If you’re searching for a delightful snack that’s both nourishing and indulgent, look no further than this Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips Recipe. These cookies are the perfect blend of naturally sweet bananas, hearty oats, and just the right touch of chocolate, making each bite a comforting hug of flavor and texture. Whether you’re after a quick breakfast treat or an afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies bring together wholesome ingredients in such a simple way that you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward baking a batch of cookies that feel guilt-free but taste absolutely decadent. Each component plays a key role, providing flavor, structure, or that irresistible chewy texture that makes these cookies a standout.
- Ripe bananas: Using three ripe bananas ensures natural sweetness and moisture, perfectly binding the ingredients together.
- Large eggs: Eggs act as a natural binder and add a dose of protein to keep your cookies satisfying.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances the overall flavor, tying the banana and chocolate chips together beautifully.
- Salt: A pinch balances sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Old-fashioned oats: They provide texture, chewiness, and fiber, which make these cookies hearty and wholesome.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These add bursts of chocolatey goodness without overpowering the natural banana flavor.
How to Make Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light spray of non-stick cooking spray. This preparation ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and creamy. Then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s perfectly combined. This mix forms the delicious base of your cookie dough, keeping things moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Incorporate Oats and Chocolate Chips
Pour in the old-fashioned oats and semi-sweet chocolate chips next. Stir gently but thoroughly so the oats and chocolate are evenly distributed, giving every cookie that irresistible chewy texture with melty chocolate moments.
Step 4: Scoop Out the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cookie mixture onto your prepared baking pan. Space them out evenly to make 12 to 15 cookies. These generous scoops will give you thick, satisfying cookies that hold their shape beautifully.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until you notice the edges starting to turn a light golden color. This visual cue is your best indicator that the cookies are baked through with a slightly crisp edge and chewy center.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 to 6 minutes. This short rest allows them to set up so they don’t crumble when you pick them up. Then, dive in and enjoy every bite of your freshly baked Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips Recipe!
How to Serve Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top of each cookie for added texture and a pretty presentation. A light dusting of cinnamon can also enhance the warm, cozy flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a mug of warm almond milk, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a fresh fruit salad. These sides complement the wholesome ingredients and make your snack feel even more satisfying and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sandwich two cookies with peanut butter or almond butter for a decadent yet healthy treat. They also make a fantastic addition to lunchboxes, bringing smiles to kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay moist and flavorful, making them perfect for quick snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save cookies for longer, freeze them in a well-sealed container or freezer bag. They hold up well for up to two months and thaw quickly on the counter or in the microwave.
Reheating
Warm the cookies for about 15-20 seconds in the microwave or pop them into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes to bring back that freshly baked warmth and softness.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While quick oats work in a pinch, old-fashioned oats give your cookies a better chewy texture and hold shape more effectively. So, for the best results, stick with the old-fashioned variety.
Are these cookies vegan?
Not as written, since this recipe calls for eggs. However, you can replace the eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes to make these cookies vegan-friendly while keeping the texture intact.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries make wonderful additions and add extra flavor and crunch to these healthy cookies.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are ideal. They bring natural sweetness and moisture that make your cookies soft and flavorful without needing extra sugar.
Can I reduce the chocolate chips to make it less sweet?
Definitely. You can cut back the amount of chocolate chips or swap for dark chocolate to reduce sweetness while still enjoying that chocolatey touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about baking these Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips Recipe. They’re straightforward, nourishing, and so delicious that you’ll want to keep a batch ready at all times. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack or sharing with friends, these cookies prove healthy treats don’t have to be boring. So grab those ripe bananas, gather your oats, and get ready to enjoy a cookie experience that feels just right in every single bite.
Print
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 15 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious and healthy oatmeal cookies made with ripe bananas, oats, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. These easy-to-make cookies are naturally sweetened with bananas and perfect for a wholesome snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 Ripe bananas (about 1 ¼ cup once mashed)
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mash the bananas and mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring well to combine all the wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the old-fashioned oats and semi-sweet chocolate chips until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Form the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or a regular spoon, scoop 2-3 tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking pan, shaping into 12-15 evenly sized cookies.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies start to turn a light golden color.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for 5-6 minutes before serving to let them firm up and enhance the texture.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for best natural sweetness and flavor.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or raisins for a variation.
- Ensure the cookies cool slightly before removing to avoid breaking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
