If you’re searching for a wholesome and irresistibly simple treat, this 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Combining naturally sweet, ripe bananas with hearty oats and a touch of chocolate chips, these cookies are both nourishing and delicious. Whether you’re after a guilt-free snack or a quick dessert, this recipe makes baking effortless and fun, delivering soft, chewy cookies that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only three simple ingredients come together to create these delightful cookies, each one playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and sweetness. The beauty of this recipe is how these basics combine to make something so satisfying without any fuss.
- Ripe Bananas: The star of the show, mashed bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, binding the cookie dough perfectly.
- Rolled Oats: Adding a chewy texture and wholesome goodness, the oats make sure these cookies stay filling and delicious.
- Chocolate Chips: A hint of indulgence that melts into the cookies, offering that irresistible burst of chocolate in every bite.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mash the Bananas
Start by peeling and mashing your ripe bananas in a large bowl until they’re smooth with just a few small lumps left. The bananas provide the natural sweetness and act as a binder to bring all the ingredients together, making a cookie dough that’s easy to work with.
Step 2: Mix All Ingredients
Next, add the rolled oats and chocolate chips to the mashed bananas. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until the oats and chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the sticky dough. This simple mixing step blends the flavors and textures beautifully without any extra hassle.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Now it’s time for the fun part! Use your hands to scoop out portions of the dough and shape them into round, flat discs. Place each cookie evenly spaced on a cookie sheet. These cookies don’t spread too much in the oven, so you can position them pretty close together.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies at 350°F for about 12 to 14 minutes. They’ll still be slightly soft when you take them out, but don’t worry, they firm up as they cool — that melt-in-your-mouth consistency is what makes this 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe so delightful.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for a quick minute, then transfer them to a wire rack for cooling. This step helps them set completely and keeps the bottoms from becoming soggy. Once cooled, grab your favorite cookie and enjoy a bite of wholesome happiness!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are delicious on their own, but adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of natural nut butter on top can enhance the flavors. A few chopped nuts or coconut flakes make for a lovely texture contrast and a pretty presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your banana oatmeal cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot tea, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side. These pairings complement the soft sweetness and offer a balanced snack or simple dessert option.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting touch, serve these cookies stacked on a rustic plate alongside fresh fruit slices or scatter extra chocolate chips around the platter. You can also sandwich a bit of peanut butter or cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a fun twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to three days, making it easy to grab a quick bite whenever you need a wholesome pick-me-up.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month, perfect for a ready-made snack anytime.
Reheating
To bring your frozen cookies back to life, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds. This gently restores their soft texture without drying them out, so you can enjoy them just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they may result in a slightly different texture — less chewy and more crumbly — so rolled oats are ideal for that perfect cookie bite.
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
If chocolate chips aren’t on hand, feel free to swap in raisins, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries to add a different dimension of flavor to your cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly, using only bananas, oats, and chocolate chips—just be sure to select vegan chocolate chips to keep it plant-based.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots—they mash easily and provide the perfect natural sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is a delightful example of how simplicity can lead to scrumptious results. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that feels both homey and healthy. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll have a batch of warm, chewy cookies that make snack time feel special every single time!
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3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a quick, wholesome, and naturally sweet treat perfect for a healthy snack. Made with just ripe bananas, rolled oats, and chocolate chips, they are easy to prepare and gluten-free. The cookies are soft and chewy, providing a delicious combination of flavors and textures without any added sugars or flours.
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 and 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth with minimal lumps.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the rolled oats and chocolate chips to the mashed bananas. Stir all ingredients together until they are well combined into a sticky dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using your hands, form the cookie dough into round discs approximately 2 inches in diameter. Place each shaped cookie onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them evenly to allow baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes until they are set but still slightly soft in the center. They will firm up more as they cool.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for one minute before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Let them cool completely before enjoying this healthy treat.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for natural sweetness and better binding.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with raisins, nuts, or seeds for variety.
- For a crunchier cookie, bake a couple of extra minutes but watch closely to avoid over-baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
