Have you ever wondered how desserts can be both indulgent and healthy? The rise of health-conscious eating has led many to seek recipes that satisfy cravings without sacrificing nutrition. Enter Banana Oatmeal Cookies—a cookie that perfectly balances delightful flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it a go-to choice for cookie lovers and health enthusiasts alike. In this post, we will dive into a step-by-step recipe for these tasty treats, discuss their health benefits, and explore creative serving suggestions, ensuring you can enjoy them guilt-free.
Ingredients Needed
To create your scrumptious Banana Oatmeal Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 & 1/4 cups overly ripe mashed banana: Bananas not only add natural sweetness but also contribute moisture and binding properties to the cookies.
- 2 tablespoons honey: A natural sweetener that can be replaced with maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
- 1 egg (lightly beaten): Helps bind the dough; for a vegetarian option, you can use flax or chia seeds mixed with water as an egg substitute.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: A flavor enhancer that adds warmth and depth to the cookies.
- 1 & 1/2 cups quick cooking oats: Provides structure and a chewy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm spice note, complementing the bananas beautifully.
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips: For a delicious, melty surprise, and you can also experiment with white or milk chocolate for a different flavor.
- Flaky sea salt: A finishing touch that elevates the sweetness with its salty crunch.
Timing
When it comes to baking Banana Oatmeal Cookies, timing is everything. Here’s what you need to know:
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
This recipe is incredibly quick, requiring about 20% less time than traditional cookie recipes, allowing you to enjoy a fresh batch just when you need them!
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this will prevent the cookies from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly until smooth. Stir in the honey, beaten egg, vanilla, quick cooking oats, cinnamon, and dark chocolate chips until well combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky.
Step 3: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out 1 & 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. For an extra touch, sprinkle the tops with flaky sea salt.
Step 4: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know the cookies are ready when the edges turn golden brown while the center remains slightly soft—trust that they’ll continue to firm up during cooling.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Relish the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you wait!
Nutritional Information
These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are not only delicious but packed with nutrients. A single cookie (about 1 cookie) provides approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Incorporating ingredients like oats and bananas gives these cookies added health benefits, such as fiber and essential vitamins.
Healthier Alternatives For Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Looking for ways to amp up the nutrition? Here are some suggestions:
- Use whole grain oats instead of quick cooking oats for added fiber.
- Replace honey with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
- Add nuts or seeds, like walnuts or chia seeds, for an extra crunch and nutrient boost.
- Try nut butter (like almond or peanut butter) instead of butter, for healthy fats and protein.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies can be enjoyed in various ways:
- As a breakfast treat: Pair with a dollop of yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced start to your day.
- In a dessert sandwich: Fill two cookies with ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.
- With a dash of your favorite nut butter, they make a delightful snack.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
To ensure your Banana Oatmeal Cookies turn out perfectly, here are some common pitfalls:
- Not mashing the bananas enough: A smooth banana mixture ensures even moisture distribution.
- Overbaking the cookies: They should remain soft in the center; they will firm up once cooled.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use measuring cups for precision, particularly for the oats and bananas.
Storing Tips For Banana Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies have great shelf-life! Here’s how to store any leftovers:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer freshness, store in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply scoop into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful combination of taste and health that everyone can enjoy. Whether for breakfast, snack, or dessert, these cookies are a simple and nutritious option that will satisfy any sweet tooth. We invite you to try this recipe, share your feedback, and dive into other healthy recipes on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free oats?
Absolutely! Gluten-free oats are a great substitute, ensuring that your cookies remain gluten-free.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For the best results, use overly ripe bananas; they should be brown-spotted and soft for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with flaxseed or chia seed meal mixed with water for an excellent vegan alternative.
Print
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan option available
Description
Delicious and healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies that satisfy cravings without sacrificing nutrition.
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/4 cups overly ripe mashed banana
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 egg (lightly beaten) or egg substitute
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 & 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas thoroughly in a large mixing bowl. Stir in honey, beaten egg, vanilla, quick cooking oats, cinnamon, and dark chocolate chips until well combined.
- Scoop out 1 & 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle the tops with flaky sea salt and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For a vegan option, use flax or chia seeds mixed with water as an egg substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana, oatmeal cookies, healthy dessert