Oh, let me tell you about Banana Oatmeal Cookies! These delightful little treats hold a special place in my heart (and stomach) for so many reasons. First, they are so easy to whip up, making them a perfect snack for any day of the week. Imagine coming home from a long day, the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home—pure bliss, right? Whenever I bake these, it reminds me of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen with my grandma, who would often add her own twist with a sprinkle of cinnamon and an extra handful of chocolate chips.
What I love most is how wholesome they are. With bananas and oats in the mix, I don’t even feel guilty indulging in a couple (or three)! Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas that are always sneaking onto my counter. Let’s get you all set up to make these yummy Banana Oatmeal Cookies, shall we?
What’s in Banana Oatmeal Cookies?
Bananas: The star of the show! These lending their natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for baking—you know, the ones you’ve been ignoring.
Oats: I recommend using rolled oats for that perfect chewy texture. They’re packed with fiber, making these cookies not just tasty, but filling too.
Flour: All-purpose flour or whole wheat flour works wonderfully here, adding structure to our cookies.
Brown Sugar: This adds depth of flavor and a rich, caramel-like sweetness. Feel free to adjust it based on your sweetness preference.
Egg: This acts as a binding agent. I usually use a large egg, but you can substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option.
Baking Powder: Just a teaspoon ensures that our cookies have a nice rise and aren’t too dense.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for flavor, but coconut oil can be a great dairy-free alternative.
Chocolate Chips or Nuts (optional): I can never resist the temptation of throwing in chocolate chips, but chopped walnuts or pecans can add a wonderful crunch too!
Is Banana Oatmeal Cookies Good for You?
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Are cookies really good for you?” Well, let’s break it down!
Bananas: These are packed with potassium and vitamins B6 and C, giving you a nice energy boost. They’re basically nature’s candy!
Oats: These little gems are loaded with dietary fiber, which can be heart-healthy. They keep you full longer, so a few cookies can stave off those pesky mid-afternoon snack cravings.
Brown Sugar: While it does add sweetness, it’s still sugar, so moderation is key here. However, using less than traditional cookies keeps things balanced.
And while you don’t want to binge on a dozen cookies at once (trust me on that), these cookies are a wholesome option when you’re looking for a sweet treat!
Ingredients List
– 2 overripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
– 1 cup rolled oats
– ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)
– ½ cup chocolate chips or nuts (optional, but encouraged)
This recipe makes about 12 generous cookies.
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas until smooth.
3. Add the melted butter and brown sugar to the mashed bananas and mix until well combined.
4. Beat in the egg until the mixture is fully incorporated.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, and baking powder.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
7. If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in chocolate chips or nuts at this point.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations and Sweet Inspirations
There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Here are some ways to tailor the recipe to your liking:
– Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra depth of flavor.
– Why not experiment with spices? Cinnamon or nutmeg really elevate the flavor profile.
– Swap out some of the flour for cocoa powder to create a chocolaty version—yum!
– Want to make it gluten-free? Just switch the flour with a gluten-free blend.
I can’t wait for you to give these banana oatmeal cookies a try! They’re a delightful treat that’s not only easy to make but manages to sneak in some goodness too. When you bake them, don’t forget to share your experience or any fun variations you come up with. Happy baking!