These easy banana oatmeal cookies are soft, naturally sweet, and incredibly simple to make. With ripe bananas, hearty oats, and a few pantry ingredients, you can make a delicious homemade cookie that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a quick healthy treat.
The natural sweetness from ripe bananas helps reduce the need for extra sugar, while oats add a satisfying chewy texture. You can keep these cookies simple or add chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Whether you need a quick snack for the family or an easy recipe for meal prep, these banana oatmeal cookies are a delicious option.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Oatmeal Cookies
- Easy to make
- Made with simple ingredients
- Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas
- Soft and chewy
- Great for breakfast or snacks
- Easy to customize
- Family-friendly
- Perfect for meal prep
- Freezer-friendly
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, optional
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips, optional
- 1/4 cup raisins, optional
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, optional
Ingredient Notes
Ripe Bananas
Use bananas with plenty of brown spots.
The riper the bananas, the sweeter and softer your cookies will be.
Rolled Oats
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best chewy texture.
Quick oats can also work, but the texture will be softer.
Optional Mix-Ins
Chocolate chips, raisins, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut are all delicious additions.
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mash the Bananas
Place the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl.
Mash them with a fork until mostly smooth.
Small pieces of banana are completely fine.
3. Add the Remaining Ingredients
Add:
- Rolled oats
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Maple syrup or honey if using
Mix until everything is evenly combined.
4. Add Optional Mix-Ins
If desired, gently fold in:
- Chocolate chips
- Raisins
- Chopped walnuts
You can use one mix-in or a combination.
5. Shape the Cookies
Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
Use the back of a spoon to gently flatten each cookie.
These cookies will not spread as much as traditional cookies.
6. Bake
Bake for approximately 12–15 minutes.
The cookies are ready when they feel set and the edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes.
Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve
Enjoy the cookies warm or at room temperature.
They are delicious with:
- Milk
- Coffee
- Tea
- Greek yogurt
- Fresh fruit
Tips for the Best Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Use Very Ripe Bananas
Ripe bananas are naturally sweeter and easier to mash.
Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
Don’t Add Too Much Oatmeal
Too many oats can make the cookies dry.
The mixture should be thick but still slightly moist.
Flatten the Cookies
These cookies do not spread much while baking.
Flattening them before baking helps create the right cookie shape.
Customize the Flavor
Add cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts to create different flavors.
Let Them Cool
The cookies will firm up slightly as they cool.
Banana Oatmeal Cookie Variations
Chocolate Chip Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Add 1/4 cup chocolate chips to the mixture.
Dark chocolate chips are a delicious option.
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Add 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter for a richer flavor.
You may need to add a few extra oats if the mixture becomes too soft.
Raisin Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Add 1/4 cup raisins for natural sweetness.
A pinch of cinnamon pairs perfectly with raisins.
Coconut Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Add 1/4 cup shredded coconut.
The coconut adds texture and a slightly tropical flavor.
Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Add:
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- A small amount of chopped nuts
These additions can make the cookies more filling.
Can I Make These Cookies Without Added Sugar?
Yes.
Very ripe bananas provide natural sweetness.
You can leave out the maple syrup or honey for a no-added-sugar version.
Keep in mind that optional ingredients such as chocolate chips may contain added sugar.
How to Store Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Can You Freeze Banana Oatmeal Cookies?
Yes.
Allow the cookies to cool completely.
Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
What to Serve with Banana Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies are delicious with:
- A glass of milk
- Coffee
- Tea
- Greek yogurt
- Fresh berries
- A banana smoothie
They make a simple breakfast, snack, or lunchbox treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Banana Oatmeal Cookies Healthy?
These cookies can be a lighter alternative to traditional cookies because they use naturally sweet ripe bananas and oats.
The nutrition will depend on the optional ingredients and portion size.
Can I Use Quick Oats?
Yes.
Quick oats will work, but the final texture may be softer.
Rolled oats provide a chewier texture.
Can I Add an Egg?
An egg is not necessary for this simple recipe because mashed banana helps bind the oats.
Why Are My Cookies Too Soft?
Banana oatmeal cookies are naturally softer than traditional cookies.
Allowing them to cool completely helps them firm up.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Yes.
Use certified gluten-free oats if you need the recipe to be gluten-free.
Recipe Card
Easy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 25 minutes
Servings: 10 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, optional
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl.
- Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla, and optional maple syrup.
- Mix until well combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips or other optional mix-ins.
- Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of mixture onto the baking sheet.
- Flatten each cookie gently.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool before serving.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.