Healthy Banana Oat Cookies

Instructions for Healthy Banana Oat Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Mash the Bananas:

In a large mixing bowl, peel the bananas and mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be, so don’t be afraid to use very ripe bananas.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

To the mashed bananas, add the nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Add Dry Ingredients:

Next, add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture. Stir everything until the oats are fully coated and everything is evenly combined. At this point, if you’re adding chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts, mix them in.

5. Shape the Cookies:

Scoop out a tablespoon of the cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, and lightly press down on them with a spoon to form cookie shapes. These cookies don’t spread much, so shape them before baking.

6. Bake:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the edges. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft when they first come out of the oven.

7. Cool and Enjoy:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm, or store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Tips for Perfect Healthy Banana Oat Cookies

• Ripe Bananas: The key to naturally sweetening these cookies is using very ripe bananas. The riper they are, the more natural sugar they contain, making your cookies perfectly sweet without any added sugars.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cookie, feel free to increase the amount of honey or maple syrup. However, the ripe bananas should provide plenty of sweetness on their own.
• Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, simply use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your nut butter is dairy-free.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free oats if you need the cookies to be gluten-free. Double-check that the nut butter you’re using is also gluten-free.
• Add-Ins: This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different add-ins like coconut flakes, dried fruit, or even a dash of nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor kick.

Why You Should Make Healthy Banana Oat Cookies

• Nutrient-Rich Snack: These cookies are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein from oats, bananas, and nut butter, making them a satisfying snack to curb cravings and keep you feeling full.
• Great for Meal Prep: They make an excellent make-ahead snack for busy days. Prepare a batch over the weekend, and you’ll have a healthy snack ready for the week.
• Kid-Friendly: These cookies are a hit with kids, thanks to their natural sweetness and fun texture. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some healthy ingredients like oats and bananas!
• No-Bake Option: If you prefer not to use the oven, you can chill the cookie dough in the fridge for 30 minutes and then roll it into balls and enjoy them as no-bake bites.

Final Thoughts

Healthy Banana Oat Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet snack without the guilt. With the wholesome goodness of oats and bananas, these cookies offer a deliciously satisfying way to curb your cravings while keeping your nutrition on track. Whether you make them for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a healthy dessert, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try them today and treat yourself to a guilt-free indulgence!