Delicious Banana Oat Cookies Recipe

• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Rest Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Description
These Banana Oat Cookies are a delightful, healthy treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the wholesome goodness of oats. This easy-to-follow recipe results in soft, chewy cookies perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a guilt-free dessert. Packed with fiber and nutrients, these cookies are a great way to enjoy a sweet treat without compromising your health goals.

What to Expect When You Make Banana Oat Cookies

When you make these Banana Oat Cookies at home, you can expect a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The ripe bananas infuse the cookies with natural sweetness, while the oats provide a hearty chew. These cookies are quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy morning or afternoon snacks. The aroma of baking bananas will fill your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or let them cool for a perfect snack throughout the week. Your family and friends will love these nutritious treats!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 ripe bananas (medium-sized, mashed)
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats (120 g)
• ½ cup almond butter (or peanut butter) (128 g)
• ⅓ cup honey (or maple syrup) (113 g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (2 g)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (2 g)
• Pinch of salt

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup dark chocolate chips (90 g)
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans) (30 g)

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Mix the Ingredients: Add the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. If desired, fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
5. Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie as they will spread slightly.
6. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Cool Down: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storing and Freezing Banana Oat Cookies

These Banana Oat Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Alternatively, if you want to prepare cookie dough in advance, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for frozen dough. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime!

Actionable Tips for Perfect Banana Oat Cookies

1. Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best flavor.
2. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize your cookies with different add-ins like dried fruits, seeds, or different types of nut butters.
3. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup. The bananas provide natural sweetness, so you might not need as much.
4. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Ovens can vary, so check for a golden edge and a firm center.

By incorporating these tips, you’ll create the best Banana Oat Cookies that are sure to impress everyone! Enjoy your healthy baking adventure!

Explore Our Cookie Categories

Here are categories of cookies to explore for every craving.

• Tempting Cookies: A range of classic and unique cookies. Perfect for moments when you crave something sweet.
• Healthy Cookies: Nutritious and tasty options. These include gluten-free, low-sugar, and vegan cookies. They let you enjoy without guilt.
• Festive Cookies: Cookies crafted for every season. They’re easy to make and full of festive flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings and special celebrations.
• Baking Tips: Helpful baking techniques and advice. Learn to fix common cookie mistakes and polish your baking skills.

Helpful Resources on Storage and Nutrition

Here are some handy resources for food storage and health tips.

• Food Storage and Freezing Tips: The USDA Food Safety Guide offers detailed tips. Epicurious also has freezing advice to prevent food waste.
• Nutrition Information: MyFitnessPal and CalorieKing offer easy ways to check calorie counts.
• Health and Wellness Guides: Balanced indulgence is key. The Mayo Clinic offers guides on healthy eating. Harvard Health also has balanced nutrition tips.