If you’re craving something that perfectly balances wholesome goodness with irresistible sweetness, you absolutely need to try this Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. These cookies are soft, moist, and packed with flavors from ripe bananas and warm cinnamon, all wrapped in the hearty texture of oats. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing snack, these cookies hit that sweet spot of chewy and comforting every single time. Plus, they’re wonderfully simple to whip up, making them a staple you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the butter that brings richness to the oats that add heartiness, each component works in harmony to elevate these cookies to pure deliciousness.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup: Brings creamy richness and helps achieve that tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup: Adds a slight sweetness and helps with browning.
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup packed: Infuses moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- Large egg, 1: Binds everything together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Elevates the flavors and adds warmth.
- Mashed ripe banana, 1/2 cup: The star ingredient that lends natural sweetness and chewiness.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup: Provides structure for the cookies to hold their shape.
- Baking soda, 1/2 tsp: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture.
- Salt, 1/4 tsp: Balances sweetness and enhances depth of flavor.
- Ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp: Adds a cozy spice that complements the bananas beautifully.
- Old-fashioned oats, 1 1/2 cups: Delivers that essential chewy texture and rustic look.
- Optional add-ins, 1/2 cup: Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins—choose your favorite for extra flavor and fun.
How to Make Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Before you get started, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This little prep step saves you time and keeps your cookies looking flawless.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Beat them until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air and ensures your cookies have the perfect tender texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Mashed Banana
Next, beat in the egg, pure vanilla extract, and the mashed ripe banana. The banana not only adds sweetness but also keeps the cookies moist and chewy. Make sure everything is well combined for an even flavor throughout.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step ensures that your leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed, giving your cookies a nice lift and that warm, inviting aroma.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. This helps keep your cookies soft rather than tough.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Optional Add-ins
Gently fold in the oats along with any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins. These additions bring bursts of flavor and delightful texture that make each bite exciting.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto your lined baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft and chewy—that’s the hallmark of this recipe’s irresistible charm.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes so they firm up just enough before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This gives you that perfect balance of still-chewy centers and slightly crisp edges.
How to Serve Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can add an elegant touch. Toasted coconut flakes also work amazingly for a tropical twist that complements the banana flavor brilliantly.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of chai or coffee turns snack time into a cozy ritual. For a brunch setting, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a wholesome and satisfying combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a lovely gift, or create cookie sandwiches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between. For a party, arrange them on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and nuts for an inviting dessert spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature, and they should stay fresh for up to five days. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps keep them moist by absorbing excess air.
Freezing
If you want to hold onto these treats longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet initially, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature when the craving hits.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop your cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This softens them perfectly, reinvigorating their chewy texture and delightful aroma.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe because they are sweeter and easier to mash, which enhances the overall flavor and softness of the cookies.
Can I substitute old-fashioned oats with quick oats?
While quick oats can be used, old-fashioned oats provide more texture and chewiness, which are key features of this Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
They are not gluten-free as written because they use all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend to make them suitable for gluten intolerance.
Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with dried fruits, seeds, or even shredded coconut to customize the cookies to your liking.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh up to five days at room temperature, and their flavor and texture can be preserved longer if frozen.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe, it’s easy to understand why it becomes such a beloved treat. They’re not only wonderfully chewy and flavorful but also a warm, wholesome comfort in cookie form. So why not bake a batch today and share the delicious joy with your friends and family? You’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies combine the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with hearty old-fashioned oats for a deliciously soft and chewy treat. Enhanced with warm cinnamon and optional add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins, these cookies are perfect for a wholesome snack or dessert that balances flavor and texture in every bite.
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
Other
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- Optional: 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 prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, ensuring even sweetness and texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana until fully incorporated, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and keep cookies tender.
- Add Oats and Optional Mix-ins: Fold in the old-fashioned oats along with any optional add-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins for texture and additional flavor.
- Portion Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden while centers remain soft and chewy for ideal texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, preventing breakage.
Notes
- For softer cookies, don’t overbake; remove once edges are golden but centers still look moist.
- You can substitute gluten-free flour if needed to make these cookies gluten-free.
- Optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins add texture and flavor but are not required.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing the dough is possible; freeze spoonfuls on a tray, then transfer to a bag and bake from frozen with an extra minute or two baking time.
