These chewy banana oatmeal cookies are a delicious treat that combines ripe bananas, hearty oats, and a hint of sweetness. They’re soft, satisfying, and perfect for snack time!
Honestly, I love how easy they are to whip up! Just mash bananas, mix in oats, and bake. They disappear fast, so be ready to share—or keep them all to yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key here. Their natural sweetness and moisture make these cookies chewy. If you’re out of bananas, you could use unsweetened applesauce as an alternative, about 1/2 cup for every banana.
Oats: Quick oats work best for a lighter texture. If you only have rolled oats, you can use those; just remember to chop them a bit for a better consistency. Steel-cut oats are too coarse for this recipe.
Brown Sugar: While optional, it boosts sweetness. If you’d like a healthier alternative, consider using honey or maple syrup. Just reduce the liquid in your dough slightly to maintain texture.
Applesauce: I like using unsweetened applesauce for moisture, but melted coconut oil or butter can add a rich flavor. If you want to keep it vegan, stick to applesauce!
Nuts and Mix-Ins: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, but feel free to skip them or swap them for your favorite nut or seed. Chocolate chips can be used for a sweeter touch!
How Do You Achieve Chewy Cookies?
Creating chewy cookies is all about the balance of ingredients and the baking process. Here are some tips to ensure you get that perfect chewy texture:
- Use ripe bananas, as they provide moisture and sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you combine the wet and dry ingredients; just stir until everything is combined.
- Baking at 350°F yields a nice balance between cooking the insides and browning the edges. Keep an eye on your cookies, as ovens may vary.
- Letting cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet helps them firm up while keeping them chewy.
Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe medium bananas, mashed
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (or melted butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
Gather your ingredients and budget about 10-15 minutes for prep time. Then, you’ll bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes. In total, you should have these delicious cookies ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Banana Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they’re smooth. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the brown sugar (if you’re using it), applesauce (or melted butter), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the quick oats, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. This helps ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixes:
Gently combine the dry ingredients with the wet banana mixture. Stir just until everything is incorporated—don’t overmix!
6. Add Extras:
If you’re using walnuts, pecans, raisins, or chocolate chips, fold them into the dough now. This will give your cookies a nice texture and flavor boost.
7. Scoop the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread a little while baking.
8. Bake Them Up:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden around the edges and set in the middle.
9. Cooling Time:
Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Enjoy your delectable chewy banana oatmeal cookies with a glass of milk or a cozy cup of tea. They’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
FAQ for Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they are sweeter and mash more easily, enhancing the flavor and texture of your cookies.
What Can I Substitute for Applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce, melted butter or coconut oil can be used instead. Both options will add moisture and a rich flavor to your cookies. Just use the same amount as the applesauce.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your cookies by adding different mix-ins like chopped dried fruit, seeds, or even a dash of nutmeg for a flavor twist. Just keep the total amount to about 1/2 cup to maintain the dough consistency.
