Name: Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour ([measured accurately](https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/how-to-measure-flour-correctly/)); 1 tsp baking soda; 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon; 0.25 tsp ground cloves; 0.5 tsp salt; 2 tsp cornstarch; 0.75 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 0.5 cup sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup mashed over ripe bananas ((2-3 bananas)); 3 cups quick 1-minute oats

Introduction to Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Why You'll Love Banana Oatmeal Cookies

If you're on the hunt for a delightful treat that balances indulgence with wholesome ingredients, look no further than banana oatmeal cookies. These cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy goodness and rich banana flavor, making them an instant favorite for snack time, dessert, or even breakfast on the go.

Imagine biting into one of these cookies—it's like a cozy hug on a plate! Packed with overripe bananas and hearty oats, they offer natural sweetness without the need for excessive sugar. This means you can enjoy them guilt-free while savoring that unmistakable banana essence. Plus, with each cookie containing just 119 calories, you won't feel bad about reaching for a second!

Making these cookies is not just simple but also utterly satisfying. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, and the preparation takes only about 20 minutes. A brief chill in the refrigerator enhances the flavors, making the final product even more delicious. Curious about the process? Dive into the full recipe below! Don't forget to check out expert tips on baking techniques and ingredient substitutions, such as the ideal kind of oats to use for an unbeatable texture.

Your kitchen is about to smell like pure bliss!

Ingredients for Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Essential ingredients for perfect cookies

Creating the best banana oatmeal cookies starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you need:

All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The foundation for structure, it helps your cookies hold their shape while remaining tender.
Baking soda (1 tsp): This leavening agent gives your cookies that perfect lift and chewiness.
Ground cinnamon (1 ½ tsp) and ground cloves (¼ tsp): These spices infuse warm, cozy flavors that complement the bananas beautifully.
Salt (½ tsp): Just a pinch enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
Cornstarch (2 tsp): Helps to achieve that soft and chewy texture.
Unsalted butter (¾ cup, melted): Adds richness and moisture, making each bite divine.
Brown sugar (1 cup) and granulated sugar (½ cup): The two sugars together create depth, moisture, and a caramel-like taste.
A large egg: Binds all the ingredients, contributing to the chewy consistency.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Boosts flavor and makes the cookies irresistible.
Mashed overripe bananas (1 cup): The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness and a fantastic banana flavor.
Quick oats (3 cups): These contribute to the chewy, hearty texture we crave in banana oatmeal cookies.

Gathering these ingredients will ensure you bake cookies that are not just tasty but also incredibly satisfying! For tips on measuring flour accurately, check out this helpful guide. Happy baking!

Preparing Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Making delicious banana oatmeal cookies can be both fun and rewarding. Follow these simple steps to create a batch of cookies that are moist, chewy, and bursting with banana flavor. Let’s hop right into it!

Gather and measure your ingredients

Before anything, make sure you have all your ingredients on hand and ready to go. This will save you time and prevent any cooking mishaps. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon cornstarch
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
3 cups quick oats

Measuring accurately is crucial; it affects the texture of your cookies. If you want tips on how to measure flour correctly, check out this helpful guide.

Prepare the dry ingredients blend

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and cornstarch. Whisk these together until they’re well blended, as this step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter. Once mixed, set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Mix the moist ingredients thoroughly

In a larger bowl, pour in the melted butter and both sugars (brown and granulated). Whisk them together until smooth. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract. Again, whisk until everything is combined. Finally, stir in the mashed bananas—this step guarantees that that delightful banana flavor shines through in every bite.

Combine the dry and wet ingredients

It’s time to unite the two mixtures! Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and fold them together gently, ensuring not to overmix. Once just combined, fold in the oats. This creates a thick, hearty dough that is packed with flavor and texture!

Shape the cookie dough balls

Using a tablespoon, scoop out the mixture to form cookie dough balls about 1 ½ tablespoons in size. Here’s a pro tip: If you refrigerate the dough for at least 2-3 hours or overnight, the flavors deepen beautifully, making for even tastier banana oatmeal cookies.

Baking temperature and time

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with silicone baking mats or parchment paper for easy cleanup. There’s no need to let the cookie dough come back to room temperature; you can bake them straight from the fridge. Bake for about 10 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the tops look lightly golden.

Cooling and storing your cookies

After you pull the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Use a spatula to transfer them to a cooling rack. For storage, place cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together. These cookies taste best within 4-5 days, though they may not last that long!

Now you’re all set to enjoy your delightful banana oatmeal cookies! Happy baking!

Variations on Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Chocolate Chip Banana Oatmeal Cookies

If you’re a chocolate lover, these chocolate chip banana oatmeal cookies are a must-try! Simply fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough before baking for a delectable twist. The richness of the chocolate pairs perfectly with the banana flavor, creating a cookie that's irresistibly satisfying.

Nutty Banana Oatmeal Cookies

For those who crave a bit of crunch, consider making nutty banana oatmeal cookies. Incorporate 1 cup of your favorite nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor. This variation not only enhances the nutritional profile but also brings a delightful contrast to the soft and chewy cookies.

Feel inspired? Explore more variations and unleash your creativity in the kitchen!

Baking notes for Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Tips for achieving a chewy texture

To ensure your banana oatmeal cookies turn out perfectly chewy, the secret lies in the mash! Use overripe bananas, as they add not only sweetness but moisture, contributing to that delightful chewiness. Also, avoid overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients—this helps maintain a tender texture. Opt for quick oats for a softer bite compared to old-fashioned oats. A quick chill in the fridge before baking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to prevent sticking on parchment paper

Don’t you hate when cookies stick to the parchment paper? To prevent this with your banana oatmeal cookies, lightly grease your parchment or opt for a silicone baking mat. After baking, let the cookies rest for a few minutes; this helps them set. When transferring, a gentle twist on the paper can loosen them up, making it easier to lift them off without damaging those lovely golden edges. The right technique can save a cookie disaster!

Serving suggestions for Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Pairing with coffee or tea

Imagine enjoying your banana oatmeal cookies alongside a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or a steaming mug of tea. The warm flavors of cinnamon and banana in the cookies harmonize beautifully with the rich, slightly bitter notes of coffee or the soothing aroma of herbal tea. For an extra treat, try pairing them with a frothy latte or chai. Your afternoon break will never be the same!

Perfect for lunch boxes or snacks

These delightful cookies make a fantastic addition to lunch boxes or as on-the-go snacks. Packed with wholesome oats and natural sweetness from ripe bananas, they provide a satisfying energy boost. You can also consider adding some nut butter or yogurt for an extra protein kick. Don’t forget to pack them in a cute container for a little lunchtime cheer—because who doesn’t love a sweet surprise?

Tips for Making the Best Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Use ripe bananas for maximum flavor

Selecting the right bananas is key to achieving mouthwatering banana oatmeal cookies. Opt for overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots; they’re not just sweeter, but their flavor intensifies, delivering a deliciously rich base for your cookies. The natural sugars in ripe bananas caramelize beautifully during baking, making every bite a sweet treat!

Chill the dough for enhanced taste

While you can bake your cookie dough right away, I highly recommend chilling it for at least 2 hours. This simple step allows the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies. Plus, chilling helps prevent spreading, ensuring a perfect texture. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Time Details for Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Preparation Time

The preparation for these delightful banana oatmeal cookies takes about 20 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients, mixing the dough, and rolling it into balls.

Baking Time

Once your dough is ready, the baking time is a quick 10 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them as they turn golden brown!

Total Time

In total, you're looking at 2 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. This allows for a 2-hour chill period for the dough, helping the flavors meld and enhancing the cookie texture. Enjoy the anticipation before baking these delicious treats!

For more on cookie preparation and baking tips, check out this informative guide.

Nutritional Information for Banana Oatmeal Cookies

When it comes to Banana Oatmeal Cookies, knowing the nutritional breakdown can help you enjoy these treats mindfully!

Calories Per Cookie

Each delectable cookie contains approximately 119 calories, making them a guilt-free snack option you can indulge in throughout the week.

Sugar Content

These cookies include 8.3 grams of sugar, striking a nice balance between sweetness and wholesome flavor, thanks to the natural sugars in ripe bananas.

Protein Content

With 1.8 grams of protein per cookie, they provide a little boost to keep your energy up, especially when paired with your morning coffee or as an afternoon treat.

Feel free to embrace these cookies as part of your balanced diet. For more tips on healthy snacking, check out Healthline’s guide to healthy desserts.

FAQs about Banana Oatmeal Cookies

How can I make my cookies even more moist?

If you want to enhance the moistness of your banana oatmeal cookies, consider adding a touch more banana or a splash of milk to the dough. You can also use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, as it adds extra moisture due to its molasses content. Lastly, be careful not to overbake; take them out when they’re just golden around the edges for that perfect chewy texture.

Can I freeze banana oatmeal cookies?

Absolutely! Freezing banana oatmeal cookies is a fantastic way to enjoy them later. After they cool, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid. Then transfer them into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds when you're ready to indulge!

What if I don't have all the ingredients on hand?

No worries! Baking is full of opportunities for creativity. If you're missing quick oats, feel free to swap in rolled oats or even granola, which can add a nice crunch. For flour alternatives, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free flour. In a pinch, applesauce can replace the egg, resulting in moist cookies. Experimentation is key; you might discover a new favorite version of these delightful banana oatmeal cookies!

Conclusion on Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Final thoughts on homemade goodness

These delightful banana oatmeal cookies are more than just a treat; they embody the comfort and joy of homemade baking. With their moist and chewy texture, they make for perfect companions with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Don’t hesitate—whip up a batch today, and enjoy the burst of banana flavor in every bite! Your taste buds will thank you. For additional tips on storage and variations, check out this source for tasty ideas.