These easy low calorie oatmeal cookies are soft, chewy, and made with simple ingredients for a lighter homemade cookie option. Made with oats, mashed banana, applesauce, and a touch of sweetness, these cookies are perfect when you want a delicious treat without making a traditional buttery cookie recipe.
They are easy to prepare in one bowl and can be customized with ingredients like raisins, chocolate chips, cinnamon, or chopped nuts. Enjoy them as a quick snack, simple dessert, or homemade breakfast-style cookie.
If you’re looking for an easy oatmeal cookie recipe with simple ingredients and a lighter profile, these low calorie oatmeal cookies are a delicious option.
Why You’ll Love These Low Calorie Oatmeal Cookies
- Easy to make
- Soft and chewy
- Made with simple ingredients
- No complicated preparation
- One-bowl recipe
- Naturally sweet banana flavor
- Great for snacks
- Easy to customize
- Family-friendly
- Perfect for meal prep
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup raisins
Optional Add-Ins:
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
Ingredient Notes
Rolled Oats
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide a chewy texture.
Quick oats can also be used, but the texture may be softer.
Ripe Bananas
Use ripe bananas with brown spots.
They add natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
Unsweetened Applesauce
Applesauce helps keep the cookies soft and moist.
Use unsweetened applesauce to avoid adding unnecessary sweetness.
Honey or Maple Syrup
A small amount adds extra sweetness.
You can adjust the amount based on how sweet your bananas are.
How to Make Low Calorie 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.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the:
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Honey or maple syrup
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
Mix until well combined.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the:
- Rolled oats
- Ground cinnamon
- Baking powder
- Salt
Stir until everything is evenly combined.
5. Add the Raisins
Fold the raisins into the oatmeal cookie dough.
Add any optional ingredients if desired.
6. Shape the Cookies
Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie.
Place the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Gently flatten each cookie because this dough will not spread as much as traditional cookie dough.
7. Bake
Bake for approximately 12–15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
8. Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve
Enjoy the cookies warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Low Calorie Oatmeal Cookies
Use Ripe Bananas
Ripe bananas provide the best natural sweetness and moisture.
Bananas with brown spots work especially well.
Don’t Overmix
Stir the ingredients until just combined.
Overmixing can affect the final texture.
Flatten the Cookies
These cookies do not spread like traditional butter-based cookies.
Gently flatten them before baking.
Adjust the Sweetness
Taste the mixture before baking if preferred.
Very ripe bananas may allow you to reduce the added honey or maple syrup.
Let Them Cool
The cookies will become firmer as they cool.
Allow them to cool completely for the best texture.
Low Calorie Oatmeal Cookie Variations
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Add a small amount of mini chocolate chips.
For a lighter option, use dark chocolate chips.
Raisin Oatmeal Cookies
Add additional raisins for more classic oatmeal raisin flavor.
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Use extra ripe banana and leave out the applesauce for a stronger banana flavor.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Add 1–2 tablespoons peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
Keep in mind that this will change the nutritional profile.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Add finely diced apple and a little extra cinnamon.
How to Store Low Calorie Oatmeal Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool completely.
Store them in an airtight container.
Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Can You Freeze Low Calorie 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.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are These Cookies Actually Low Calorie?
The calorie content depends on the exact ingredients, brands, portion sizes, and optional add-ins used.
To keep the recipe lighter, use unsweetened applesauce, ripe bananas, and limit higher-calorie additions.
Can I Make These Without Honey?
Yes.
You can leave out the honey or maple syrup, especially if your bananas are very ripe.
Can I Use Quick Oats?
Yes.
Quick oats can be used, but the cookies may have a softer texture.
Can I Add Protein Powder?
Yes.
A small amount of protein powder can be added, but you may need to adjust the moisture slightly because protein powder can make the dough drier.
Are These Cookies Gluten-Free?
They can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and checking that all other ingredients meet your dietary requirements.
Recipe Card
Easy Low Calorie Oatmeal Cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 25 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until well combined.
- Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir until combined.
- Fold in the raisins.
- Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool before serving.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.