These healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a breeze to prepare with just two simple base ingredients: ripe banana and wholesome oats. Feel free to get creative by incorporating suggested add-ins for an elevated twist.
It's almost a ritual - my kids seem to intentionally let bananas ripen too much, anticipating a lineup of creations: healthy banana bread, baby banana muffins, banana blueberry fritters, banana ice cream.....
Among all the delightful options, these banana oat cookies are the simplest go-to for those spotty bananas. With a minimalist base, you are free to unleash your creativity and truly make them your own.
Just remember that these cookies are made with bananas and oats - they are never going to taste like regular cookies with a ton of sugar and butter!
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Reasons to Love These Cookies
- Family Friendly: Banana Oat Cookies are a hit across all ages. The base recipe is ideal for babies and toddlers, while older kids and adults can personalise them with a handful of ingredient add-ins that cater for individual tastes.
- Allergy Friendly: Great for those with dietary restrictions, being free of egg, dairy and nuts. Those with a gluten allergy can opt for gluten-free oats.
- Nutritious: Unlike traditional cookie recipes, laden with added sugar and butter, this recipe is a healthy choice any time of the day. They are perfect breakfast cookies, a satisfying snack, or a healthy dessert option.
- Kitchen Adventures: This recipe's forgiving nature means it is great for getting little foodies exploring and getting creative in the kitchen. With no raw egg involved, tasting can be an enjoyable part of the process. Read more about The Benefits of Cooking with Kids.
Video Tutorial
Ingredient Information (With Add In Suggestions)
- Overripe Bananas: As these cookies obtain their sweetness from the bananas, it's essential to use ripe bananas, with plenty of brown spots, for maximum sweetness.
- Oats: For best results, I recommend using quick oats. While rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) can be used, they yield a slightly drier cookie. You can also use oat flour but I find it tends to result in a somewhat gum-like consistency, however, some kids/babies may prefer the smoother mouthfeel.
Although this cookie calls for just two ingredients, I recommend you experiment. It is a flexible recipe that you can incorporate mix-ins for added sweetness, varied texture, or even a nutritional boost.
Here are several add-in options to consider.
- Spices (e.g Cinnamon, Cardamom, Vanilla, Clove, Ginger, Nutmeg, All Spice)
- Citrus Zest (e.g lime / lemon / orange)
- Chopped Nuts & Nut Butters (peanuts, macadamia, almond, cashew, hazelnut, pecan, walnut)
- Coconut (desiccated, shredded, flakes)
- Seeds (chia seeds, sunflower seed, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds)
- Raisins/Sultanas (soak them in boiling water first to stop them burning and going bitter)
- Other dried fruit pieces
- Veggies (Grated zucchini, grated carrot)
How To Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies
This easy recipe is as simple as mashing bananas and mixing them with oats and any additional add-ins you may wish to include.
- Mash Bananas in a large mixing bowl. I like to retain small chunks for added texture but you can customise the level of smoothness according to your preference.
- Add oats to the mashed banana and stir until combined.
- Add mix-ins. Gently stir in any mix-ins, if desired.
- Form into Cookies Use a tablespoon or small cookie dough scoop to portion out the mixture. On a parchment paper lined baking sheet, delicately flatten and form each portion into a cookie shape.
Unlike traditional cookies, these cookies won't naturally spread during baking. To ensure the desired outcome, shape and flatten the cookies before their time in the oven. - Bake the cookies in a preheated oven for around 15 mins. Allow them to cook on the baking sheet, at room temperature, for 5 mins before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
Storage Instructions
Allow the banana oat cookies to cool before transferring to an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for 1-3 days (depending on the temperature and humidity). For longer storage options you can...
- Refrigerate - Store cookies is an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze - If you have leftovers or decide to make a double batch, you can freeze them on a baking tray in a single layer. Once frozen transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 2 months.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, these cookies can be introduced when your baby is developmentally ready for finger foods, typically around 6 months or older. You can even shape them into bars for an easy-to-hold teething cookie.
While offering a variety of textures is beneficial for babies, you can opt for oat flour to create a smoother cookie if you wish. Experiment with a hint of spice, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom, to introduce flavours.
It's important to avoid add-ins that could pose a choking hazard or increase sugar content, such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips.
Keep in mind that oats are often cross-contaminated with gluten-containing grains, potentially compromising their gluten-free status. If your baby has celiac disease choose certified gluten-free oats.
The base recipe of this cookie is healthy. However, the nutritional profile will shift based on the addition of mix-ins.
For instance, incorporating crushed nuts, peanut butter, or seeds can elevate the protein and healthy fat content. Conversely, should you opt for a generous amount of dried fruit, chocolate or honey etc, the cookie will have a much higher sugar content.
These texture of these cookies are very different to regular oatmeal cookies and have a rustic, wholesome character. The exterior can be slightly crispy, while inside, it has a softer, chewy texture.
The oats provide a pivotal tole in the texture with the choice of oats influencing the outcome. the best texture is achieved with quick oats, where as rolled oats (old fashioned oats) often results in a drier quality. I find the oat flour a little gummy but some kids may prefer the smoother texture.
This is a great recipe for getting kids into the kitchen and experimenting with flavours. Here are some of the creations that me and my little foodies came up with....
Raspberry & Coconut (Crushed raspberries & coconut)
Zucchini and Chocolate (Vanilla, grated zucchini & choc chips)
Apple Pie (Cinnamon, ginger, grated apple & raisin)
Chocolate Orange (Orange zest, orange juice & choc chips)
Ginger and Nutmeg (Powdered ginger & nutmeg)
Macadamia & Date (Chopped macadamia and chopped date)
Cardamom and Vanilla (Cardamom and vanilla extract)
Carrot Cake (Cinnamon, grated carrot and raisin)
Chunky Monkey (Chopped Date, choc chips and a banana slice on top)
Coconut & Lime (Coconut flakes, lime zest, lime juice and vanilla)
Pepita & Honey (Pepita seeds and honey)
Cinnamon (Cinnamon)
More Banana Oat Recipes
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Banana and Oat Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 Large ripe bananas *NOTE 1
- 165g (1¾ cup) Quick oats *NOTE 2 & 3
Optional Add ins
- ½ cup add in (e.g choc chips, raisins, chopped nuts)
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350F / 180C/ 160C (Fan) and line a baking tray/sheet with baking/parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl mash the bananas really well, until smooth. Add the oats and mix until fully combined.Â
- Add in any additions to suit taste *NOTE 3
- Take about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture in your hand, roll it into a ball and then flatten it into a disc shape. Place on the baking tray and repeat until the mixture is used up. (The cookies do not spread during baking so take this into consideration when forming cookies)
- Bake for approx 15 mins, or until cookies are golden and set.
- Allow to cool before eating.
Video
Recipe Notes
- The riper your bananas the sweeter your cookie will be.
- You can use rolled oats, quick oats or oat flour. Quick oats produce the best results. Depending on the banana size, you may find you need more or less oats. Your mixture should be able to be scooped and easily form into cookies. Â
- Add a range of additional mix ins to change the flavour profile (e.g spices, lime/ orange zest, choc chips (a favourite), dried fruit etc. See post for a detailed list of suggestions and flavour combinations.)
Amy says
I love how easy this recipe is. I added some sultanas, cinnamon & honey. Just wanted to ask about they honey with my 10 month old, can she have them or is she to completely avoid honey until 1 year of age?
Amy says
Glad you like the recipe, Amy. Honey should be totally avoided until after one, here is more info if you are interested… https://www.healthylittlefoodies.com/why-cant-babies-have-honey/
Sarah says
So simple to make and so delicious. I’m pregnant and was looking for a recipe for a healthy homemade snack to include a mix of ginger, seeds and dried fruit. I added chia seeds, flaxseed, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, crystallised ginger and ground ginger, dried apricot, figs, dates and sultanas, couple of crushed almonds, peanuts and pistachio. Delicious!
Amy says
Thanks Sarah, I love the sound of crystalised ginger in these 🙂
Inne says
Hi amy,
Thanks for the recipe. I wonder how to make other varietes of the cookies. For example if i want to rebake the Apple pie oat cookies, should i change the banana ingredients with grated apple, or how?
Is there any specific recipe for other oat cookies variety?
Thanks in advance 🙂
Amy says
Hi Inne, you will still need the banana to hold them together. Mix the banana and oats together as if making the plain ones. Then add in ingredients to taste. You can grate some apple into the mixture and add a little cinnamon and ginger to taste. If you want to add raisins/sultanas then I recommend soaking them in boiling water for a few mins before adding them (this will stop them burning during cooking). The recipe is very flexible and as long as they hold together they should cook up great.
Ruchira says
Hi!
I made these yesterday (banana+quick oats+vanilla+cinnamon+honey) but they came out super dry. Though it was chewy as you mentioned but just wondering, are they supposed to be THAT dry??
Amy says
Hi Ruchira, I definitely find quick oats result in a drier, more dense texture. I prefer the result with rolled oats. Maybe your bananas were smaller and it just needed more moisture from the banana.
Bridget Young says
My daughter loves these and they are just so easy to make! I added a small bit of chopped chocolate for a yummy banana chocolate chip cookie
Amy says
Fantastic, thanks Bridget 🙂
Sally says
Hi Amy
Thanks for the recipe. I’m going to make the cookies a second time and again for a change, I intend to add some butter to make it tastier for my now almost 21-month old granddaughter. How much should I try adding and do I need to melt it prior to adding to the mixture?
Amy says
Hi Sally, thank you for your message. I feel like I would have to experiment before giving advice. You could use softened butter and use a mixer to combine the banana and butter and then stir through the oats (I think this would produce a softer cookie). Alternatively, you could melt the butter and stir through (for a crispier cookie). I really don't know how much to add without trying myself. Sorry I can't be of more help.
Sally Tan says
Thank you for the prompt reply and good advice. Will try the melted butter version first as I guess it is more convenient and easier
Diane Trojan says
Sorry but this was a disappointing recipe. It tastes just like one would expect "health food" to taste like. Not much flavour. Stale texture. I would be hard pressed to call this a cookie and it would certainly not quell a cookie craving.
Amy says
Sorry you feel this way, Diane. I first made these when my boys were babies/toddlers. They aren't designed to be like a regular cookie, after all, it is only banana that sweetens these.
Abigail Butt says
So easy to make and my fussy toddler absolutely devoured them!!
Amy says
Brilliant, thank you Abigail 🙂
Bella says
Hi! I just made these cookies and added some homemade sugar-free applesauce into the mix. I baked them for 15 mins and lined the pan with some parchment paper but the cookies got a little stuck to the paper. Do you have any suggestions on how to prevent that from happening for the next time I make a batch? Nevertheless, the cookies taste great and I love them so much! It's the perfect recipe to bake for my grandma! Thanks!
Amy says
Hi Bella, I've never had an issue with them sticking. I wonder if it was the apple sauce? I would try lightly greasing the parchment paper.
Marloes Kuiper says
Just made them with some extra add-ons coconut flakes, honey and cinnamon. Absolutely love them and so easy to make!
Chris kilkenny says
I have just made these and not only do they smell delicious they taste wonderful, I did add some chocolate chips, we are eating them now while still warm.
Amy says
Chocolate chips - great addition! Thanks for taking the time to comment, Chris. Glad you enjoyed them 🙂