4 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies (Healthy & Easy)

Why You’ll Love 4 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies are wonderfully simple yet packed with flavor. The ripe banana provides natural sweetness, while peanut butter adds richness and protein. Oats give the cookies a hearty texture, and chocolate chips bring just the right touch of indulgence.

You’ll love this recipe because it requires only four basic ingredients, comes together in one bowl, and bakes in under 10 minutes. There’s no flour, no refined sugar beyond the chocolate chips, and no complicated equipment. It’s also easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins or nut butters.

Perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or quick after-school snacks, these cookies are a healthier alternative to traditional baked goods without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ripe, brown banana
¾ cup rolled oats (or quick oats) (72g)
¼ cup natural peanut butter (or nut butter of choice) (64g)
¼ cup mini chocolate chips, semi-sweet or regular (60g)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth.

2. Add the oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips to the mashed banana. Stir until everything is fully combined and evenly mixed.

3. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough at a time and roll into balls using your hands. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet.

4. Gently press each dough ball down into a cookie shape. These cookies will not spread while baking, so flatten them to your desired thickness.

5. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Hint: For evenly sized cookies and consistent baking, use a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 cookies
Prep time: 5 minutes
Bake time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 15 minutes

Variations

Swap peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile or to accommodate allergies.

Add chopped nuts for extra crunch, or stir in shredded coconut for added texture.

Replace chocolate chips with raisins or dried cranberries for a naturally sweet twist.

Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract into the batter to enhance the flavor.

For a protein boost, mix in a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

To reheat, microwave a cookie for 10–15 seconds to restore softness and enhance the chocolate’s melt.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats work well and will produce a slightly softer texture.

How ripe should the banana be?

The banana should be very ripe with brown spots. The riper it is, the sweeter and softer your cookies will be.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, as long as you use dairy-free chocolate chips, the recipe is naturally vegan.

Do these cookies spread while baking?

No, they do not spread. You must flatten them before placing them in the oven.

Can I add protein powder?

Yes, but you may need to add a small splash of milk to maintain the right consistency.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

They can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats.

Can I make them without chocolate chips?

Absolutely. You can leave them out or replace them with dried fruit or nuts.

Why are my cookies dry?

This can happen if the banana wasn’t ripe enough or if too many oats were added.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily for larger batches.

Are these good for meal prep?

Yes, they store well and make a convenient grab-and-go snack throughout the week.

Conclusion

These 4 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies prove that simple recipes can deliver big flavor. With wholesome ingredients, quick preparation, and endless customization options, they’re a go-to treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a healthier snack or an easy homemade dessert, these cookies are sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.