comforting aroma of ripe bananas and cinnamon would fill our entire house, making everything feel cozy. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re soft, chewy, and packed with wholesome goodness that makes them perfect for a quick breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. I’ve found that using really ripe bananas is key to their amazing flavor and texture. If you’re looking for simple, satisfying treats, you can’t go wrong with these easy banana oatmeal cookies. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Oatmeal Cookies

You’ll adore these cookies for so many reasons. They’re incredibly delicious, with a perfect balance of sweet banana and wholesome oats. Plus, they’re a breeze to whip up, making them a fantastic option for busy weeknights. As healthy banana oatmeal cookies, they offer a nutritious way to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re also wonderfully budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples. Kids adore them, making them a hit for family baking sessions. These easy banana oatmeal cookies are truly versatile, fitting perfectly into a breakfast rotation or as a guilt-free snack. They’re proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special.

Ingredients for Delicious Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these wonderful banana oat cookies. You’ll need the heart of the recipe: 2-3 large, very ripe bananas, mashed, which provide natural sweetness and moisture. For that classic cookie texture, we’ll use ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened and ½ cup packed light brown sugar along with ¼ cup granulated white sugar for a delightful sweetness. You’ll also need 1 large egg, at room temperature to bind everything together, and 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract for that classic warm flavor. For the dry ingredients, grab 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats for that perfect chew, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth, 1 teaspoon baking soda for lift, and ½ teaspoon salt to balance the flavors. Don’t forget your 1 ½ cups mix-ins of your choice, like chocolate chips or nuts, to customize your cookies!

How to Make Easy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Ready to bake up a batch of these delightful cookies? Follow these simple steps for how to make banana oatmeal cookies that are perfectly soft and chewy.

Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Take your very ripe bananas and mash them in a medium bowl until they’re smooth. A fork works great for this.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the ¾ cup softened unsalted butter with the ½ cup packed light brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated white sugar. Beat them with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the 1 large egg and 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat again until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Gently stir in the mashed bananas until they are incorporated into the wet ingredients.
Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisking them separately ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed.
Step 7: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until *just* combined. Remember, overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. This is a key tip for how to make banana oatmeal cookies.
Step 8: Now for the fun part – fold in your chosen mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.
Step 9: Scoop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop or two spoons. Space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
Step 10: Bake for 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be lightly golden brown, while the centers should still look soft.
Step 11: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes. This allows them to set up properly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious homemade banana oatmeal cookies!

Banana Oatmeal Cookies: 12-15 Min Bake - Banana Oatmeal Cookies - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Banana Oatmeal Cookies

I’ve baked countless batches of these cookies, and a few tricks really elevate them. Here are my top tips for success:

Always use very ripe bananas; the browner, the better! They add more natural sweetness and moisture, which is crucial for a great cookie.
Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to tough cookies instead of tender ones.
For extra chewiness, try chilling the dough for about 30-60 minutes before scooping. This helps the oats absorb moisture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Baking time is key! Pull them out when the edges are just set and lightly golden. The centers will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet, ensuring they stay soft.

What’s the secret to perfect banana oatmeal cookies?

The magic lies in using super ripe bananas for sweetness and moisture, and old-fashioned rolled oats for that signature chewy texture. Don’t overmix the dough – that’s the secret to tender, delicious cookies! For more baking tips, check out our about me page.

Can I make banana oatmeal cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, scoop and bake as usual, though you might need an extra minute or two in the oven.

How do I avoid common mistakes with banana oatmeal cookies?

A common mistake is using underripe bananas, which results in less flavor and a drier cookie. Also, resist the urge to overmix the dough after adding the flour; this is often why cookies turn out tough or flat. Make sure your baking soda is fresh for proper lift! You can learn more about baking science on King Arthur Baking.

Best Ways to Serve Banana Oatmeal Cookies

These delightful cookies are incredibly versatile and taste amazing in so many ways! For a perfect start to your day, enjoy them as banana oatmeal cookies for breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. They’re hearty enough to keep you full until lunch. I also love serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple, comforting dessert. They pair wonderfully with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey. For a more substantial treat, try crumbling them over yogurt or a fruit salad for added texture and flavor. You can find more serving suggestions on our contact us page.

Nutrition Facts for Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Knowing the nutritional breakdown can help you enjoy these treats mindfully. Here’s an approximate per-cookie estimate:

Calories: 120-150 kcal
Fat: Varies
Saturated Fat: Varies
Protein: approx. 2g
Carbohydrates: approx. 18g
Fiber: approx. 1.5g
Sugar: Varies based on mix-ins and banana ripeness
Sodium: Varies

Nutritional values are estimates and can change based on the specific ingredients and mix-ins you use in your banana oatmeal cookies. For more details on our policies, please see our privacy policy.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies: 12-15 Min Bake - Banana Oatmeal Cookies - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Once your delicious banana oatmeal cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to think about storing them to keep them fresh. I usually store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. They stay wonderfully soft and chewy this way. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is your best bet! Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When a cookie craving strikes, you can easily reheat them. For a quick warm-up, pop a frozen cookie in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until just warmed through. You can also thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for a softer texture. For any questions regarding our terms, please refer to our terms and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Can I make banana oatmeal cookies without eggs?

Yes, you absolutely can! For a simple egg-free version, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or unsweetened applesauce. This is a great way to make these simple banana oatmeal cookies work for different dietary needs. You can learn more about egg substitutes on A Couple Cooks.

Why are my banana oatmeal cookies flat?

Flat cookies usually happen for a few reasons. Overmixing the dough after adding the flour can over-activate the gluten, causing spread. Also, if your butter was too soft or your oven temperature was too low, they might spread more. Make sure your baking soda is fresh for proper lift!

What can I use instead of all-purpose flour in banana oatmeal cookies?

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can often substitute a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just make sure it contains a binder like xanthan gum. Some people also have success using oat flour for a double oat flavor, creating even more delicious banana oatmeal cookies.

Are banana oatmeal cookies healthy?

These cookies are generally considered healthier than traditional cookies because they use whole oats and natural sweetness from ripe bananas. They offer fiber and some nutrients, making them a better choice for a treat or snack. However, the exact healthiness depends on the amount of sugar and any added mix-ins you use. For more information on healthy eating, visit the NHS website.

Variations of Banana Oatmeal Cookies You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative! These cookies are wonderfully adaptable. For a completely plant-based treat, try making vegan banana oatmeal cookies by substituting the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). If you need gluten-free banana oatmeal cookies, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. You can also boost the flavor by adding white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts, or a swirl of peanut butter for a nutty twist. For a lighter, crispier cookie, try baking them a minute or two longer. You can find more about our affiliate relationships on our affiliate disclaimer page.