Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

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Soft, chewy, and irresistibly comforting—these Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are my go-to treat when I want something sweet but not overly indulgent. Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and a tender texture, while hearty oats and chocolate chips add substance and richness. These cookies strike the perfect balance between dessert and snack, and I love how they make my kitchen smell like a warm hug.

I first made these cookies to use up some overripe bananas, but they quickly became a staple in my baking rotation. They’re easy to whip up, kid-friendly, and feel just a bit healthier than your average cookie thanks to the oats and fruit. Whether you enjoy them with coffee in the morning or sneak one in for a midnight snack, they never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

These cookies are packed with flavor, incredibly soft, and just the right amount of sweet. They’re also a great way to use up those browning bananas on your counter. With wholesome ingredients like oats and banana, they’re a feel-good treat for both kids and adults. Bonus: no need for a mixer or fancy tools—just a bowl, a spoon, and a craving for something delicious.

What Kind of Oats Should I Use?

I recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats for the best chewy texture. They hold their shape during baking and provide that classic oatmeal cookie bite. Quick oats will also work in a pinch, but the texture may be softer and less defined. Avoid steel-cut oats—they’re too tough and chewy for this recipe.

Options for Substitutions

• Bananas: If you’re short on ripe bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be used, though it will slightly change the flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Swap them out for raisins, chopped walnuts, or even white chocolate chips for a different twist.
• Flour: You can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste or a gluten-free blend to make the cookies gluten-free.
• Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used instead of brown sugar for a more natural sweetener.
• Butter: Melted coconut oil works as a dairy-free alternative.

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Ingredients for Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

• Ripe Bananas: The star of the recipe, adding natural sweetness, moisture, and softness. Make sure they’re deeply speckled or fully brown.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These give the cookies that hearty, chewy bite that makes oatmeal cookies so satisfying.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and holds the cookies together.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth with a hint of molasses flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and helps with the chewy texture. Melted for easy mixing.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies rise just enough.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Baking Soda: Ensures the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Chocolate Chips: A classic mix-in that melts into gooey bites of chocolatey goodness in every cookie.

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Step 1: Mash the Bananas

Start by mashing 2 large ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay—they add texture and keep the cookies moist.

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Add 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Then add 1 and 1/2 cups of rolled oats to the dry mixture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix—the batter should be thick and sticky.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Fold in about 3/4 cup of chocolate chips (or more if you like them extra chocolatey). You can also add nuts or dried fruit here if desired.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each, as they’ll spread slightly.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then dig in while they’re still slightly warm and gooey!

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How Long to Prepare Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Prep Time: These cookies come together quickly—mashing bananas, mixing, and scooping the dough takes about 15 minutes. Since there’s no need to chill the dough, it’s ideal for a quick baking session.

Bake Time: Each batch needs just 10–12 minutes in the oven. Depending on the size of your oven and baking sheet, you might need two rounds of baking, so allow around 25 minutes total from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

• Use bananas that are fully ripe with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you combine the dry and wet ingredients—this helps keep the cookies soft.
• For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop so they bake evenly.
• Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before moving to a wire rack—they’ll be too soft to move straight out of the oven.
• Store with a slice of bread in an airtight container to keep them chewy for longer.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using underripe bananas: They won’t provide the same moisture or flavor.
• Skipping the salt: Even sweet cookies need salt to balance the flavor.
• Overbaking: The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out. They’ll continue cooking as they cool.
• Using quick oats or steel-cut oats: These will change the texture significantly. Stick with rolled oats.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make them dry—spoon and level for best results.

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What to Serve With Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies?

1. A Glass of Cold Milk

A classic pairing that balances the sweetness and makes every bite creamier.

2. Hot Coffee or Espresso

The slight bitterness of coffee complements the sweet, chewy cookies beautifully.

3. Fresh Fruit Salad

Add brightness and freshness to your snack time with a mix of berries, melons, and citrus.

4. Greek Yogurt with Honey

Serve the cookies as a side to a protein-packed yogurt bowl for a wholesome breakfast.

5. Vanilla Ice Cream

Warm cookies topped with a scoop of ice cream turn this simple treat into a decadent dessert.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days. They stay soft and chewy, especially if you add a slice of bread to the container.

Refrigerator: If you prefer to keep them longer, they can go in the fridge for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before eating.

Freezer: These cookies freeze wonderfully. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per cookie, based on a batch of 20 cookies)

• Calories: 130
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 90mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How ripe should my bananas be?

The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even fully brown skins.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?

Absolutely! Scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

You may have used too much butter or not enough flour. Also, make sure your dough isn’t too warm when going into the oven.

Can I make them vegan?

Yes—substitute the egg with a flax egg and use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter.

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Conclusion

Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect answer to your overripe banana dilemma. Easy to make, full of texture and flavor, and endlessly customizable, these cookies are a reliable go-to for both casual snacking and more indulgent moments. Whether you’re serving them with coffee or stashing a few in your lunchbox, they deliver comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

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