Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat that you can enjoy any time of the day! Made with just three simple ingredients, these cookies are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, they cater to health-conscious individuals without sacrificing taste. The combination of ripe bananas, oats, and walnuts creates a chewy texture that’s satisfying and wholesome.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With only three ingredients, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
- Nutritious Snack Option: Packed with fiber and healthy fats, these cookies make a great guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy them as breakfast cookies, post-workout snacks, or a sweet treat any time of the day!
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the natural sweetness from the bananas, making them perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies, gather your tools for a smooth baking experience. Having the right equipment on hand makes all the difference in achieving perfect cookies.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick cookie sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick cookie sheet: Ensures that your cookies don’t stick and come off easily without breaking.
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine your ingredients thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
Ingredients
These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are made with just three ingredients! Mashed ripe bananas, oatmeal, and walnuts. SO GOOD!
For the Cookies
- 2 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup of uncooked quick oats
- 1/4 cup crushed walnuts
How to Make Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a non-stick cookie sheet with cooking spray or use a Silpat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and oats until well mixed. Then fold in the crushed walnuts gently.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and place them onto the prepared cookie sheet. Leave some space between each cookie.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Once done, let them cool before enjoying! This recipe yields about 16 delicious cookies.
Enjoy your baking adventure with these Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies!
How to Serve Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, they can be paired with different accompaniments to enhance their flavor.
With Nut Butter
- Almond butter – Spread almond butter on top for added protein and creaminess.
- Peanut butter – A classic choice that pairs well with the sweetness of bananas.
As a Breakfast Treat
- With Greek yogurt – Serve alongside Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast rich in protein.
- Fruit topping – Add fresh fruits like sliced strawberries or blueberries to create a colorful and nutritious plate.
For Dessert
- Chocolate drizzle – Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cookies for an indulgent touch.
- Ice cream sandwich – Use two cookies to make an ice cream sandwich for a delightful treat.
How to Perfect Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Use overripe bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister your cookies will be.
- Don’t skip the walnuts – Adding walnuts not only enhances flavor but also adds healthy fats and crunch.
- Even cookie sizes – Use a tablespoon to ensure all cookies bake evenly and have uniform texture.
- Cool completely before serving – Let them cool down; this allows the flavors to meld and improves texture.
Best Side Dishes for Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Pairing your Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Fresh fruit salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and complements the sweetness of the cookies.
- Nutty granola – Crunchy granola provides extra texture and pairs nicely with coffee or tea.
- Smoothie bowl – A vibrant smoothie bowl can serve as a refreshing contrast to the chewy cookies.
- Cottage cheese – High in protein, cottage cheese can balance out the carbohydrates from the cookies.
- Chia seed pudding – This creamy dessert is packed with nutrients and complements the cookie’s flavors well.
- Herbal tea – A warm herbal tea blends perfectly for a comforting snack time experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies, it’s easy to slip into some common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas lack the natural sweetness and moisture needed for the best cookies. Always choose medium ripe bananas for optimal flavor.
- Not measuring oats properly: Too much or too little oatmeal can affect the cookie’s texture. Use a standard measuring cup to ensure accuracy.
- Skipping the walnuts: While optional, omitting walnuts will reduce the crunch factor. Consider adding them for added texture and flavor.
- Overbaking the cookies: Baking for too long can lead to dry cookies. Keep an eye on them and follow the 15-minute guideline closely.
- Ignoring cooling time: Cookies may seem soft right out of the oven but will firm up as they cool. Allow them to rest before serving or storing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep cookies at room temperature if you plan to eat them soon after baking.
Freezing Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour.
- Transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to 3 months.
Reheating Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat a cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, covering it until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies:
Can I make Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure these cookies are gluten-free without compromising taste.
How can I customize my Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies?
Feel free to add ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
Are Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies suitable for kids?
Absolutely! These cookies are nutritious and make a great snack option for kids, packed with healthy ingredients.
What should I do if my dough is too wet?
If the mixture feels too wet, add a small amount of oats until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are not only simple but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite add-ins, making them perfect as a breakfast treat or a wholesome snack. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy deliciously healthy cookies that everyone will love!
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the goodness of Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies, a simple yet delicious treat that’s perfect for any time of the day! With just three wholesome ingredients—ripe bananas, oats, and walnuts—these cookies are quick to prepare and offer a satisfying chewy texture. Enjoy them as a nutritious breakfast option, a post-workout snack, or a sweet afternoon delight. Not only are they packed with fiber and healthy fats, but they can also be customized with your favorite mix-ins for added flavor. Kids will love their natural sweetness, making them an ideal choice for lunchboxes or after-school snacks. Dive into this guilt-free indulgence today!
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup uncooked quick oats
- 1/4 cup crushed walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a non-stick cookie sheet.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and oats until well mixed.
- Gently fold in the crushed walnuts.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximately 28g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
