Name: Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; ¼ cup almond butter (unsweetened and creamy); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)

Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are truly a game changer for snack time-or any time! These cookies are soft, naturally sweetened, and packed with chewy oats, ripe bananas, and warm cinnamon. They're the ultimate guilt-free treat, made without refined sugar or butter, but bursting with wholesome flavor.

Super simple to make, you only need one bowl and a handful of pantry staples to whip up this nourishing goodie. They're perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast, after-school snack, or a light dessert that won't weigh you down.

Inspired by my mom's "clean out the pantry" bakes, these cookies are my go-to for satisfying a sweet tooth and fueling my day-deliciously!

Chewy, golden healthy banana oatmeal cookies on a plate

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas-no refined sugar needed!
Perfect for meal prep, snack boxes, or a quick breakfast on the run
Made in one bowl for fast, minimal cleanup
Soft, chewy texture that everyone (including kids!) loves
Customizable with your favorite healthy mix-ins

Key Ingredients for Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ripe Bananas

Bananas are the real stars of this recipe, adding natural sweetness, moisture, and a boost of potassium. For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots on their peels-they mash easily and make the cookies extra sweet. If you only have slightly ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by baking them (in their skins!) for a few minutes at 300°F.

Rolled Oats

Oats give these cookies their signature chewy bite and lasting energy. Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for texture, but quick oats can work in a pinch-just know your cookies will turn out softer. If you need a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats.

Almond Butter

Almond butter brings healthy fats, richness, and a little protein to every bite. Choose unsweetened and creamy almond butter to keep the cookies moist without overpowering the banana flavor. No almond butter on hand? Peanut butter or sunflower seed butter both work well and add their own unique taste!

Ground Cinnamon

A dash of cinnamon adds cozy, warming notes that tie the oats and banana together beautifully. You can add more or less to taste, or even try pumpkin pie spice in the fall for a fun twist.

Mini Chocolate Chips or Nuts (Optional)

Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor. Use dark chocolate for a healthier treat, or dried cranberries for a burst of tartness. (Leave them out for a nut-free, chocolate-free snack.)

Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies cooking process

Instructions for Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Preheat & Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup even easier.

Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine-they add nice texture!

Stir Everything Together

Add the almond butter and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until completely combined. Next, add rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Mix everything together until just combined. If you'd like, fold in the optional chocolate chips or nuts.

Scoop and Shape

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon-the cookies won't spread much as they bake.

Bake and Cool

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegan

These cookies are already naturally vegan-but if you want to swap the chocolate chips, be sure they're dairy-free. You can also use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free, allergen-friendly version.

Gluten-Free Swap

Easily make these cookies gluten-free by choosing certified gluten-free rolled oats. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Add More Protein

Boost the protein by adding one scoop (about ¼ cup) of your favorite vanilla protein powder. You might need to add an extra tablespoon of almond butter if the mix is too dry.

Fruity Boost

Fold in dried blueberries, raisins, or chopped dried dates for a natural, fruity twist. You can also add some grated apple or carrot for even more goodness and moistness.

Spice It Up

Try stirring in a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal variation. These warm spices bring a whole new level of cozy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with a glass of cold almond milk or a cup of coffee for a satisfying snack. For a breakfast boost, enjoy them with Greek yogurt and some fresh berries. Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt or cinnamon on top just before serving for a gourmet touch!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that just-baked taste. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 2 months-just thaw overnight in the refrigerator or pop into the toaster oven to refresh.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies (FAQ)

Q: Can I make these cookies without nut butter?

A: Absolutely! Use sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version, or try Greek yogurt for a protein-rich twist.

Q: How ripe should my bananas be?

A: The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots-they're sweeter and mash more easily for the perfect cookie texture.

Q: Are these cookies suitable for kids?

A: Yes, these cookies are kid-approved, naturally sweetened, and make a healthy afternoon snack or lunchbox treat!

Thanks for baking with me! Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect feel-good treat for any time of day-quick to whip up, super satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Give them a try and let me know how you like them by leaving a comment or rating below. Happy baking!

★★★★★ 4.70 from 127 ratings