How to Make Golden Baked Banana Oatmeal Cookies: A Simple Guide
Are you one of those people who love cookies but want something healthier and homemade? Then golden baked banana oatmeal cookies are perfect for you! These cookies are soft, chewy, sweet, and packed with nutrients. Plus, they’re super simple to make and don’t require fancy ingredients. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the entire process in simple English. Let’s get baking!
Why Banana Oatmeal Cookies?
Banana oatmeal cookies combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the hearty goodness of oats. They’re a healthier alternative to sugar-filled desserts and are perfect for snacking, breakfast, or even a quick boost of energy during the day. Since bananas are a key ingredient, this recipe is great for using up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make a batch of 12–15 cookies:
- 2 ripe bananas – Make sure your bananas have brown spots. The riper they are, the sweeter your cookies will be!
- 1 cup of rolled oats – These oats give the cookies the perfect texture and chewiness.
- ½ cup of flour – You can use all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour for a healthier touch.
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda – This helps the cookies puff up a little.
- ¼ cup of butter (softened) or coconut oil – For extra richness.
- ¼ cup of brown sugar or honey (optional) – If your bananas are super sweet, you may not even need to add more sugar!
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon – For a warm, cozy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – Adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.
- Optional add-ins:
- Chocolate chips (¼ cup) for a touch of sweetness.
- Chopped nuts (¼ cup) like walnuts or almonds for crunch.
- Dried fruits (e.g., raisins or cranberries) for extra texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
First things first—gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Peel your ripe bananas and put them into a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them until they’re smooth and creamy. The mashed banana will act as a natural sweetener and binder for your cookies.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the softened butter (or coconut oil), vanilla extract, and optional honey or sugar into the bowl with the mashed bananas. Stir the mixture until everything is well blended. If you’re skipping the sweetener, that’s totally fine—bananas are naturally sweet!
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together your rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. These are the ingredients that will give your cookies their delicious texture and structure.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir everything together until there’s no dry flour left. The batter should be slightly sticky but not runny. At this stage, feel free to fold in any add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small amounts of batter onto your prepared baking sheet. Shape them into round cookies and gently flatten them with the back of your spoon. Make sure to leave a little space between each cookie since they’ll spread slightly while baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Pop the tray into the oven and bake your cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn. The cookies may feel soft when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and keeps them from falling apart. After cooling completely, your golden baked banana oatmeal cookies are ready to enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Ripe Bananas Are Key: Don’t use green or under-ripe bananas—they won’t add enough sweetness or softness to your cookies.
- Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with add-ins! Whether it’s dark chocolate chips for a dessert-like treat or sunflower seeds for a nut-free crunch, the options are endless.
- Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 1 month and thaw them as needed.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These golden baked banana oatmeal cookies are deliciously simple and packed with wholesome ingredients. They’re great for kids, adults, and anyone looking for a healthier way to enjoy cookies. Plus, the recipe is flexible, so you can adjust it to suit your taste and dietary needs.
So, the next time those bananas on your counter start looking overripe, don’t toss them out—turn them into these amazing cookies instead! Give this recipe a try, and let me know how they turn out. Happy baking!
