Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this delightful Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. These cookies blend the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with chewy oats and a touch of cinnamon, creating a comforting, crave-worthy snack. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just a quiet afternoon at home, this recipe is simple to follow and yields batch after batch of soft, flavorful cookies that will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe plays a vital role, from the creamy butter that creates a tender crumb to the oats, which add a hearty chew. Each item is easy to find and contributes to making these cookies irresistibly delicious and perfectly textured.

• 2 bananas (mashed): Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness, moisture, and a lovely fruity depth to the cookies.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams, slightly melted): Adds richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 cup brown sugar (213 grams): Provides a subtle molasses flavor and keeps the cookies chewy.
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams): Balances sweetness and helps with a perfect spread during baking.
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (12 grams): Enhances all the flavors, giving a warm, aromatic finish.
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour (300 grams): The cookie’s structure foundation—be sure not to overmix for tender results.
• 1½ cups old-fashioned oats (150 grams): Adds texture, chewiness, and a subtle nutty flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (7 grams): Helps keep the cookies soft and prevents them from becoming tough.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (6 grams): Gives a warm spice note that complements the bananas beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (6 grams): A leavening agent that ensures the cookies rise just right.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder (2 grams): Works alongside baking soda to give a light, airy texture.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
• 1¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips (213 grams, divided): Melts beautifully into the cookies, offering sweet bursts of chocolatey goodness.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the flour, oats, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. Whisk these together thoroughly to distribute all the leavening and spices evenly, which is a crucial foundation for perfect cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In your mixer’s bowl, add the mashed bananas, slightly melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about two minutes. This step ensures the sugars dissolve and blend perfectly with the bananas for that luscious flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients and stir just until everything is combined. Resist the urge to overmix here—just gentle folding will keep these cookies tender and chewy.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Fold in one cup of the semisweet chocolate chips gently, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. Chocolate in every bite is the secret to winning hearts with this Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe.

Step 5: Scoop the Cookie Dough

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto one baking sheet in a single layer, spacing them apart so they have room to bake and spread. If the dough doesn’t hold into neat rounds, lightly press the balls together with your hands—avoid flattening them too much.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Pop the baking sheet with cookie dough balls into the freezer for ten minutes. This chilling step is essential as it prevents excessive spreading, helping your cookies keep a perfect shape and texture as they bake.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. A properly heated oven is key for even baking and those irresistibly golden edges.

Step 8: Arrange the Cookies for Baking

Remove your chilled cookie dough and place portions two inches apart onto the second prepared baking sheet. This spacing allows the cookies to rise and spread just right without sticking together.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookie edges are set and slightly browned, and the bottoms have a delicate golden hue. The cookies will still be soft when they come out of the oven but will firm up as they cool.

Step 10: Cool and Store

Let your cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a container. This resting period lets the cookies set perfectly and prevents breaking or crumbling.

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate the presentation with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. You can even sprinkle some toasted oats or a tiny pinch of cinnamon on top right after baking for a rustic, homemade look that will wow your guests.

Side Dishes

These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are fantastic alongside a cold glass of milk, a cup of warm chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Their hearty flavor stands up well to creamy and comforting accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try sandwiching the cookies with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter for a decadent twist. You can also include them as part of a brunch spread next to fresh fruit and yogurt for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing offering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Banana Oatmeal Cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain soft and flavorful for up to one week, perfect for snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to make these in advance, freeze the cookie dough balls on a tray and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, and enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime.

Reheating

To refresh stored cookies, warm them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds. This brings back the soft, melty chocolate goodness and fresh-baked aromas.

FAQs

Can I substitute the butter for a healthier fat?

Yes! You can swap butter for coconut oil or a plant-based margarine for a dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind that this might slightly change the texture and flavor, but your cookies will still be delicious.

Do I have to use old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned oats provide the best texture for these cookies, offering chewiness without turning mushy. Quick oats could be used in a pinch but may create a softer cookie with a different mouthfeel.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries make fantastic additions. Fold them in during the step when you add chocolate chips to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots and a soft texture to maximize their sweetness and moisture, which are key for this recipe’s success.

Will these cookies keep their shape well?

Yes, chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape beautifully. Following the freezing step is crucial to prevent too much spreading and keeps those classic round cookie shapes.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is one of those treasures you’ll want to return to time and again. It’s simple with wholesome ingredients but full of heartwarming flavor and satisfying texture. Next time you want a treat that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, dive into this recipe—you’ll be so glad you did!

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