Banana Nut and Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. They combine the natural sweetness of bananas with the crunch of nuts and the chewiness of oats. These cookies are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Plus, they are easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients. If you are looking for a healthier cookie option, this recipe is for you.
Why make this recipe
Making Banana Nut and Oatmeal Cookies is a great choice for many reasons. First, these cookies are packed with nutrients. The oats provide fiber to help you feel full longer. Bananas add natural sweetness and offer potassium. Nuts add healthy fats and protein, making these cookies more satisfying than traditional ones.
This recipe is also simple to customize. You can add your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips or dried fruits. It is a fantastic way to use ripe bananas. Instead of wasting them, turning them into cookies is a delicious solution.
Finally, these cookies are often made with healthier ingredients. You can use organic peanut butter, which contains no added sugars. This means you can enjoy a tasty treat without the guilt. Baking these cookies at home is a lovely way to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked goods.
How to make Banana Nut and Oatmeal Cookies
Making Banana Nut and Oatmeal Cookies is a straightforward process. Gather your ingredients and follow these easy steps to create delicious cookies that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats (180 grams)
- 1/2 cup organic, no sugar added peanut butter (125 grams)
- 3 average-sized bananas, mashed (about 300 grams)
- 1/3 cup sugar-free or vegan chocolate chips (60 grams)
- 1/3 cup chopped nuts (50 grams)
- Optional: grated coconut, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, raisins
Directions:
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). This step is essential as it will ensure your cookies bake evenly.
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Prepare Your Cookie Sheets: Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent your cookies from sticking to the sheets and make clean-up easier.
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Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, organic peanut butter, and mashed bananas. Use a spoon or spatula to blend these ingredients well until they are combined into a thick mixture.
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Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the sugar-free chocolate chips and chopped nuts. If you are using optional ingredients like grated coconut, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, or raisins, mix them in as well.
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Shape the Cookies: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to scoop out portions of the dough. Place them on the prepared cookie sheets. Press each cookie down slightly so they spread evenly and shape them as desired.
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Bake: Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12 to 14 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.
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Cool: Once done baking, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
How to serve Banana Nut and Oatmeal Cookies
Banana Nut and Oatmeal Cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. They taste delicious warm right out of the oven or at room temperature. You can serve them with milk or your favorite non-dairy milk for a comforting snack. They also pair nicely with coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for afternoon treats.
If you are hosting a gathering, stack the cookies on a plate and serve them as a delightful dessert option. You can even wrap them individually in cellophane for a fun gift idea. These cookies are great for lunchboxes, too. They make a nutritious addition to your or your child’s lunch.
How to store Banana Nut and Oatmeal Cookies
To store Banana Nut and Oatmeal Cookies, let them cool completely. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. They can last at room temperature for about 3 to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them. They will stay fresh in the fridge for about a week.
For even longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Divide them into batches and place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Squeeze out excess air and seal the bag. Frozen cookies can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.
Tips to make Banana Nut and Oatmeal Cookies
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Banana Nut and Oatmeal Cookies turn out perfectly:
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Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor.
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Mixing: Make sure to mix the ingredients well, but do not overmix the dough. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
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Experiment with Nuts: Try different types of nuts such as walnuts or pecans to change the flavor profile.
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Add Spices: You can enhance the flavor of your cookies by adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract.
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Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different. Start checking your cookies at the 12-minute mark to prevent over-baking.
Variation (if any)
There are several variations of Banana Nut and Oatmeal Cookies you can try. Here are a few ideas:
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Vegan Option: This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but you can swap the peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolled oats to make this a gluten-free recipe.
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Dried Fruits: Add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a chewy texture and extra flavor.
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Chocolate Lovers: If you love chocolate, use dark chocolate chips instead of sugar-free options for a rich taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other nut butters?
A: Absolutely! You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you prefer.
Q: Are these cookies healthy?
A: Yes, they are a healthier option compared to traditional cookies. They are made with wholesome ingredients like oats and bananas.
Q: How can I make these cookies sweeter?
A: If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can add a little honey or maple syrup to the dough.
Q: Can I bake these cookies without nuts?
A: Yes, you can leave out the nuts completely if you prefer or have nut allergies.
Q: Is it necessary to cool the cookies before storing them?
A: Yes, letting them cool completely helps maintain their texture and prevents condensation which can make them soggy.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, assuming 12 cookies):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Fat: 5g
Total Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies