If you’re looking for a wholesome cookie that doubles as breakfast, snack, or dessert without sacrificing flavor or convenience, you’re in for a treat.
Meet your new go-to: banana oatmeal cookies. Made with just 3 main ingredients, they’re naturally sweet, kid-friendly, and completely customizable.
Whether you’re a busy mom, health-conscious snacker, or a student rushing to class, these cookies are for you.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Finding a snack that’s healthy, easy to make, and tastes good feels like winning the food lottery. These banana oatmeal cookies check all the boxes and then some.
First, they’re made with just three ingredients: ripe bananas, oats, and chocolate chips. That’s it: no eggs, no flour, no butter, no sugar. You don’t even need a mixer. Grab a bowl, a fork, and a few pantry staples, and you’re ready.
But what makes these cookies special is how versatile they are. Need a quick breakfast while running out the door? Done. Something wholesome to tuck into your kid’s lunchbox? Perfect. A cozy midnight snack that won’t wreck your healthy eating goals? These cookies have your back.
And let’s talk about the flavor for a second: they’re naturally sweet from the bananas, hearty from the oats, and indulgent enough with those melty chocolate chips. It’s like banana bread had a delicious little cookie baby, and you don’t even have to feel guilty eating two (or five).
You’ll also love how easy they are to customize. Add cinnamon for warmth, raisins for chew, or a touch of honey if you like sweeter things. Want them vegan? Already done. Gluten-free? Just use certified oats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is the poster child for simplicity. Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen. Here’s what goes into the magic:
🟡 Bananas (2 medium-sized)
Bananas are the heart of this recipe. You want them ripe or overripe, with brown spots all over.
Why? Because the riper they are, the sweeter and softer they become. As bananas ripen, their starches convert to natural sugars, so you don’t need extra sweeteners.
Tip: The riper the banana, the chewier the cookie. You’ll get a firmer cookie with more banana bits if your bananas are slightly speckled.
🟠 Oats (1½ cups total)
Oats give these cookies their signature texture. You can use:
- 1 cup of quick oats: These absorb moisture quickly and create a soft, doughy base.
- ½ cup of rolled oats: These add structure and a bit of chewiness.
Mixing both gives you the perfect balance of softness and texture. If you only have one type, that’s okay too, adjust your method:
- Using only rolled oats? Let the mixture sit for 20–30 minutes to absorb the banana.
- Using only quick oats? No resting time is needed; mix and go!
🍫 Mini Chocolate Chips (⅓ to ½ cup)
This is where the indulgence sneaks in. Mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly than regular ones, giving melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
Not into chocolate? You can swap in:
- Chopped nuts
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- White chocolate or butterscotch chips
Optional Boosters
| Add-In | Amount | Why Add It? |
|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon | ½ tsp | Adds warm, cozy flavor |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp | Deepens the sweetness |
| Sea salt | Pinch | Balances out the sweetness |
| Maple syrup/Honey | 1 tbsp | Optional sweet boost |
| Chia or flax seeds | 1 tbsp | Adds fiber and texture |
The base recipe is solid, but these little extras can elevate your cookies from great to unforgettable.
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies in 25 Minutes
Ready to whip up some healthy, chewy, chocolatey banana oatmeal cookies? Let’s walk through it together step by step. No fancy tools, no complicated techniques. Just one bowl, a fork, and a few basic ingredients.
This whole recipe takes 25 minutes or less from start to finish. It’s so simple, you could practically make these with your eyes closed (but please don’t).
Step 1: Mash the Bananas Like a Pro
Start by grabbing two medium-sized ripe bananas. The riper, the better. Look for those with lots of brown spots. This means they’ll be naturally sweeter and more manageable to mash.
Here’s how to do it:
- Break the bananas into chunks with your hands or a spoon and toss them into a medium mixing bowl.
- Using the back of a fork, mash the bananas until they reach a thick, baby-food-like consistency.
- It’s okay to leave a few small chunks if you like some texture in your cookies.
🍌 Pro Tip: Super ripe bananas will give you a smooth, chewy cookie. Slightly less ripe ones will give you more bite and texture.
Step 2: Add the Oats for Structure and Heft
Next up: oats. They’re the soul of this cookie, giving it that hearty, satisfying texture.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup of quick oats – these are softer and absorb moisture faster.
- ½ cup of rolled oats – these add chewiness and a nice bite.
Add both types of oats directly into your mashed banana bowl and stir it well. Everything should be evenly combined.
🥣 No quick oats? Just use all rolled oats, but let the mixture rest for 20–30 minutes. That extra time helps them absorb the banana and softens the texture.
Step 3: Stir in the Chocolate Chips (Or Customize!)
Now it’s time to make things fun.
Add ⅓ to ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the oat and banana mixture. The amount depends on how chocolatey you want your cookies.
Stir well to combine. The oats should be fully coated in banana, and the chocolate chips should be evenly distributed.
Want to mix it up?
- Add-ins: Chopped walnuts, raisins, dried cranberries, shredded coconut
- Spices & Flavor Boosters: Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract
- Natural Sweeteners: A dash of maple syrup or honey if you love extra sweetness
This is your moment to make it your own.
Step 4: Prep the Baking Sheet
Time to get these babies ready for the oven.
Grab a rimmed baking sheet and either:
- Lightly spray it with cooking spray, or
- Line it with a Silpat or parchment paper to prevent sticking
👩🍳 Silicone mats are a game changer. Not only do they help with easy cleanup, but they also ensure your cookies bake evenly.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies with Your Hands
Here’s the thing: these cookies won’t spread while baking. So, how you shape them now is precisely how they’ll look when they come out of the oven.
Here’s what to do:
- Scoop out a heaping tablespoon of dough.
- Roll it into a ball with your hands.
- Gently flatten the ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Repeat until all the dough is used. You should get about 15 to 16 cookies from this recipe.
💡 Tip: Slightly damp hands make shaping the cookies easier and less sticky.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slide your tray of cookies into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until:
- The cookies feel firm and set when gently touched
- The tops look dry with a light golden color
They won’t spread or puff up like traditional cookies, but don’t worry, that’s precisely what you want.
Step 7: Cool and Store
When the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and cool them on the baking sheet or a wire rack.
This helps them firm up even more and gives them that satisfying chewy texture.
Once cool, store them in an airtight container:
- Fridge: Up to 7 days
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
They taste excellent cold or at room temperature. You can even pop one in the microwave for 10 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
How to Store Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Once your banana oatmeal cookies have baked to golden perfection and cooled completely, it’s time to consider storage. Thanks to the bananas, these cookies are moist and naturally soft, so storing them correctly will keep them fresh and delicious for days.
🧊 Short-Term Storage (Fridge)
Place the cookies in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They hold their shape and texture beautifully when chilled, and the flavor intensifies after a day.
If you’re like most banana cookie fans, they probably won’t last that long anyway!
Tip: Stack them with parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
❄️ Long-Term Storage (Freezer)
Want to make a big batch and save some for later? These cookies freeze very well.
Here’s how to freeze them:
- Let the cookies cool completely.
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour).
- Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container and label with the date.
They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To enjoy later:
- Let them thaw at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
- Or microwave one for 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey bite.
Flavor Variations to Try
One of the best parts about this recipe is how customizable it is. The base dough is simple, but it can be transformed in dozens of ways depending on your mood, cravings, or pantry situation.
Here are some flavor-packed variations to keep things exciting:
🍎 1. Apple Cinnamon
- Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Mix in ¼ cup chopped dried apples
- Optional: a pinch of nutmeg
This gives your cookies a cozy, apple-pie twist.
🥜 2. PB & Banana Bliss
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter
- Add chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips for crunch
It’s like a classic peanut butter banana sandwich—only better.
☕ 3. Mocha Chocolate Chip
- Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- Use dark chocolate chips or chunks
Great for coffee lovers who want that café-style treat without the guilt.
🥥 4. Coconut Craze
- Fold in 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
- Add a splash of vanilla extract
Pairs beautifully with chocolate chips or even dried pineapple bits.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve Them With
These cookies aren’t just for snacking. They’re versatile enough for a full meal or a cozy coffee break treat.
Here’s how to turn these banana oatmeal cookies into a whole experience:
☕ Coffee or Tea
Pair it with your morning cup of coffee for that coffee shop feel, but it’s healthier. Try them with:
- Black coffee
- Cinnamon-spiced latte
- Chai tea
- Herbal teas like peppermint or rooibos
🥛 Milk (Any Kind!)
Enjoy with:
- Almond milk
- Oat milk
- Whole milk
- Coconut milk
Dunking is encouraged. You’re never too old for that.
🍓 Yogurt & Fruit
Crumble a cookie over:
- Greek yogurt + fresh strawberries
- Vanilla yogurt + a drizzle of honey
- A fruit and granola parfait
You’ll get a protein-boosted, fiber-filled breakfast in minutes.
🥣 Breakfast Bowls
Use as a topping on:
- Smoothie bowls
- Chia pudding
- Overnight oats
It adds a hearty crunch and natural sweetness.
Healthy Cookie for Busy Lives
In today’s fast-paced world, we’re all juggling a million things: work, family, school, errands.
And somewhere between all that chaos, we’ve got to eat. But who has time for a sit-down breakfast or an afternoon snack that doesn’t come from a plastic wrapper?
That’s precisely where these banana oatmeal cookies shine. They’re like a mini miracle for busy lives.
✨ Grab-and-Go Goodness
Remember those days of rushing out the door with nothing but coffee in your hand? With these cookies, you can grab two, throw them in a napkin or container, and munch on the go—no mess, no guilt.
They’re great for:
- Quick breakfasts before work or school
- Mid-morning snacks between meetings
- Lunchbox treats (yes, even picky kids will love them!)
- Post-workout fuel after a gym session
- Late-night sweet cravings without the sugar crash
💪 A Smarter Way to Snack
Back in the day, the creator of this recipe was all about coffee and a muffin from a drive-thru. But over time, she craved something that felt just as satisfying, without all the sugar, refined flour, and heaviness.
Enter: these banana oatmeal cookies. They deliver that “muffin and coffee” comfort in a better-for-you format. You still get:
- The sweet banana flavor
- The chewy, soft-baked texture
- That cozy, treat-yourself feeling
But you also get:
- Whole grains from oats
- Natural sugars from bananas
- Less processed ingredients overall
So, whether you’re trying to eat clean, lose weight, or avoid junk snacks, this cookie fits into your day like it was made for you because it was.
Tips for the Best Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Even though this recipe is super simple, a few small tips can make a big difference in texture, flavor, and freshness. Let’s break it down to help you nail it every single time.
🍌 Use Ripe Bananas (With Lots of Brown Spots!)
The key to natural sweetness is using very ripe bananas. We’re talking speckled or blackened skins: the darker the peel, the sweeter and softer the banana inside.
- Very ripe bananas = sweeter and chewier cookies
- Less ripe bananas = firmer cookies with more texture
Avoid green or barely-yellow bananas—they won’t mash easily or sweeten the dough well.
🥄 Mash Bananas Until Mostly Smooth
You want a thick, chunky puree, not a total liquid. Mashing with the back of a fork gives you the best control. Leave some small chunks for texture if you like variety in each bite.
🥣 Let Rolled Oats Soak (If Needed)
Let the dough sit for 20–30 minutes before shaping if you use only rolled oats. This helps the oats absorb the banana, so your cookies won’t come out dry or fall apart.
Using quick oats? You’re good to go immediately.
🍫 Mini Chocolate Chips = Best Distribution
Mini chips give you that perfect little pocket of chocolate in every bite. Regular chips also work, but this delicate cookie may clump and feel heavy.
Try dark chocolate or dairy-free chips if you want a healthier twist.
🖐 Shape Before You Bake
These cookies don’t spread in the oven like traditional ones. Whatever shape you give them before baking—that’s the shape they’ll have after.
Scoop, roll, and flatten each cookie before placing it on the tray.
🔥 Don’t Overbake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes. They should look set on top and slightly golden on the edges.
Remember: these cookies will firm up as they cool. If you bake them too long, they might dry out or become tough.
Final Thoughts
This banana oatmeal cookie recipe is the definition of “healthy made easy.” With just three base ingredients, it’s the ultimate busy-person cookie.
Whether you’re rushing out the door, packing lunchboxes, or want a cozy bite with your coffee, this cookie delivers every time.
Give it a try. Make it your own. And most importantly, enjoy every bite!
🍪 More Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more healthy, easy, and delicious cookie recipes to add to your snack lineup? Check out these reader favorites:
- 👉 Easy Cherry Cookies Recipe for Summer!
Sweet, fruity, and made for sunny days, these cherry cookies are a summer must-bake! - 👉 Quick 20-Min Peanut Butter Cookies You’ll Crave
Crumbly, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor, ready in a flash! - 👉 Homemade Oreo Cookies Recipe: Better Than Store-Bought!
Soft, chocolatey, and stuffed with cream, your favorite childhood cookie, reinvented from scratch.
The brain behind FoodBears.com, Rafiul Islam, has diverse talents and passions. Professionally an architect, Rafiul has always been interested in design and structure. His architectural background is evident in how FoodBears.com has been meticulously designed, ensuring an intuitive user experience that appeals to food enthusiasts of all kinds. But what truly sets Rafiul apart is his love for food and his knack for search engine optimization (SEO).
