Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Oh wow, I just made banana chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, and they’re so soft and yummy! The banana gives them a sweet taste, and the chocolate chips make them extra good. I couldn’t stop eating them!

What I love most is how the cookies are soft and chewy. The oatmeal makes them a little hearty, and the banana makes them sweet. Plus, they smell so good when they’re baking!

If you like bananas and cookies, you’ll love these. They’re easy to make and perfect for a snack. Trust me, you’ll want to bake these today!

Let’s bake some together! Grab a banana, some oats, and let’s make these tasty cookies now!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Sweet and Savory: The bananas add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Perfectly Chewy Texture: The oats give the cookies a hearty, chewy texture, while the chocolate chips melt to create gooey pockets of sweetness.
• Easy to Make: From mixing the ingredients to popping them in the oven, this recipe is quick and straightforward.
• Healthy-ish: Packed with oats and bananas, these cookies feel like a more wholesome treat, so you can indulge with fewer worries.
• Freezer-Friendly: These cookies freeze really well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them over time.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started, here’s a list of the essential tools you’ll need to bake these mouthwatering cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large mixing bowl to combine all the wet ingredients and another to mix the dry ingredients.
• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: If you’re looking for ease, an electric hand mixer or stand mixer will save you time and energy.
• Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: A cookie scoop or tablespoon helps you form uniform cookies.
• Baking Sheets: You’ll need baking sheets to place your cookie dough on while baking.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: For easy cleanup, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Cooling Rack: Allow your cookies to cool on a wire rack to prevent them from getting soggy from the residual heat.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these scrumptious cookies. Be sure to follow the measurements for the best results:

Wet Ingredients

• Mashed Ripe Banana (1 large banana): The star of this cookie, banana not only adds sweetness but also moisture, making these cookies soft and chewy.
• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Softened butter adds richness and helps the dough come together.
• Light-Brown Sugar (3/4 cup): This provides a deep caramel flavor that complements the banana.
• Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): A little bit of granulated sugar balances the flavor and sweetness of the cookies.
• Large Eggs (1): Eggs bind the ingredients and give the cookies structure.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm and comforting aroma to the dough.

Dry Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): This is the base for the dough, and it gives the cookies their structure.
• Quick Oats (1 1/2 cups): The oats provide chewiness and texture. Make sure you’re using quick oats for the best results!
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The warm and aromatic cinnamon pairs perfectly with the banana and oats.

Add-ins

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): These are the cherry on top, adding pockets of gooey sweetness to each bite.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional, 1/2 cup): Add these nuts for a bit of crunch and flavor contrast. Walnuts are my favorite, but pecans work just as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to start baking! This recipe is easy and doesn’t require any special techniques—just a bit of time and attention to detail. Let’s break down each step.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Make sure it’s fully heated by the time you’re ready to bake. While the oven is warming up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and helps with easy cleanup.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed ripe banana, softened butter, light-brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed to mix these ingredients until they’re smooth and fully combined. The butter should be well incorporated with the banana, and the mixture should look creamy and fluffy.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, quick oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. These dry ingredients will give your cookies structure and flavor. Once everything is mixed together, set this bowl aside.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or spoon. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, but easy to scoop.

5. Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Now comes the fun part—adding the chocolate chips and nuts! Gently fold them into the dough, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout. If you’re using walnuts or pecans, you can add them at this stage.

6. Scoop and Shape the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into balls about 1.5 tablespoons in size. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. The cookies will spread as they bake, so be sure to leave some space between each one.

7. Bake

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. You’ll know they’re done when the cookies look firm on the outside but still soft in the middle. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft right out of the oven.

8. Cool

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and ensures they won’t fall apart when you move them.

Serving and Enjoying Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

These Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you like them fresh out of the oven or chilled, they’re a delightful treat that everyone will love.

How to Serve Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

• With a Glass of Milk: The classic combo! There’s nothing like dunking one of these warm cookies into a cold glass of milk. The creamy texture of milk complements the soft, chewy texture of the cookies perfectly.
• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The slight spice from the cinnamon and the rich banana flavor make for a comforting afternoon snack or breakfast treat.
• As a Breakfast Option: These cookies are a great breakfast option when you’re in a rush. The oats and banana provide some fiber and energy to start your day, and the chocolate chips offer a little indulgence.
• In a Cookie Sandwich: Get creative and turn these cookies into cookie sandwiches! Spread a thin layer of peanut butter, Nutella, or cream cheese between two cookies for a decadent treat.
• As Part of a Dessert Platter: If you’re having guests over, include these cookies as part of a dessert platter. They’ll go perfectly with other treats like brownies, cupcakes, or fruit.

Can I Make These Cookies Bigger or Smaller?

Of course! This recipe is flexible. If you want larger cookies, simply scoop more dough and flatten them slightly before baking. Just remember that larger cookies may require a slightly longer baking time—start checking at the 12-minute mark and adjust accordingly.

If you prefer smaller cookies, you can reduce the amount of dough per cookie. This will result in more cookies, so you can have more to share or snack on throughout the week!

How to Store Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies store wonderfully, making them a great treat to bake in advance. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Room Temperature Storage:

• For Fresh Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in a single layer, or place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

Freezing Cookie Dough:

• Before Baking: If you want to bake cookies fresh at any time, you can freeze the dough. Portion the dough into individual cookie balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls for 1-2 hours until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time (about 2-4 minutes more).

Freezing Baked Cookies:

• For Long-Term Storage: To store baked cookies for longer periods, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen cookies can last for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave them for a few seconds.

Troubleshooting Tips

Although this recipe is pretty straightforward, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Cookies are Too Flat: If your cookies spread too much while baking and end up flat, it’s usually because the dough is too warm when it’s placed on the baking sheet. Make sure you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. If you didn’t chill it and the cookies spread too much, you can try popping the dough balls in the fridge for a few minutes before baking next time.
• Cookies are Too Dry: This can happen if you overbake the cookies or if your banana was on the smaller side. If you find your cookies a little too dry, try adding an extra tablespoon of mashed banana or a touch more butter next time.
• Cookies are Too Soft: If your cookies are too soft and don’t hold together, you might need to bake them a little longer. Check them around 10 minutes into baking. Remember, the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Variations for Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different variations! Here are some ideas to make these cookies your own:

Add-Ins and Substitutions

• Peanut Butter or Nut Butter: For a rich, nutty flavor, try adding 1/2 cup of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter to the wet ingredients. This will add a creamy richness to the dough.
• Dried Fruit: Add a handful of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots to the cookie dough for a sweet, chewy burst of flavor.
• Coconut: Shredded coconut adds a tropical twist and a bit of chewiness. About 1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes would be a great addition to the dough.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: If you’re a fan of a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips.
• Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds: Boost the nutritional value of your cookies by adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseeds. These will provide omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, making your cookies even more wholesome.
• Spices: Mix up the flavor profile by adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice. These spices will complement the cinnamon and add warmth to the cookies.
• Swapping Sugar: If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, you can replace the brown sugar and granulated sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Keep in mind that using liquid sweeteners will alter the texture slightly, so you may need to adjust the dry ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition Information for Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

These Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies are not only delicious but also offer some nutritional benefits thanks to the wholesome ingredients like oats and bananas. Of course, like any cookie, they’re best enjoyed in moderation, but they can make for a satisfying treat when you’re craving something sweet.

Here’s an estimate of the nutrition facts per cookie based on a batch of 24 cookies:

Nutrition	Per Cookie
Calories	150
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	3g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	70mg
Total Carbohydrates	22g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	12g
Protein	2g
Vitamin D	0%
Calcium	2%
Iron	4%
Potassium	80mg

Key Nutritional Highlights:

• Oats are high in fiber, which is great for digestion and can help keep you full longer.
• Bananas are a good source of potassium, which helps maintain healthy heart and muscle function.
• Chocolate Chips provide a bit of indulgence, and the semi-sweet variety can even offer some antioxidants in moderation.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, like using dark chocolate chips for a lower sugar option or incorporating additional nuts to boost protein content.

FAQs for Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the dough.

Can I use regular oats instead of quick oats?

You can, but quick oats work best for a soft and chewy texture. Regular oats may give the cookies a more textured, rustic feel.

Can I add other mix-ins like coconut or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Feel free to add shredded coconut, dried cranberries, raisins, or any other mix-ins you love. Just make sure to keep the total add-ins to around 1 1/2 cups so the dough maintains the right consistency.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies or dough.

Conclusion

Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies are a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for more. From the chewy oats to the natural sweetness of bananas and the indulgent chocolate chips, these cookies are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. They’re a great option for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a healthier dessert!

I hope you enjoy making—and eating—these cookies as much as I do. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies are sure to be a hit. Plus, they freeze wonderfully, so you can enjoy them even after the batch is gone.