If you have been searching for a comforting and delicious treat that feels homemade and wholesome, look no further than this Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. Packed with ripe bananas, hearty oats, and just the right hints of cinnamon and sweetness, these cookies offer a perfect balance of tender chewiness and warm flavors. They are so simple to pull together yet deliver that cozy, satisfying bite every single time, making them a beloved snack to enjoy with a cup of tea or pack in lunchboxes for a sweet pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe relies on a handful of pantry staples that come together beautifully to create both texture and flavor. Each ingredient is essential—from the creamy butter adding richness to the sweet and fragrant ripe banana enhancing moisture and natural sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a creamy base and buttery richness for the perfect cookie crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps in achieving a slight crispness around the edges.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings a deep, caramel-like flavor and moisture for chewiness.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, giving structure and softness to the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses a lovely aromatic sweetness that makes the cookies irresistible.
- Mashed ripe banana (1/2 cup): The star ingredient, adding natural sweetness, moisture, and that trademark chew.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides structure and lightness to balance the moist ingredients.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just right and stay tender.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, keeping the sweetness in check.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Adds a warm, comforting spice note that pairs beautifully with banana and oats.
- Old-fashioned oats (1 1/2 cups): Deliver heartiness and texture, giving these cookies their chewy signature.
- Optional add-ins (1/2 cup): Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins add a fun twist to customize your batch.
How to Make Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking, making clean-up a breeze and helping the cookies hold their shape beautifully.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because creaming incorporates air, helping the cookies have a light yet chewy texture, with caramel notes from the brown sugar shining through.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana until everything melds into a smooth batter. The banana not only sweetens the mix naturally but also keeps the cookies moist and gives that wonderful chewy bite we’re aiming for in this recipe.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which keeps your cookies tender and prevents them from turning tough.
Step 5: Fold in Oats and Add-ins
Stir in the hearty oats that are the cornerstone of your Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe, making sure they’re evenly distributed. This is also the moment to gently fold in any extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins to add personality and burst of flavor.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each about two inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies room to spread slightly without merging, giving you those perfectly shaped rounds you want.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown. The centers should remain soft and chewy, embodying the heart of this recipe’s appeal with that tender middle that’s irresistible.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheets for five minutes once out of the oven. This little cooling time lets them firm up enough to move without breaking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—an important step to let the flavors settle and texture perfect itself.
How to Serve Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Although these cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving can elevate their look and flavor. A drizzle of melted chocolate also offers a beautiful visual and decadent touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your chewy banana oatmeal cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or comforting hot tea. The warm spices and banana notes are amazing companions to these cozy drinks, creating a perfect snack or dessert moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider sandwiching the cookies with a layer of cream cheese frosting or peanut butter for a fun twist. You can also crumble them over ice cream or yogurt for added texture and flavor, turning this recipe from simple cookies into a versatile treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe batch has cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack for busy days.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. When stored properly, they’ll keep for up to 3 months without losing that amazing chewiness.
Reheating
To enjoy thawed or refrigerated cookies at their best, warm them gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F to regain that soft, chewy texture like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While old-fashioned oats provide the ideal chewy texture, you can use quick oats if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that quick oats will create a softer texture and less pronounced chew in the cookies.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
Ripe bananas are key because they offer the natural sweetness and moisture that give these cookies their signature softness and flavor. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag for a day or baking them at 300°F for about 15 minutes until soft and speckled.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a real egg. The texture might vary slightly but will still be deliciously chewy.
Is it necessary to add cinnamon?
Cinnamon isn’t mandatory but highly recommended to complement the banana’s sweetness and add a subtle warmth that elevates the overall flavor profile of these cookies.
How do I keep the cookies chewy instead of crispy?
To maintain chewiness, avoid overbaking your cookies—they should be pulled out when the edges are just golden and the centers are still soft. Also, packing the dough with brown sugar and using ripe bananas helps lock in moisture for that perfect chew.
Final Thoughts
These Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe are truly a treat worth making and sharing. Their natural sweetness and satisfying texture bring comfort and joy in every bite, and the simple ingredients mean you’re never far from a batch of these goodies in your kitchen. Give it a try—you might find that these cookies quickly become one of your favorite recipes to bake again and again.
Print
Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with wholesome oats. Perfectly soft and chewy with a hint of cinnamon, these cookies can be customized with chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins for extra flavor and texture. Ideal for a healthy snack or dessert, they are easy to make and sure to satisfy your cookie cravings.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy, which helps create a light texture.
- Add Egg, Vanilla, and Banana: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana until all are fully combined, incorporating moisture and flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spice.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Incorporate Oats and Optional Add-ins: Fold in the old-fashioned oats along with any optional chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins for added texture and taste.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft and chewy for that perfect bite.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
Notes
- You can substitute old-fashioned oats with quick oats if needed, but the texture will be slightly different.
- For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil and egg with a flax egg.
- Adding nuts or chocolate chips enhances flavor but can be omitted for a simple version.
- Store cookies in an airtight container: they stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or can be frozen for longer storage.
