If you’re searching for a snack that’s both delicious and guilt-free, I have just the thing for you—a Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen. These cookies are moist, naturally sweet, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make them perfect for breakfast or an anytime treat. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked as I am!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally sweetened: Made with ripe bananas and honey, so no refined sugar needed.
- Simple ingredients: You probably have everything on hand already—super accessible and easy.
- Perfectly chewy texture: Thanks to the rolled oats and oat flour, these cookies hold their shape and feel hearty.
- Family-approved: My kids actually ask for these instead of traditional cookies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I really love about this Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is that the flavors are straightforward but work so beautifully together—the sweetness of bananas, warm cinnamon, and chewy raisins. Plus, the ingredients are mostly pantry staples, making your shopping super easy.
- Ripe bananas: The riper, the better—overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Unsweetened applesauce: This keeps the cookies moist without extra fat.
- Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and helps bind the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a lovely warmth and depth of flavor.
- Rolled oats: The star ingredient for texture and heartiness.
- Oat flour: Helps give the cookies structure without extra gluten.
- Cinnamon: Adds that cozy spice that pairs perfectly with banana.
- Baking powder: Gives a little lift, so the cookies aren’t too dense.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Raisins: Optional but I love the chewy sweet pops they add.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to tweak it to your liking—you can easily add your favorite nuts or swap the raisins for chocolate chips if you want a touch of indulgence.
- Nutty Variation: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives a delightful crunch. I’ve found it adds great texture and a boost of healthy fats.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Mix in mini dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor that still feels wholesome.
- Seed Boost: Sprinkle in chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra omega-3 goodness—I do this when I want an added nutrition punch.
- Spiced Up: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the fall—it’s a game-changer with those cozy vibes.
How to Make Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is quick but so worth it because it prevents your cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly. While your oven heats up, you can start mixing the ingredients.
Step 2: Blend Your Wet Ingredients Smooth
Using a blender or handheld mixer, combine the ripe bananas, unsweetened applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. I like this step because it ensures the batter is well combined and that each cookie will have that perfect banana flavor without lumps.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, oat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry oat mix and stir well to combine everything evenly—don’t forget to fold in the raisins last. The dough should be sticky but hold together nicely.
Step 4: Scoop and Shape Your Cookies
Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet in 1-inch balls. Flatten each one slightly with the back of a spoon—just enough to give it shape but still keep its thickness. This helps them bake evenly and creates that classic cookie look. You should get about 16 cookies out of this batch.
Step 5: Bake and Cool Before Enjoying
Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes until they’re golden on the edges and set in the middle. When I first tried this, I was nervous about underbaking, but letting them cool right on the baking sheet for 5 minutes really helps them firm up so they don’t crumble. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—or dig in while still slightly warm. Yum!
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Use Overripe Bananas: The sweeter and softer your bananas, the better the cookies turn out—don’t toss those overripe ones!
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the texture light instead of dense.
- Flatten Cookies Gently: Press just enough to shape but keep thickness for chewy centers.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Ovens vary, so start checking at 15 minutes to prevent overbaking and drying out your cookies.
How to Serve Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies right after baking—it adds a little sparkle and extra warmth. Sometimes I’ll drizzle a light smear of natural peanut butter or almond butter on top before serving for added richness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of almond milk for a light breakfast. If I’m serving them as a mid-morning snack, I love adding fresh fruit like apple slices or berries on the side for a nice balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch or baby shower, I’ve served these Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies stacked on a pastel-colored platter with edible flowers and fresh fruit around—so cute and inviting. You could also package a dozen in a mason jar tied with twine as a thoughtful, wholesome gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The oats keep them surprisingly fresh and chewy. If I know I won’t finish them that fast, I stash the container in the fridge to extend their shelf life by a couple more days.
Freezing
Freezing these cookies works wonderfully! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature or warm up directly in a toaster oven for a freshly baked feel.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the cookies in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes their softness and reactivates those comforting flavors—it’s almost like baking them fresh again.
FAQs
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Can I make these Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and make sure your oats and oat flour are certified gluten-free if needed. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
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Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You can, but the texture will be different—quick oats tend to make cookies less chewy and a bit softer. For that classic chewy bite, stick to rolled oats if you can.
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How do I make oat flour at home?
Just blend rolled oats in a high-speed blender or food processor until fine and powdery. It’s easy and more budget-friendly than buying pre-made oat flour.
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Can I add nuts or seeds to the recipe?
Yes! Adding chopped nuts or seeds adds great texture and nutrition. Just fold them in with the raisins before baking. I’ve found that walnuts or chia seeds work really well.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe manages to be both wholesome and delicious—a rare combo for me! Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or even a kid-friendly treat, these cookies hit the spot every single time. Give them a try, and I’m confident they’ll become a favorite in your home just like they are in mine. Happy baking!
Print
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. Made with ripe bananas, oats, and wholesome ingredients, they are naturally sweetened and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on the go.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons oat flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/3 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Using a blender or hand mixer, combine the mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the rolled oats, oat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly to combine all components evenly, then gently fold in the raisins for added texture and sweetness.
- Form Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, drop 1-inch cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten the tops slightly using the back end of a spoon to help them bake evenly without breaking apart. You should have about 16 cookies.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown and are set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your healthy breakfast cookies warm or store for later!
Notes
- For a nut-free version, ensure the oat flour is made from oats without cross-contamination.
- You can replace raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates.
- Optionally, add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber and omega-3.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 3 months.
- If you prefer a sweeter cookie, add an additional tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
