Looking for a quick and tasty treat? These savory Banana Oatmeal Cookies are the answer! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that’s both healthy and delicious. The sweet bananas blend perfectly with oats and optional add-ins like dark chocolate and nuts. Read on to discover how easy it is to make these delightful cookies that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Banana Oatmeal Cookies
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
To start, you need ripe bananas. Look for ones with brown spots. They taste sweet and mix well. Next, grab rolled oats. These give the cookies a chewy texture. Almond flour adds a nutty flavor and keeps the cookies moist. Finally, choose between honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Both options work great!
Additional Flavor Enhancers
– 1/4 cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Now, let’s add some flavor! Peanut butter makes the cookies rich and creamy. You can use any nut butter that you like. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. Baking powder helps the cookies rise. Cinnamon gives them a nice spice, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
Optional Ingredients for Texture and Taste
– 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For extra fun, add dark chocolate chips. They melt and create a gooey center. Chopped nuts add crunch and heartiness. Feel free to mix and match! You can find the full recipe for these delicious cookies to explore all the options.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cookies bake evenly.
2. In a large bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas until smooth. Use a fork for easy mashing.
Mixing the Ingredients
1. Combine the mashed bananas with the following in the mixing bowl:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/4 cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– A pinch of salt
2. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients blend well. If you want, fold in:
– 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Baking the Cookies
1. Spoon heaping tablespoons of cookie batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart.
2. Flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon or your fingers. This helps them bake evenly.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges.
4. Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
You can check out the Full Recipe for more details. Enjoy these tasty treats!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Cookies
Best ripeness for bananas
Use bananas that are very ripe. The peels should be yellow and covered in spots. These bananas will mash easily and add the right sweetness.
How to achieve the right dough consistency
Mix until the dough looks thick but still moist. If it’s too dry, add a bit of water or more mashed banana. If it’s too wet, add a little more oats or almond flour.
Baking Tips
Recommended oven temperatures
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect heat to bake the cookies evenly.
Checking for doneness
Bake for 12-15 minutes. Check when the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Serving Suggestions
How to serve with drinks
These cookies go great with almond milk or a cup of tea. Serve them warm for the best flavor.
Storing cookies for freshness
Keep your cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, freeze them. Just thaw before eating.
Enjoy making these delightful banana oatmeal cookies! Check out the Full Recipe for more details.
Variations
Alternative Sweeteners
You can switch honey with agave syrup for a different flavor. Agave has a mild taste. Stevia is another option. It is much sweeter than honey. A little goes a long way. This way, you can cut down on sugar while keeping the cookies sweet.
Dietary Modifications
For a gluten-free option, use oat flour instead of almond flour. Oat flour blends well with the bananas and oats. It keeps your cookies soft and chewy. If you want a vegan version, skip the nut butter. The bananas provide enough moisture to hold everything together.
Flavor Variations
Spices can add a warm kick to your cookies. Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a spicy twist. They give a cozy flavor that works well with bananas. You can also mix in some dried fruits. Raisins or cranberries add sweetness and texture. They make your cookies even more fun to eat.
Feel free to explore these variations! Each option can change the taste and make your cookies special. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To store your banana oatmeal cookies at room temperature, place them in a single layer on a plate or in a shallow container. Cover them loosely with a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper. This keeps them fresh for up to three days. If you stack them, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Long-Term Storage
If you have extra cookies, freezing is a great option. Allow the cookies to cool completely first. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
Best Practices for Maintaining Freshness
Use airtight containers to keep your cookies fresh. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight lids work well. Store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. This helps maintain their taste and texture for longer. Always check for moisture before sealing to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ripe bananas. Just thaw them first. They should be soft and easy to mash. Frozen bananas often taste sweeter and work well in cookies.
How can I make these cookies softer?
To make softer cookies, add a little more banana or nut butter. You can also try using less oats. Bake them for a shorter time. Removing them when they are still soft helps, too.
What if I don’t have almond flour?
If you don’t have almond flour, try using regular flour or oat flour. You can also grind rolled oats in a blender to make oat flour. This keeps the cookie chewy and tasty.
Is it possible to make these cookies without peanut butter?
Yes, you can skip peanut butter. Try using sunflower seed butter or a nut-free option. You can also use coconut oil for moisture. This keeps your cookies delicious and creamy.
How long do these cookies last?
These cookies last for about five days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw before enjoying. For the full recipe, check the earlier section.
In this post, I shared how to make tasty banana oatmeal cookies. I covered essential ingredients, easy steps, and tips for perfecting your cookies. You can even try fun variations to match your taste. Remember, you can swap ingredients or adjust the recipe to fit your needs. Enjoy these cookies fresh or store them for later. Baking is fun, and these cookies are a healthy treat you can feel good about. Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy your delicious results!
