There is nothing quite like a batch of freshly baked cookies to brighten your day, and this Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips Recipe is an absolute game changer. Combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with hearty oats and little bursts of semi-sweet chocolate chips, these cookies offer a perfect balance of wholesome nutrition and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re craving a cozy snack or a guilt-free dessert, this recipe delivers every time with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that are so easy to follow. Get ready to fall in love with a treat that feels like fun and comfort, but with none of the heaviness of traditional cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, each chosen to keep the cookies healthy but still incredibly tasty. From the naturally sweet bananas and fiber-packed oats to the rich flavor of chocolate chips, every item in this list plays a crucial role in making these cookies delightful in texture, taste, and color.
- 3 Ripe bananas: The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind all the ingredients together for that perfect chewy texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor that enhances the sweetness of the bananas.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and brightens the overall flavors in the cookies.
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats: Provide hearty texture and a wholesome base full of fiber.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Bring little bursts of indulgence without overwhelming the natural flavors.
How to Make Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick spray to ensure your cookies come out perfectly and don’t stick. This small prep step saves you cleanup time and keeps your cookies intact.
Step 2: Mash and Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and creamy. Then add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together until combined—it’s important to have a smooth mix so your cookies bake evenly.
Step 3: Incorporate the Oats and Chocolate Chips
Now, fold in the old-fashioned oats and chocolate chips into the banana mixture. These ingredients give the cookies their signature texture—chewy oats and melted chocolate pieces that make each bite a joy.
Step 4: Portion the Cookies onto the Baking Pan
Using a cookie scoop or a regular spoon, drop 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cookie batter onto your prepared pan. Aim for 12 to 15 cookies. Spacing is key here to allow room for them to spread slightly during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes. Watch closely for the edges to turn a light golden color—this signals that your cookies are perfectly baked and ready to be taken out.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool in the baking pan for 5 to 6 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack or plate. Enjoying them warm allows the chocolate chips to be melty and heavenly, but they taste great once cooled too!
How to Serve Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie right after baking. The salt will heighten the sweetness and give a professional touch that makes these cookies even more addictive.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of milk or a creamy dairy-free alternative. For a cozy breakfast twist, serve them alongside your morning yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced, energized start.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a decorative jar or tin when gifting. You can also create mini cookie sandwiches with a smear of almond butter or peanut butter for a delightful snack upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them covered to maintain their soft and chewy texture; refrigerated cookies might become harder but can be refreshed by warming them slightly.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious cookies around longer, freezing is your friend. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag with layers separated by parchment paper. They will keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or gently heat them in an oven at a low temperature. This brings back that freshly-baked softness and revives the melty chocolate chips, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use mashed sweet potato instead of bananas?
While sweet potatoes add moisture and sweetness, bananas provide a distinct flavor and binding power essential to this recipe. You can try sweet potato, but the texture and taste will vary quite a bit from the traditional Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips Recipe.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free oats, then yes! This recipe can easily be gluten-free, making it perfect for friends and family avoiding gluten without sacrificing any deliciousness.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips for nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or raisins work brilliantly if you want to change it up. Just keep the quantity about the same to maintain the cookie’s balance of texture and flavor.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For the best flavor and sweetness, use bananas that are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. They mash easily and add natural sweetness, reducing the need for extra sugar.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make them vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. This way, you still enjoy the full deliciousness of the Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips Recipe is one of those wonderful finds that feels comforting yet guilt-free. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy day but special enough to impress anyone you share them with. The balance of sweet bananas, wholesome oats, and melty chocolate makes these cookies a delicious way to brighten your snack time or dessert table. Give this recipe a go, and you’ll soon see why it quickly becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen!
Print
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 15 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Healthy Oatmeal Cookies are a simple, wholesome treat made with ripe bananas, oats, and chocolate chips. Naturally sweetened with bananas and lightly spiced with vanilla, they offer a moist, chewy texture without the need for refined sugar, making them a guilt-free snack or dessert option.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 Ripe bananas (about 1 ¼ cup once mashed)
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well to combine all wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Oats and Chocolate Chips: Add the old-fashioned oats and semi-sweet chocolate chips to the wet mixture. Stir gently to achieve an even distribution of ingredients.
- Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or regular spoon, scoop 2-3 tablespoons of the cookie batter onto the prepared baking pan, spacing them evenly to make about 12-15 cookies.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn a light golden color, indicating they are done.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for 5-6 minutes so they set properly, then transfer to a wire rack or plate to finish cooling before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or raisins for variation.
- For a nuttier flavor, add ½ cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- To keep cookies soft, place a slice of bread in the container with them.
