If you are craving a wholesome snack that feels like a little treat but supports your wellness journey, look no further than this Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe. These cookies are packed with natural energy, fiber, and just the right touch of sweetness from ripe bananas, making them a delicious choice for anyone seeking tasty snacks that align with their health goals. Every bite is soft, chewy, and satisfying, proving that weight loss-friendly foods can be incredibly enjoyable without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward making your Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe a success. Each component plays a unique role, from the creamy peanut butter adding richness to the oats creating hearty texture, ensuring every cookie bakes up perfectly.
- 2 ripe bananas: Naturally sweet and creamy, they bind the ingredients and add moisture.
- 1 cup quick oats: Provide whole grain goodness and a great chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter: Adds protein, healthy fats, and a nutty flavor boost.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the cookies moist without extra sugar or fat.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Offers a warm, comforting spice that complements the bananas perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a lovely aromatic depth.
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (optional): Adds fiber and omega-3s for a nutritional upgrade.
- 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional): For a little crunch or chocolate indulgence without guilt.
How to Make Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make sure your cookies won’t stick, setting you up for success with clean removal and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they are completely smooth. This is the natural sweetener and binder for your cookies, so make sure there are no large chunks left for the best texture.
Step 3: Mix in the Ingredients
Add the quick oats, peanut butter, unsweetened applesauce, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and ground flaxseed if you are using it. Stir everything together thoroughly so that all those wonderful flavors combine and the mixture is consistent.
Step 4: Fold in Optional Add-Ins
If you love a bit of texture or chocolate, gently fold in the mini dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts now. This step is where you can personalize your Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto your lined baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of your spoon to encourage even baking and that classic cookie shape.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges and a set center—the telltale signs that these nutritious cookies are ready to come out of the oven.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up while keeping them soft and chewy inside.
How to Serve Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a touch of cinnamon or a few extra mini chocolate chips on top of warm cookies to make them feel extra special. A light drizzle of natural peanut butter can also enhance their creamy, nutty charm.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea or a glass of almond milk for a comforting snack. They also make a fantastic on-the-go breakfast alongside fresh fruit or Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich your Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies with a smear of almond butter or low-fat cream cheese. You can also crumble them over smoothie bowls or top your oats with broken pieces for extra texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They maintain their moist and chewy texture wonderfully when stored this way.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, making them a convenient snack to have on hand whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or refrigerated cookies, simply warm them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them into a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This freshens them up without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute peanut butter for another nut or seed butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work beautifully in this Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe, offering subtle flavor changes while keeping the same creamy texture.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
They can be if you choose certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats may sometimes be cross-contaminated, so checking the label is key for a gluten-free diet.
Can I add sweeteners like honey or maple syrup?
While the ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup can be added if you prefer your cookies on the sweeter side. Just remember this will add some extra calories.
Is it necessary to use flaxseed?
Using ground flaxseed is optional but highly recommended for an extra fiber and omega-3 boost. If you don’t have flaxseed, you can leave it out without affecting the cookie structure significantly.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe yields about 12 cookies, making it perfect for sharing or having a batch ready for several snack times.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about these Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe cookies—they bring together wholesome ingredients with simple steps to create a snack that’s both nourishing and comforting. I encourage you to try making these at home to enjoy a guilt-free treat that supports your health and taste buds equally. Once you do, they’ll become a favorite grab-and-go deliciousness you can feel good about.
Print
Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies are a delicious and healthy snack option perfect for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without compromising their diet. Made with mashed ripe bananas, quick oats, natural peanut butter, and unsweetened applesauce, these cookies are vegan, gluten-free (if certified oats are used), and packed with fiber and protein to keep you full. Enhanced with optional ground flaxseed and mini dark chocolate chips or nuts, they are easy to make, low in calories, and ideal for breakfast or on-the-go snacking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash Bananas: In a medium-sized bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the quick oats, natural peanut butter, unsweetened applesauce, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and ground flaxseed (if using) to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: Gently fold in the mini dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts if you desire extra texture and flavor in your cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Using a spoon, drop dollops of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of the spoon to flatten each cookie slightly for even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden and the centers are firm and set.
- Cool: 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 before serving or storing.
Notes
- Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
- Add chopped raisins or shredded coconut to vary the flavor and texture.
- Use ripe bananas to ensure the cookies have natural sweetness without added sugar.
