Do you ever find yourself with a couple of overripe bananas sitting on your counter, begging to be transformed into something delicious? Instead of the usual banana bread, why not try these Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies? They’re sweetened naturally with bananas and maple syrup, made hearty with rolled oats, and dotted with just enough chocolate chips to make every bite indulgent.
These cookies are not only irresistibly delicious but also healthy and easy to make. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes. Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a guilt-free dessert, these cookies will quickly become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Guilt-Free Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Naturally Sweetened
Ripe bananas and a touch of maple syrup provide all the sweetness you need without refined sugar.
Wholesome Ingredients
Rolled oats, almond butter, and walnuts (if you choose to add them) make these cookies nutritious as well as tasty.
Quick and Easy
From mixing to baking, this recipe takes just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Diet-Friendly
These cookies are naturally vegan and gluten-free (if you use certified gluten-free oats), so they’re perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Kid-Approved
Soft, chewy, and chocolatey, these cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re great for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
Rolled oats give the cookies their chewy texture and add fiber to keep you full longer. - ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Walnuts add a delightful crunch and healthy fats, but you can skip them if you prefer nut-free cookies. - ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Just enough chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth without overpowering the natural banana flavor. - Pinch of salt
A small amount of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
The bananas act as a natural sweetener and binding agent, while also adding moisture. - ¼ cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter)
Almond butter contributes healthy fats and a subtle nuttiness. Peanut butter or sunflower seed butter work well as substitutes. - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
A small drizzle of maple syrup complements the bananas for just the right amount of sweetness. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped walnuts (if using), mini chocolate chips, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined, creating a creamy, fragrant mixture.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is evenly incorporated. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky.
Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart. Use the back of a spoon to flatten them slightly, shaping them into circles.
Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden, and they feel firm to the touch.
Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Variations and Customizations of Guilt-Free Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add Warm Spices
Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy, spiced flavor that complements the bananas.
Nut-Free Option
Omit the walnuts and use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter for a completely nut-free treat.
Superfood Boost
Stir in 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, flaxseeds, or shredded coconut for added nutrition and texture.
More Chocolate
For chocolate lovers, increase the chocolate chips to ⅓ cup or drizzle the cooled cookies with melted dark chocolate.
Zesty Twist
Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the wet mixture for a citrusy brightness that pairs beautifully with the bananas and chocolate.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration:
Refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container for up to 7 days. They’ll stay fresh and maintain their soft texture.
Freezing:
These cookies freeze well! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Why These Cookies Are Guilt-Free
Unlike traditional cookies laden with butter, sugar, and refined flour, these Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies rely on natural ingredients like bananas and oats. They’re lower in fat and sugar, while still delivering the sweetness and satisfaction you crave. The almond butter and walnuts (if added) provide healthy fats, while the oats and bananas add fiber to keep you feeling full.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast On-the-Go:
Pair a couple of cookies with a cup of coffee or tea for a quick, nutritious breakfast. - Afternoon Snack:
Enjoy one or two cookies as a wholesome pick-me-up to combat midday hunger. - Dessert:
Warm a cookie slightly and serve it with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a drizzle of honey for a simple, healthier dessert. - Lunchbox Treat:
Pack these cookies in lunchboxes for kids or adults—they’re the perfect portable snack.
Tips for Success
- Use Ripe Bananas:
The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cookies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots. - Don’t Overbake:
These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy, so take them out of the oven as soon as the edges are golden. - Customize to Your Taste:
Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting the level of sweetness. - Double the Batch:
These cookies disappear fast! Consider doubling the recipe to ensure you have enough to enjoy and share.
Final Thoughts
Guilt-Free Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate solution to overripe bananas and sweet cravings. They’re simple to make, packed with nutritious ingredients, and versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re baking for your family, preparing snacks for the week, or simply indulging in some healthy comfort food, these cookies are sure to satisfy.
So, grab those ripe bananas and give this recipe a try! Share your creations or any fun twists you’ve added—I’d love to see how you’ve made these cookies your own. Let’s enjoy a delicious treat that’s both wholesome and satisfying!
Print
Guilt-Free Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Healthy, naturally sweetened cookies made with bananas, oats, and chocolate chips. Perfect for snacks, breakfast, or dessert!
Ingredients
– 1 cup rolled oats
– ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
– Pinch of salt
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– ¼ cup almond butter
– 1 tbsp maple syrup
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet.
2. Mix oats, walnuts, chocolate chips, and salt.
3. Mash bananas; add almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
5. Drop dough onto baking sheet and flatten slightly.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
Notes
– Riper bananas mean sweeter cookies.
– Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
– Add cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American