If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both nutritious and satisfying, look no further than these Banana Oatmeal Cookies. They are moist, chewy, and packed with the goodness of bananas and oats. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these cookies are simple to whip up and make use of ripe bananas. With just a few ingredients, you can indulge in a guilt-free treat that your whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour (whole wheat or all-purpose)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 12 cookies. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with an additional baking time of 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie (approx. 50g) contains about 120 calories, 3g of protein, 2g of fiber, 5g of fat, and 18g of carbohydrates. This nutritional breakdown is based on one cookie serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract to the bananas, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
- If desired, fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Using a spoon, scoop out dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening each cookie slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute honey with agave syrup for a vegan option or use almond flour instead of regular flour for a gluten-free alternative. Additionally, feel free to add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for extra flavor.
Serving and Pairings
These cookies are perfect on their own but can be enjoyed with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They also pair well with yogurt for a wholesome breakfast or snack.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to regain their chewy texture.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using unripe bananas can result in a less sweet cookie.
- Overmixing the dough can make cookies tough.
- Not flattening the cookies before baking may lead to uneven cooking.
- Skipping the cooling phase can make the cookies fall apart.
- Using too much flour can dry out the cookies.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately may affect the texture.
- Baking at a temperature higher than recommended can burn the cookies.
Helpful Tips
- Choose very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.
- Experiment with different add-ins like coconut or seeds.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
- Let the cookies cool completely before stacking to avoid sticking.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While rolled oats are preferred for texture, quick oats can be used in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly.
What can I do with leftover cookies?
Leftover cookies can be stored in an airtight container or frozen for future enjoyment. They make a great snack or dessert!
Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Absolutely! These cookies are a healthier alternative to traditional cookies and are perfect for kids as a nutritious snack.
Conclusion
Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat that combines healthy ingredients with fantastic flavor. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or dessert, they are sure to please everyone. Easy to make and customizable, these cookies can fit into any diet. Give them a try and enjoy the delightful taste and texture!
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour whole wheat or all-purpose
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips optional
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts optional
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract to the bananas, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
- If desired, fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Using a spoon, scoop out dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening each cookie slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition
