Chocolate Chip Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and minimal equipment—a mixing bowl and baking sheet—you can whip up these cookies without any hassle.
• Health-Conscious: Made with whole grains, protein-rich nuts, and minimal added sugars, these cookies are suitable for those seeking a healthier option without compromising on taste.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy them as a breakfast on-the-go, a midday snack, or a light dessert.
• Freezer-Friendly: These cookies freeze well, allowing you to prepare them in advance and enjoy them over time.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about ¾ cup)
• ½ cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups rolled oats (use gluten-free certified oats if needed)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ cup chocolate chips
• ⅓ cup chopped walnuts

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

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Add the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Mix Together: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. If the dough is too wet, add a bit more oats to achieve a workable consistency.
5. Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently press down on each mound to flatten slightly, as these cookies won't spread much during baking.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. For softer cookies, bake for a shorter time; for crisper ones, bake a bit longer.
7. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 16 cookies.
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free: Replace the almond butter with sunflower seed butter and omit the walnuts to make the cookies nut-free.
• Sugar-Free: If you prefer no added sugars, you can omit the maple syrup and rely on the sweetness from the bananas. Ensure you're using sugar-free chocolate chips.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure you use gluten-free certified rolled oats and check that your chocolate chips are gluten-free.
• Add-ins: Customize your cookies by adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or seeds such as chia or flaxseeds.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5-6 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

How ripe should my bananas be?

Use bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

While quick oats can be used, rolled oats are preferred for a chewier texture.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, provided you use gluten-free certified rolled oats and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I make these cookies nut-free?

Certainly. Substitute the almond butter with sunflower seed butter and omit the walnuts to make them nut-free.

How do I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5-6 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Yes, feel free to incorporate dried fruits, seeds, or other nuts as desired.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, chilling isn't necessary. However, if the dough is too wet, adding a bit more oats can help achieve the desired consistency.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

The recipe is already vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup.

How can I make these cookies sweeter?

Using very ripe bananas and adding maple syrup or another sweetener can increase the sweetness. Adjust to your taste preference.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Banana Oatmeal Cookies offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making them a perfect snack or treat that doesn’t compromise on nutrition or taste. Whether you're looking for a healthy breakfast option, a midday pick-me-up, or a light dessert, these cookies are an ideal choice that can be customized to suit any dietary preference.