Indulge in the wholesome goodness of banana oatmeal cookies, a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with hearty oats. These cookies are not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients, making them a perfect choice for breakfast or a snack. With their chewy texture and comforting flavors, they will surely become a favorite in your home. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour (whole wheat or all-purpose)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 12 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 120 calories, 4g fat, 18g carbohydrates, 2g protein, and 2g fiber.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add melted coconut oil (or butter) and mix well.
- Stir in the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- If desired, fold in chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Use a spoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute whole wheat flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile. For a vegan version, replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water.
Serving and Pairings
These cookies are delightful on their own but can be served with a dollop of yogurt or alongside a fresh fruit salad for a balanced snack. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies; mix until just combined.
- Using unripe bananas will result in a less sweet cookie.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect texture.
- Skipping the cooling step may lead to crumbly cookies.
- Using too much flour can make the cookies dry.
Helpful Tips
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness.
- Experiment with add-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
- Chill the dough for a firmer texture before baking.
- Use parchment paper for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges turn golden brown. They may look slightly underbaked in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
How long will these cookies last?
When stored in an airtight container, these cookies will last for about 5 days at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I use other add-ins?
Yes! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to customize your cookies according to your taste.
Are these cookies healthy?
Yes, these cookies are made with wholesome ingredients and can be a nutritious snack option, especially when made with whole grain flour and less sugar.
Conclusion
Banana oatmeal cookies are a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious treat while also benefiting from healthy ingredients. Simple to prepare and versatile, these cookies can easily become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a delightful snack throughout the week!
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour whole wheat or all-purpose
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add melted coconut oil (or butter) and mix well.
- Stir in the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- If desired, fold in chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Use a spoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
